OCTOBER 20, 2025
- Government Shutdown Impacts Social Security: The Social Security Administration has delayed its 2026 cost-of-living adjustment announcement to October 24 due to the ongoing federal shutdown, with projections estimating a 2.7% increase in benefits for retirees.
- Flooding Displaces Thousands in Alaska: Remnants of Typhoon Halong caused severe flooding in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, displacing over 1,000 residents in this remote region far from major road access.
- Mega Data Centers Spark Debate in Minnesota: Proposals for large-scale data centers across the state are raising concerns over massive water and electricity demands, fueling public discussions on resource strain.
- Nationwide "No Kings" Protests Against Trump Policies: Thousands rallied in a second wave of demonstrations organized by the progressive No Kings network, protesting President Trump's immigration crackdowns and cuts to federal programs.
- Missouri Group Challenges GOP-Favored Congressional Maps: Activists are pushing to overturn redrawn maps that add a Republican seat, highlighting gerrymandering concerns in the state legislature.
- AI Deepfake Ad Controversy in Senate Races: A National Republican Senatorial Committee video using AI-generated deepfakes has sparked alarms over potential misuse in attack ads, crossing new ethical boundaries in political campaigns.
- Cape Verde Qualifies for First-Ever FIFA World Cup: The African nation secured its historic spot by defeating Eswatini 3-0 in CAF qualifiers, marking a milestone for the small island country.
- Hamas Returns Remains of Additional Hostages: Three more bodies of hostages killed during the October 7, 2023 attacks were handed over to the Red Cross, with 21 others still held in Gaza amid ongoing conflict.
- Sudan Conflict Escalates in El Fasher: Rapid Support Forces advanced against besieged units in Darfur, worsening the humanitarian crisis in a city already facing severe shortages and displacement.
- Rise in AP Exam Participation Among Minorities: California saw an 8.5% increase in Black students and 5.3% in Latino students taking AP exams in 2025, boosting overall numbers despite equity challenges.
- AI Tutors Show Promise in Community Colleges: A pilot program at Los Angeles Pacific University reported a 20% GPA increase and 36% rise in student motivation after a year of AI-assisted learning.
- U.S. Department of Education Enforcement on Privacy: The Student Privacy Policy Office launched action against Fairfax County Public Schools for violating the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment in data handling.
- IMF Projects Global Growth Slowdown to 3.2% in 2025: The World Economic Outlook cites policy shifts and fading temporary boosts, with advanced economies at 1.5% and emerging markets above 4%, amid tariff uncertainties.
- Flash PMI Data to Gauge October Trends: Key indicators for major economies, including U.S. inflation easing from tariffs, will highlight growth momentum in Europe and potential stalls in the UK.
- WTO Warns of Delayed Tariff Impact on Trade: Stockpiling in early 2025 pushed back effects, but expects sharp deceleration in global goods trade later, urging negotiations before January deadlines.
- Apple's October Event Teases M5 iPad Pro: Rumors point to an upgraded iPad Pro with M5 chip, alongside Vision Pro enhancements and MacBook Pro refreshes, aiming to boost tablet appeal.
- Huawei Accelerates 5G-Advanced Rollout: The company forecasts 100 million 5G-A compatible smartphones by year-end, pushing ahead independently amid global tensions.
- AI Survey Reveals Client Indifference to Edits: Photographers report less stress as clients fail to detect AI-altered images, signaling a "wake-up call" for the creative industry.
- Moderate Flu Season Expected for 2025-26: Officials predict a milder wave than last year, urging eligible individuals to vaccinate amid stable trends in respiratory illnesses.
- Stress as Key to Healthy Aging in Nematodes: Research shows controlled stress from specific nutrients activates cellular defenses, extending healthspan in model organisms and hinting at human applications.
- Grip Strength Predicts Chronic Disease Risk: In people with obesity, stronger hand grip correlates with lower risks of heart disease and diabetes, emerging as a simple health metric.
