- Ongoing Government Shutdown Enters Second Week: The federal government shutdown, triggered by partisan disputes over funding, has now stretched into its 11th day with no resolution in sight. House Republicans have canceled sessions until October 14, delaying potential votes, while Senate leaders report a stalemate. Impacts include furloughs for non-essential workers, delayed military paychecks, and staffing shortages at agencies like the FAA and TSA, leading to flight delays. Public polling shows divided blame, with 39% attributing responsibility to President Trump and Republicans.
- Deadly Explosives Plant Blast in Tennessee: A massive explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant in Centerville on October 10 killed 16 people and injured others, with the blast felt miles away. No survivors were found among the victims, and investigations are ongoing into safety protocols at the facility.
- Mass Shooting at South Carolina Bar: Four people were killed and at least 20 injured in a shooting at Willie's Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island early on October 12. Authorities are investigating motives, amid rising concerns over gun violence in rural areas.
- Trump Administration Issues Mass Federal Layoffs: The Office of Management and Budget has begun sending "substantial" reduction-in-force notices to over 1,000 HHS employees, including at the CDC, as part of broader cost-cutting tied to the shutdown. Critics call it a politically motivated purge, while supporters argue it's necessary fiscal reform. This exacerbates shutdown chaos, with no end to negotiations over Obamacare subsidies and Medicaid cuts.
- Partisan Blame Game Intensifies Over Shutdown: Senate Majority Leader John Thune described talks as a "stalemate," rejecting Democratic demands to reverse Trump-era Medicaid changes. House Speaker Mike Johnson refuses a standalone military pay bill, insisting the GOP's stopgap measure suffices. Polls indicate growing public frustration, with financial anxiety rising among federal workers.
- Supreme Court Considers Weakening Voting Rights Act: The conservative majority is poised to further erode the landmark 1965 law in an upcoming case, potentially limiting protections for minority voters. This aligns with broader Trump administration efforts to reshape federal elections.
- Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect After Hostage Release: Hamas released the last surviving Israeli hostages held since October 7, 2023, prompting Israel to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. President Trump hailed the deal in a speech to Israel's parliament, calling for Prime Minister Netanyahu's pardon on related charges. Indirect talks in Egypt continue, with the UN emphasizing Gaza's health system rebuild for lasting peace.
- Venezuelan Opposition Leader Wins Nobel Peace Prize: MarÃa Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against authoritarianism, dedicating it to Venezuelans and unexpectedly mentioning President Trump. The honor highlights ongoing democratic struggles in Latin America.
- Russia Targets Ukraine's Power Grid Amid Escalation: Moscow launched strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, prompting U.S. concerns over long-range weapons. This follows "extreme concern" expressed by Russian officials over potential escalations.
- U.S. News Releases 2026 College Rankings Amid Sector Turmoil: Despite funding cuts, White House pressures, and enrollment declines, the rankings show minimal shifts, with top schools like Princeton holding steady. Critics question the methodology's relevance in a "tumultuous" year for higher ed.
- Foreign Talent Shortages Hit U.S. Campuses: Higher education leaders warn of critical staffing gaps in skilled roles, exacerbated by immigration restrictions and the shutdown's impact on visa processing.
- Global Higher Ed in 'Great Flux': Elite Asian universities stagnate while U.S. institutions decline in new rankings, per Times Higher Education. Events like the Hoboken Summit (October 13-14) focus on transforming disruptions into opportunities.
- Q2 GDP Growth at 3.8%, But Shutdown Clouds Outlook: Real GDP rose 3.8% annually in April-June, with personal income up across all states. However, forecasts predict slower 2025 growth due to tariffs, reduced migration, and shutdown disruptions, potentially tipping into recession by late 2026.
- Tariffs Weigh on Growth and Inflation: Higher U.S. tariffs are expected to curb GDP in H2 2025 and H1 2026, raising consumer prices and hurting exports. Fiscal offsets may help modestly, but net manufacturing gains remain limited.
- EU Inflation Ticks Up to 2.2%: Consumer prices rose faster in September, the highest since April, amid global trade tensions including new U.S. port fees on Chinese ships starting October 14.