- Shanghai Masters Upset: Vacherot Topples Djokovic: World No. 206 Valentin Vacherot stunned Novak Djokovic in the semi-final, becoming the lowest-ranked Masters 1000 finalist ever and advancing to face his cousin in the final.
- Cristiano Ronaldo Hits Billionaire Status: The soccer icon became the first billionaire athlete through endorsements and investments, as reported by Bloomberg.
- NFL: Falcons' Robinson Shines in Win Over Bills: Running back Bijan Robinson was dubbed the "best player in football" after powering Atlanta to victory, extending Buffalo's struggles.
You Are Invited to Hear Me Talk About My New Book at the Brooklyn Public Library! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/14/you-are-invited-to-the-debut-of-my-new-book-at-the-brooklyn-public-library/ via @dianeravitch
Book Review :: An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else by Diane Ravitch - NewPages.com https://www.newpages.com/blog/books/book-reviews/an-education-by-diane-ravitch/
An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else: Ravitch, Diane: 9780231220293: Amazon.com: Books https://www.amazon.com/Education-Changed-Schools-Almost-Everything/dp/0231220294?
Join NPE President Diane Ravitch as she discusses her new memoir - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/join-npe-president-diane-ravitch-as-she-discusses-her-memoir/
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/looking-back-week-in-review-sunday.html
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch's blog and other sources discuss the #NoKings protests and resistance against authoritarianism.
- Critiques of Donald Trump's policies, including his impact on special education and immigration, are highlighted.
- The #NoKings movement is explored as a modern defiance against tyranny, with references to historical events like the Boston Tea Party.
- Weekly roundups and blog posts reflect on news, activism, and education reform efforts.
- Public education advocacy, including resistance to billionaire influence and support for teachers, is a recurring theme.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 19, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_19.html
### Key Points
- The "No Kings" protests, one of the largest peaceful demonstrations in U.S. history, oppose Trump administration policies, including authoritarianism and militarized actions.
- The U.S. government shutdown enters its third week, disrupting federal services, delaying Social Security announcements, and causing political gridlock.
- Rising U.S.-China tensions escalate due to new tariffs, contributing to global economic slowdowns.
- President Trump unveils federal branding initiatives and visits Israel to discuss Middle East peace efforts while advocating for a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire.
- AI's growing role in education and campaigns raises concerns about ethics, privacy, and misinformation risks.
- Layoffs during the federal shutdown lead to bipartisan backlash, with a U.S. District Judge blocking politically motivated mass layoffs.
- Global conflicts include Israeli strikes on Gaza, Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire violations, and Iran rejecting nuclear restrictions.
- Economic updates show slow global growth, U.S. job growth acceleration, and rising EU inflation.
- Health studies highlight moderate stress as an anti-aging factor, the protective role of amyloid beta protein against cancer, and risks associated with Finasteride.
- Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first billionaire athlete, while MLB playoffs and NFL milestones dominate sports headlines.
- Educational challenges include funding delays due to the shutdown, AI adoption debates, and resistance to Trump's "patriotic education" initiative.
- Technological advancements include Nvidia's AI chip developments, Huawei's 5G progress, and Apple's upcoming M5 chip.
- MarÃa Corina Machado wins the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy for democracy in Venezuela, and László Krasznahorkai receives the Nobel Prize in Literature.
- Protests like "No Kings Day" emphasize peaceful resistance to authoritarianism and promote democracy.
- A leaked GOP chat reveals extremist ideologies among Young Republican officials, raising concerns about systemic issues in the party's leadership.
- Plant-based meals in schools gain support due to their health benefits and alignment with updated dietary guidelines.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 19, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/morning-news-update-october-19-2025.html
### Key Points
- "No Kings" protests unite millions across U.S. cities against President Trump's policies, reflecting concerns over authoritarianism.
- The U.S. federal shutdown causes delays in Social Security updates, education funding, and civil rights enforcement.
- International affairs include Israel-Gaza ceasefire tensions, Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire agreements, and Iran's rejection of nuclear restrictions.
- Economic updates highlight global growth slowdown, U.S.-China trade war escalation, and shifting inflation trends in the U.S. and EU.