- SpaceX Starship Test Flight Success: The mega rocket launched successfully from Starbase, Texas, on October 13, marking a milestone for SpaceX's Mars ambitions. The flight highlighted advances in reusable tech amid intensifying space race.
- Apple October Event Rumors: M5 MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, AirTag 2: Leaks suggest announcements via press releases this week, including a 14-inch M5-powered MacBook Pro and updated iPad Pro. No full event confirmed, but pre-orders could start soon.
- Meta's $1.5B Talent Poach in AI Race: Meta recruited Thinking Machines Lab co-founder Andrew Tulloch in a massive deal, aiming to catch rivals like OpenAI. This reflects escalating talent wars in generative AI, projected to hit $14.2B in healthcare by 2034.
- RFK Jr.'s MAHA Agenda Targets Animal Testing: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. integrates phasing out animal testing into the "Make America Healthy Again" plan, sparking debate on ethics and innovation.
- New Fat-Burning Mechanism Discovered: Scientists identified a hidden system in fat tissue that burns calories for warmth without exercise, potentially revolutionizing obesity treatments.
- CDC Shifts on Vaccines Amid Controversy: The agency endorses panel recommendations to soften policies, including assessing childhood vaccine ingredients like aluminum and splitting MMR into monovalent shots. This follows RFK Jr.'s influence, raising safety concerns.
- India Nears Series Win Over West Indies in Cricket: In the 2nd Test, India needs just 58 runs to victory after declaring at 518/5, leading by 63/1. The match at Delhi highlights rising tensions in the series.
- Purdue Tops AP Preseason College Football Poll: For the first time, Purdue leads ahead of Houston and Florida, setting the stage for a competitive 2025 season. Indiana climbs to No. 3, with Texas rejoining the rankings.
- Cape Verde Qualifies for World Cup as Tiny Underdog: The archipelago nation becomes the second-smallest country in tournament history, beating expectations in qualifiers and inspiring global soccer narratives.
MIT's President Rejects Trump "Compact" to Abandon Academic Freedom https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/13/mits-president-rejects-trump-compact-to-abandon-academic-freedom/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration proposed a compact requiring universities to adopt specific priorities in exchange for federal funding.
- MIT’s President, Dr. Sally Kornbluth, rejected the compact, citing its inconsistency with MIT’s values and independence.
- MIT prioritizes merit-based admissions, need-blind policies, and academic freedom, opposing restrictions on free expression.
- Dr. Kornbluth stated that scientific funding should remain based on scientific merit alone, emphasizing the importance of independent thought and open competition.
John Thompson Reviews Hanna Rosin's Report on the Education Mess in Oklahoma: Part 1 https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/13/john-thompson-reviews-hanna-rosins-report-on-the-education-mess-in-oklahoma-part-1/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Hanna Rosin's podcast examines the cultural and political pressures on public schools, focusing on Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters.
- Walters has introduced controversial measures, such as a teacher ideology test, curriculum changes emphasizing Christianity, and questioning the 2020 election results.
- Walters' past as a progressive, award-winning teacher contrasts sharply with his current conservative stance and policies.
- In 2022, Walters gained attention for supporting a ban on Critical Race Theory and targeting a teacher who provided access to banned books.
- Walters has intensified his campaign against teachers' unions, labeling them as a "terrorist organization," and has promoted religious education in schools.
- Controversies include his push for Bible teachings in public schools, association with a Trump-endorsed Bible, and legal challenges to his initiatives, along with personal scandals.
John Thompson on Hanna Rosin's Podcasts about Oklahoma Education, Part II https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/13/john-thompson-on-hanna-rosins-podcasts-about-oklahoma-education-part-ii/ via @dianeravitch
- Ryan Walters, former Oklahoma State Superintendent, faced criticism for his controversial actions, including an ideological test for teachers and mandating a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk.
- Walters announced plans to introduce Turning Point USA chapters in Oklahoma high schools and criticized teachers' unions as a negative force.
- His new curriculum, paused by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, included references to Christianity and controversial topics like the 2020 election and COVID-19 origins.
- Walters faced backlash for his attacks on "radical gender ideology" and his controversial statements during board meetings.
- Teachers like Summer Boismier faced professional consequences for including diverse books in their classrooms, reflecting the broader challenges educators face under Walters’ policies.
- Walters now leads the Teacher Freedom Alliance, claiming to fight against liberal agendas in education but with questionable support numbers.
- Walters has been replaced by Lindel Fields, a retired CareerTech administrator, in hopes of stabilizing Oklahoma's education system.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 13, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0673762634.html
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch's advocacy for public education reform is highlighted, including her shift from supporting conservative policies to fighting against privatization and high-stakes testing.
- The U.S. government shutdown has caused financial strain, delayed paychecks, and political divisions over healthcare and funding.
- MarÃa Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting democracy in Venezuela.
- The Boston Tea Party serves as an inspiration for the modern "No Kings 2.0" movement, which opposes authoritarianism and promotes democracy through peaceful protests.
- Advancements in technology, such as AI, quantum computing, and sustainable tech, are shaping the future, with significant investments and breakthroughs noted.
- The "Science of Reading" (SoR) movement is critiqued for focusing on accountability rather than equity, leading to issues like book bans and marginalization of diverse voices.
- The Trump administration's policies, including restrictive abortion laws and cuts to social programs, are criticized for negatively impacting children and low-income families.
- Positive teacher-student relationships are emphasized as crucial for effective classroom management.
- Residential segregation and poverty are identified as primary contributors to educational disparities, rather than teacher expectations.
- MIT rejected President Trump's "Compact for Academic Excellence," citing concerns about academic freedom and independence.
- Zayd Dohrn’s play "Revolution(s)" explores themes of resistance and societal tensions, reflecting on current political climates.
- The No Kings 2.0 movement plans a nationwide protest on October 18, 2025, emphasizing nonviolence and democratic values.
- The article critiques the "bad teacher" myth and calls for systemic reform to address inequities and support teacher autonomy.
- The historical influence of U.S. racial policies on Nazi Germany's racial laws is examined, calling for historical reckoning and justice.
- Studies show prediabetes reversal can reduce diabetes risk by 71%, and new vaccines significantly reduce severe COVID-19 illness.
- The emotional toll of teaching is highlighted, advocating for respect and support for educators.
Big Education Ape: THE FORREST GUMP LIFE OF DIANE RAVITCH: A BOX OF CHOCOLATES AND A RACE TO SAVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-forrest-gump-life-of-diane-ravitch.html
The article delves into the extraordinary career and intellectual evolution of Diane Ravitch, a prominent historian and education reform advocate. Drawing parallels with the fictional character Forrest Gump, it highlights Ravitch's journey from supporting conservative education policies to becoming a fierce defender of public education. Her memoir, *An Education: How I Changed My Mind about Schools and Almost Everything Else*, chronicles her transformation and her fight against privatization in education, emphasizing the importance of poverty alleviation and public school advocacy.
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch's life and career are compared to Forrest Gump's, illustrating her involvement in pivotal moments in U.S. education history.
- Ravitch initially supported conservative education reforms, including No Child Left Behind, but later publicly recanted and became a critic of privatization and high-stakes testing.
- Her memoir, *An Education*, reflects her intellectual journey and her advocacy for public education as a means to address social inequalities.
- Ravitch's activism extends to digital platforms, where she engages with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to fight for public education and inspire change.
- She founded the Network for Public Education (NPE) to combat the privatization movement and promote equitable public schooling.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 12, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0752829318.html
The article compiles a wide range of topics, including education, politics, technology, health, and societal movements. It highlights significant news stories and blog posts from October 2025, focusing on issues such as the U.S. government shutdown, advancements in AI, public education reforms, global conflicts, and historical resistance movements like "No Kings 2.0." The article also reflects on the evolving challenges in education, the impact of technology, and the importance of civic engagement to uphold democracy.