- Technological advancements include AI integration in classrooms, NVIDIA's AI chip focus, and Huawei's 5G-Advanced developments.
- Health research reveals breakthroughs in cancer therapy, Alzheimer's studies, and risks associated with diet soda and hair-loss drugs.
- Sports updates feature Cristiano Ronaldo becoming a billionaire, MLB World Series, and Georgia Bulldogs’ football victory.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 10-12-25 TO 10-18-25 #NoKings #Resist #WeAreThePeople #DemocracyDefenders #NoKingsProtest #NoKingsOct18 #NoKingsInAmerica https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-top-news-stories-this-week-10-12-25.html
The article provides an extensive overview of current events across various domains, including politics, international relations, economy, technology, health, education, and sports. It highlights the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, significant protests, geopolitical developments, economic challenges, advancements in AI, and public health crises.
### Key Points
- The "No Kings" protests are expected to be one of the largest demonstrations in modern U.S. history, opposing Trump administration policies amid political and fiscal turmoil.
- The U.S. government shutdown enters its third week, affecting federal workers, delaying Social Security announcements, and causing political deadlock in Congress.
- Rising U.S.-China tensions escalate with new tariffs, while the global economy slows due to protectionism and trade conflicts.
- President Trump meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and advocates for a ceasefire, while also visiting Israel to discuss Middle East peace efforts.
- Health crises include a surge in fentanyl overdoses among seniors, while new studies highlight the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and ketogenic diet for specific health conditions.
- AI advancements dominate the tech sector, with Nvidia unveiling a U.S.-made AI chip and OpenAI expanding its ChatGPT capabilities.
- Education faces challenges with layoffs during the shutdown, opposition to new policies, and initiatives like AI education programs in Mississippi.
- Sports updates include MLB playoffs, NFL milestones, and a thrilling cricket match between Pakistan and South Africa.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 18, 2025 #NoKings #Resist #WeAreThePeople #DemocracyDefenders #NoKingsProtest #NoKingsOct18 #NoKingsInAmerica https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/morning-news-update-october-18-2025.html
The article discusses prominent global, national, and societal events, including the "No Kings" protests, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, international conflicts, and key developments in technology, education, and health.
CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: No Kings Edition (10/19) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/icymi-no-kings-edition-1019.html
### Key Points
- Amplifying genuine voices is crucial in the age of AI-driven content.
- Katrina at 20: Examining the impact of New Orleans' charter school system on families and students.
- The push for Christianity in public schools overlooks parts of the religion, raising concerns.
- Federal staffing cuts threaten educational opportunities across states.
- Florida charter schools attempting to take over taxpayer-owned school buildings face resistance.
- Debunking claims about phonics winning the "reading wars."
- Missouri's voucher program primarily funds religious schools, raising accountability issues.
- Manufactured sex ed crises in Michigan for political mobilization.
- Concerns about data-driven schools overshadowing child-centered education.
- Advocating for humanistic education over rigid systems.
- The privilege of wealth and its impact on education and meritocracy.
- Budget cuts in Georgia's voucher program and their implications.
- Indiana University controversy over censoring student media.
- Long Covid's impact on children and a generation's health.
- Court ruling on banning "Let's Go Brandon" shirts in Michigan schools.
- Skepticism about AI's inevitability and limitations of large language models (LLMs).
- Various other updates and resources on education issues.
Making Money by Doing Good: For-Profit Companies Seeking to Improve Public Schools https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/10/19/making-money-by-doing-good-for-profit-companies-seeking-to-improve-public-schools/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Over the past 40 years, applying business practices to K-12 schools has been hyped but has often failed to deliver the promised efficiency and academic improvement.
- Historical examples of for-profit companies like Behavioral Research Laboratory, Dorsett Educational Systems, and Westinghouse Learning Systems illustrate their failure to improve test scores and sustain operations.
- Companies in the 1990s and 2000s, such as Education Alternatives Inc., Edison Inc., and K-12 Inc., faced similar challenges, including political, managerial, and financial difficulties.