The Uppity Minority: What ‘s Learned After Refusing to Play the Game – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/13/the-uppity-minority-what-s-learned-after-refusing-to-play-the-game/
### Key Points
- Derrick Bell's book emphasizes the cost of integrity and the courage required to confront authority when institutions fail to uphold justice.
- Bell viewed protest as a vocation of love and faith in institutions' potential for redemption, rather than rebellion.
- The author reflects on their own dissonance with institutional leadership, where bureaucracy often hinders genuine justice.
- Bell warned that systems resist change by institutionalizing symbolic gestures while avoiding structural reform.
- Confronting authority means withdrawing consent and refusing to comply with unjust systems.
- Bell argued that power without principle undermines reform and that protest disrupts the comfort that sustains injustice.
- True authority comes from integrity, not titles or positions, and leadership is about serving humanity, not maintaining order.
- The author embraces a return to teaching and advocacy, inspired by Bell's example of integrity and moral courage.
- Leadership for people of color often comes with invisible costs, as they are pressured to conform and compromise their values.
A Look Back – Classroom Management Strategy: “Sometimes The Only Thing Worse Than Losing A Fight Is Winning One” - Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- A look back at classroom management strategies and the importance of positive teacher-student relationships.
- Resources for the National Day on Writing and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
- Critique of student evaluations in college and discussions on educational policy issues.
- Free resources from books and links to hundreds of educational articles.
- Weekly highlights of useful AI tools for classrooms and strategies for rebuilding students’ learning power.
- Practical resources for teaching Social Studies, English, Math, Science, and supporting English learners.
- Insights on motivating students, engaging parents, and improving classroom management.
- Videos, radio shows, and posts on autonomy, competency, relatedness, and relevance in education.
The transition from college to the labor market for graduates from low-income families - Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Graduates from low-income families earn less than high-income peers despite similar qualifications, with first job transitions playing a significant role in long-term earnings gaps.
- Increased screen time in early childhood correlates with lower academic performance in reading and math, emphasizing the need for early interventions to promote healthy screen habits.
- HEPA purifiers alone are insufficient to reduce respiratory viral exposure in classrooms, highlighting the importance of additional measures like humidity control.
- The National Association of School Nurses supports strict school vaccination requirements, advocating for eliminating non-medical exemptions to protect public health.
- Gaps in sex education during youth lead to long-term impacts on relationships and quality of life, with demand for comprehensive adult sex education programs.
- Increased policy-driven conformity in teaching demotivates educators, reduces creativity, and contributes to teacher attrition, particularly in science disciplines.
- Social and emotional learning (SEL) programs improve both academic achievement and well-being, with longer programs showing greater benefits.
Jersey Jazzman: Jack Ciattarelli's Tax Plan Is a Disaster For Schools AND Taxpayers https://jerseyjazzman.blogspot.com/2025/10/jack-ciattarellis-tax-plan-is-disaster.html
### Key Points
- Jack Ciattarelli's tax plan for New Jersey schools proposes a new school funding formula, claiming the current one is inequitable and arbitrary.
- Ciattarelli supports a voucher system, school choice, and charter schools, drawing parallels to policies in other states like Arizona and Florida.
- The article criticizes Ciattarelli's plan, likening it to Chris Christie's 2015 "Fairness Formula," which failed due to its inequitable redistribution of state aid.
- The analysis explains how property taxes in New Jersey are higher in less affluent districts due to lower property values, while wealthier districts benefit from lower effective tax rates.
- The current funding formula provides some relief to the poorest districts but fails to adequately support middle-class districts, which would not benefit from Ciattarelli's plan.
Jersey Jazzman: Wake Up Call NJ's Bizarre Smear Against Public Education https://jerseyjazzman.blogspot.com/2025/10/wake-up-call-njs-bizarre-smear-against.html
### Key Points
- Wake Up Call NJ uses misleading campaigns, including flyers and ads, to cast doubt on public schools, particularly targeting West Windsor-Plainsboro (WWP), a top-performing district.
- WUCNJ's claims about WWP being a "failing" district are unfounded, as evidenced by strong data on proficiency rates and other metrics.
- The article highlights the socioeconomic advantages of WWP, which contribute to its success, and argues that resources should instead be directed to less privileged districts.
- School leaders, like WWP Superintendent Dr. David Aderhold, are commended for standing up against misleading narratives and defending their schools.
MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 13, 2025 - by MIKE SIMPSON https://ru4people.substack.com/p/morning-news-update-october-13-2025
### Key Points
- A devastating explosion at a Tennessee explosives plant killed 16 people, prompting investigations into safety protocols.
- The U.S. government shutdown enters day 13, causing financial strain and layoffs, including cuts to special education services.
- Trade tensions with China escalate as President Trump threatens a 100% tariff on imports, while China restricts rare earth exports.
- Severe flooding in Alaska displaces homes, highlighting domestic disaster challenges.
- President Trump addresses Israeli lawmakers, emphasizing peace after Hamas releases hostages under a ceasefire agreement.
- Afghan-Pakistani border clashes intensify, leading to casualties and refugee displacement.
- India and Canada restore diplomatic ties through renewed trade and investment discussions.
- Coral reefs identified as the first major environmental system to surpass a climate tipping point.
- AI developments include Cohere raising $500M for enterprise scaling, Salesforce acquiring Apromore, and Amazon launching Quick Suite AI.
- The Nobel Prize in Economics awarded for research on innovation-driven growth.
- A new drug for Tourette Syndrome, ecopipam, shows effectiveness in phase 3 trials.
- Las Vegas Aces win the WNBA title, and college football sees major upsets and milestones.
- MLB playoffs continue, and NFL Monday night games feature key matchups.
All out for No Kings Day. October 18th. https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/all-out-for-no-kings-day-october
- No Kings Day, happening on October 18th, is expected to see widespread participation across the U.S. and globally, with major events planned in cities like New York and Chicago. Even small towns are joining in.
- A Nor’easter storm disrupted the Columbus Day Parade in Brooklyn, coinciding with calls to honor Indigenous Peoples Day.
- Over 4,000 people, including the city’s next mayor Zohran Mamdani, participated in a 5K for Gaza in Prospect Park, aiming to raise $2 million for humanitarian aid.
- The article questions the language used to describe Palestinians as “prisoners” and Israelis as “hostages,” emphasizing the importance of truth and terminology.
Teacher Tom: Speaking Sentences That Began With , "Let's Pretend . . ." and Ended With, "Okay?" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/speaking-sentences-that-began-with-lets.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom describes a scenario where children compete for limited play huts, leading to conflict.
- Two children begin sharing a hut, using creativity and teamwork to enhance their play experience.
- Their collaborative actions inspire others to connect huts and tunnels, fostering a shared play environment.
- The article underscores the role of imaginative play in teaching cooperation and problem-solving.
- Teacher Tom provides additional resources and insights for educators and parents to support play-based learning.
This and That, Monday, October 13, 2025 Edition https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/10/this-and-that-monday-october-13-2025.html
### Key Points
- Seattle School Board discusses narrowing down superintendent candidates and schedules an open meeting for October 15, 2025.
- Catherine Blaine K-8 PTSA hosts a school board candidate forum on October 14, 2025.
- A community-led gathering for school board and city council candidates is scheduled for October 15, 2025, featuring discussions and a shared halal meal.
- Reports of ICE activity near schools in Chicago highlight community mobilization to protect at-risk families.
- Federal funding for students with deafblindness has been restored but rerouted, causing disruption and mistrust among affected families.
- Concerns raised about nepotism and favoritism in Seattle Public Schools' leadership roles.
Vouchers Cause School Closures in Arizona Wiping out public schools was always the goal https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/vouchers-cause-school-closures-in
### Key Points
- Arizona faces a crisis of school closures, with 20 schools shut down last year and more closures expected this year, due to a school voucher scheme diverting public education funds to private schools.
- Universal ESA vouchers, pushed by Republican lawmakers, are draining $1 billion annually from public schools to fund private, for-profit institutions that selectively admit students.