- Some companies, like Amplify and Leapfrog, initially thrived but later struggled due to flawed products, market challenges, or low student outcomes.
- For-profit corporations now focus more on providing services and products (e.g., technology, software) rather than managing schools directly, as the latter has proven to be a "sinkhole" for many businesses.
- Entrepreneurs and investors consistently discover that the education sector is far more complex and difficult to navigate than other industries.
Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog features posts on educational trends, resources, and news, including biodiversity, innovative teaching, and ESL/EFL/ELL topics.
- Highlights include articles on the dangers of outsourcing entry-level work to AI and weekly round-ups of education policy issues.
- Weekly features on AI tools for classrooms and parent engagement resources are provided.
- Resources on classroom routines, U.S. immigration, and research studies are shared, emphasizing their relevance in education.
- The author republishes past posts on topics like SEL and Day of the Dead teaching resources.
- The author’s books offer research-based strategies for teaching various subjects, including English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
- Additional resources include lesson plans, parental involvement strategies, and tips for student motivation and engagement.
- The author contributes to various platforms, including a blog, radio show, and education-related publications.
Execution Creep: When “Drug-Trafficker” Becomes a License to Kill – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/19/execution-creep-when-drug-trafficker-becomes-a-license-to-kill/
### Key Points
- The U.S. government has conducted maritime strikes near Venezuela, justifying them as actions against drug traffickers without public evidence or judicial oversight.
- Critics argue these actions amount to extrajudicial executions, violating international human rights laws and setting a dangerous precedent.
- The administration's opaque legal justifications and lack of transparency prevent public and Congressional review, undermining accountability.
- "Execution creep" refers to the normalization of state violence, which could expand to target political dissidents or other groups under vague pretexts.
- The framing of narcotics trafficking as "narcoterrorism" enables military methods while bypassing legal safeguards.
- The article draws parallels to past U.S. actions, such as the CIA's involvement in illegal operations during the 1980s, warning against repeating such patterns.
- Congress is urged to exercise oversight, demand transparency, and ensure adherence to legal norms to prevent further erosion of constitutional principles.
glen brown: What's Next after No Kings? https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/whats-next-after-no-kings.html
- The article discusses the nobility of a writer's purpose in resisting oppression and embracing isolation, quoting Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- Over seven million Americans participated in "No Kings Day," a historic nationwide protest against tyranny, emphasizing unity, democracy, and peaceful resistance.
- The movement, sparked by opposition to authoritarianism, calls for ongoing strategic organizing to combat oppression, with Indivisible playing a central role in fostering pro-democracy efforts.
- Various issues such as social justice, healthcare, education reform, and environmental concerns are highlighted within the broader context of activism and resistance.
- The blog reflects on Trump’s policies, authoritarian tendencies, and protests against his administration, with specific mentions of topics like pensions, free speech, and systemic injustice.
Remembering Why There’s a Special Education Law - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2025/10/19/remembering-why-theres-a-special-education-law/
### Key Points
- The article criticizes Donald Trump and Linda McMahon for dismantling programs and laws like IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) that protect children with disabilities, risking setbacks in special education.
- The shift of special education oversight to Health and Human Services (HHS) is problematic as it may promote a medical model of disability, stigmatizing and isolating students instead of supporting them as learners.
- Charter schools and private schools, often funded heavily, fail to adequately serve children with disabilities, frequently excluding or segregating them, and lack proper resources and inclusion practices.
- Historically, deinstitutionalization and integration of students with disabilities into public schools were hard-won battles, and the rollback of federal enforcement threatens to undo decades of progress.
- The article highlights past efforts by advocates like Burton Blatt and Robert F. Kennedy to improve conditions for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining IDEA.
- Privatization of education, lack of oversight, and underfunding of special education could lead to severe consequences, including exclusion, abuse, and a return to outdated practices.
- The author stresses the need for a new president to prioritize public education and special education to reverse the current negative trends.
No Kings was huge. - Fred Klonsky in Retirement https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/no-kings-was-huge
- The author reflects on the significance of the No Kings march in Manhattan, which they participated in, noting a historic turnout with over 100,000 attendees locally and millions nationwide.