- Arizona ranks 49th in public school funding nationally, leaving districts without a financial buffer to handle enrollment changes or demographic shifts.
REVOLUTION(s) at the GOODMAN | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/10/13/revolutions-at-the-goodman/
### Key Points
- REVOLUTION(s) at the Goodman Theatre has been extended through November 16, 2025.
- The post encourages readers to get tickets and join the celebration.
- References are made to related posts and updates on the blog.
Weekend Quotables Chicago neighborhoods gassed... At last, a halt to the Gaza slaughter. https://klonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-349
### Key Points
- A temporary halt to violence in Gaza allowed Palestinians to return to their homes, reunite with families, and celebrate the release of 1,700 prisoners, including children, from Israeli detention.
- Former U.S. President Trump delivered a controversial speech in the Israeli Knesset, praising Israel’s actions in Gaza and reframing the narrative of the conflict.
- Federal agents deployed tear gas in Albany Park, Chicago, leading to protests and community outrage.
- The U.S. government shutdown entered its third week, with Trump using it as leverage to push his political agenda, affecting 750,000 workers.
- Illinois National Guard Staff Sergeant Demi Palecek publicly refused to support actions against her community, urging others to follow suit.
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine and respecting their will in future Gaza arrangements.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the financial impact of the government shutdown, stating, “No Kings means no paychecks.”
- The New York Times faced backlash for refusing to run ads calling for an end to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
glen brown: "Trump isn’t all that bad other than when..." https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/president-trump-isnt-all-that-bad-other.html
### Key Points
- The nobility of a writer's occupation lies in resisting oppression and accepting isolation, as quoted from Albert Camus.
- The article critiques Donald Trump’s presidency, listing numerous controversial actions, including inciting an insurrection, mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic, separating children from families, and lying extensively.
- Trump’s administration was marked by actions such as banning transgender people from the military, vetoing defense bills, increasing the national debt, and insulting veterans.
- The article highlights Trump’s controversial foreign policy decisions, including withdrawing from international agreements, coddling dictators, and mishandling alliances.
- The author lists Trump’s domestic actions, such as politicizing the civil service, mocking mask-wearing, and rolling back environmental protections.
- Trump’s personal behaviors, including spreading conspiracy theories, insulting opponents, and refusing to concede the 2020 election, are criticized.
- The author accuses Trump of obstructing justice, promoting nationalism, and engaging in xenophobia, misogyny, and racism.
- The article includes reflections on Trump’s impact on public institutions, such as the Department of Education and federal agencies, highlighting their diminished effectiveness.
- The piece advocates for resistance against authoritarianism and calls for vigilance in protecting democratic norms.
Forgotten Mercy: Those Who Want Christianity in Public Schools - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2025/10/13/forgotten-mercy-those-who-want-christianity-in-public-schools/
### Key Points
- The article explores the tension between advocating for Christianity in public schools and the separation of church and state, emphasizing the need for public schools to remain neutral on religious matters to accommodate diverse beliefs.
- The author critiques the current treatment of immigrants in the U.S., noting the lack of compassion and fairness, which contradicts Christian teachings about love and hospitality.
- Biblical verses are cited to highlight values of kindness, fairness, and humanity, questioning the hypocrisy of those advocating Christian values while ignoring these principles in practice.
- The article references public figures and discussions, such as CNN’s Abby Phillip and Van Lathan, to illustrate the moral and ethical challenges faced by society, particularly regarding the mistreatment of marginalized groups.
- The author questions what children would learn about Christianity in schools when the actions of some Christians contradict the values they claim to uphold, calling for reflection on America’s foundational principles and values.
Have you set up your account for the Nutrition Services Division’s (NSD) Learning Site yet? LMS Account Setup & Site Overview Webinars - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/lmsaccountsetupwebinar.asp
### Key Points
- The NSD is hosting webinars to guide users on setting up accounts for its new LMS, which will serve as the primary platform for mandatory training and program resources.
- Registration is required to attend webinars, and materials like a job aid and slides are available for download. Live captioning and reasonable accommodations are provided.
- The course provides one instructional hour under Professional Standards Learning Topic 3430, focusing on training plans and tracking. Contact details for questions are included.
- Related content includes updates on school nutrition programs, new legislation on reducing ultraprocessed food consumption, and October 2025 celebrations for nutrition awareness.
- Additional reminders and resources, such as data accuracy in Education Data Collection Systems and meeting minutes for advisory councils, are shared.
- Footer navigation provides links to various educational resources, policies, and program areas offered by the California Department of Education.
Choosing Democracy: National Guard : Chicago Strikes Back. https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/10/national-guard-chicago-strikes-back.html
### Key Points
- President Trump deployed National Guard troops to Chicago and other cities, citing crime concerns, but their mission primarily involved protecting federal agents and intimidating residents.
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing the deployment harmed residents, businesses, and the local economy.
- A District Court judge ruled the deployment unconstitutional under the Tenth and Fourteenth Amendments, issuing a restraining order and criticizing the administration's reasoning.
- A bipartisan group of 26 former governors opposed the use of military force in cities, viewing it as punitive against Democratic-leaning areas.
- Republican governors Kevin Stitt (Oklahoma) and Phil Scott (Vermont) expressed opposition to the policy, citing federalism and constitutional concerns.
- Governor Scott emphasized that the military should not be used against citizens, except in cases like the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
Fear and Harm as Policy: How the Feds Are Traumatizing Children Noem's Department of Homeland Security is not targeting the "worst of the worst" as she claims. Her agency is increasingly targeting the children of immigrants. https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/fear-and-harm-as-policy-how-the-feds
### Key Points
- DHS raids involve armed agents storming apartments, zip-tying children, and separating families, causing fear and trauma.
- DHS has shifted from targeting "criminal aliens" to conducting widespread raids on immigrant families, including children.
- The Supreme Court has permitted ICE's racial profiling and operations, despite dissenting opinions highlighting constitutional violations.
- Family separations and coerced deportations are being used as leverage, leaving children in foster care or detention.
- Medically fragile children and U.S. citizens are being deported, causing severe harm and violating court rulings.
- ICE agents misuse wellness checks as pretexts for detention and deportation, eroding due process and legal protections.
- Children face lifelong trauma from these policies, impacting their emotional, educational, and social development.
- DHS actions divert resources from critical missions like anti-trafficking and counterterrorism, making communities less safe.
- Recommendations include congressional oversight, restoring legal counsel, banning militarized tactics, and investing in trauma-informed care.
Choosing Democracy: Economic Crisis: Dangerous Times - Bernie Sanders https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/10/economic-crisis-dangerous-times-bernie.html
### Key Points
- Bernie Sanders criticizes Donald Trump for fostering authoritarianism, attacking democratic institutions, and pursuing policies that harm working-class Americans while benefiting the wealthy elite.
- Trump's healthcare and tax policies are described as exacerbating inequality, with millions losing healthcare and the wealthy gaining significant tax breaks.
- Sanders highlights Trump's denial of climate change and support for fossil fuel industries as a threat to the planet, while also warning about the risks posed by AI and robotics to jobs and privacy.
- Despite Trump's tactics to appear invincible, Sanders notes growing resistance, with increasing public disapproval, protests, and shifts in political dynamics.
- Sanders emphasizes the importance of grassroots efforts, political activism, and supporting progressive candidates to challenge Trumpism and advocate for the working class.
"Progressive" Schools https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2025/10/13/progressive-schools/ via @nancyflanagan
### Key Points
- The article opens with reflections on past educational methods and societal progress, highlighting the role of education in driving innovation and societal advancement.
- Progress is tied to education, which transforms creativity and curiosity into meaningful actions, such as solving global issues and advancing human conditions.
- The article critiques the current political narrative that misrepresents progressive education as radical, emphasizing that public schools are often conservative institutions.
- The author shares personal teaching experiences, illustrating how progressive education can foster critical thinking and cultural understanding, even in traditional settings.
- The piece highlights the damage caused by political and corporate interference in education and calls for a reset to prioritize genuine teaching and learning.