- The event's impact will be discussed further on the radio show "Hitting Left with Mike Klonsky and Friends" on October 24th, accessible via Lumpen Radio.
- The author shares their experience of retirement, focusing on topics such as pensions, unions, politics, and their artistic pursuits, while promoting their Substack newsletter.
- Brief mentions of other topics, including teacher union dynamics, Trump’s trade war with China, and a Bob Dylan biopic, are included as part of the author’s broader commentary.
Don’t Offend The King https://www.changethelausd.com/don_t_offend_the_king
### Key Points
- Jimmy Kimmel faced backlash from MAGA supporters after condemning the murder of Charlie Kirk and expressing condolences, despite avoiding inflammatory comments about Kirk's controversial views.
- The article discusses how political groups, such as MAGA, manipulate tragedies to push their narratives, including blaming the Democratic Party for violence or framing criticism as incitement.
- The ICE agency's culture of cruelty is criticized, with examples of misconduct and the suppression of criticism by Trump and his followers.
- The broader theme examines how free speech is undermined by demands for apologies, retractions, and self-censorship, often to protect political agendas.
The article primarily discusses the financial practices and policy concerns surrounding charter schools, particularly how they differ from traditional public schools in terms of legal frameworks, funding mechanisms, and facilities financing. It highlights inefficiencies, privatization risks, and ethical concerns associated with charter school operations, while providing recommendations to safeguard public interests.
### Key Points
- The research brief examines how charter school operators secure financial gain and generate profit through policies, contrasting them with traditional public schools.
- Charter school policies promote privatization and profiteering, often at the expense of public education goals.
- Public funds intended for education are being diverted for personal or business profit, creating inefficiencies.
- Public assets are unnecessarily transferred to private entities, risking the provision of public education.
- Charter school operators often build self-serving private entities through management fees and rent extraction, compromising public education further.
- Current disclosure requirements are inadequate, making it difficult to detect violations or unethical practices without investigative efforts.
We bought it twice but we no longer own it: The bad public policy behind charter school real estate deals – School Finance 101 https://schoolfinance101.com/2015/07/21/we-bought-it-twice-but-we-no-longer-own-it-is-co-location-the-better-option/
The article critiques the public policy surrounding charter school real estate transactions, arguing that it leads to financial inefficiencies and the loss of public assets. It explains how public funds are used to purchase facilities twice—once through public financing and again through charter schools leasing or buying the same facilities, often at higher costs. The author advocates for better management of public assets, co-location of charter schools, and centralized facilities management to protect public interest and maintain flexibility in education systems.
### Key Points
- Charter school real estate practices involve using public funds to buy facilities already financed by taxpayers, leading to inefficiencies and loss of public control.
- Public schools originally financed facilities with low-interest bonds, but charter schools often rely on riskier, high-interest financing through third parties.
- Selling public school facilities to private entities without voter approval results in the public losing ownership while still funding these assets indirectly.
- The shift to mixed delivery models of education requires better public asset management, including co-location of charter schools and centralized strategies to ensure long-term public access.
- Maintaining public control over educational facilities allows flexibility to adapt to future policy changes and ensures the availability of sufficient educational spaces.
This report explores the impact of charter school expansion in U.S. cities, focusing on its effects on public school enrollments, finances, and equity. It highlights the fiscal and operational challenges faced by public school districts due to student migration to charter schools. The report also examines governance, legal rights, and equity issues associated with charter school expansion and provides policy recommendations for creating a balanced and equitable education system.
### Key Points
- Charter school expansion has led to declining enrollments and revenues in public school districts, creating fiscal stress and operational challenges.
- Districts have managed to maintain reasonable school sizes despite declining enrollments, but they face increased financial strain, particularly in states with underfunded school finance systems.
- Most charter school expansion is driven by independent operators, some of which have been implicated in financial malfeasance and governance issues.
- Charter schools often exacerbate inequities by segregating students by race, income, language, and disability status.
- Public school districts are left with legacy debts while charter schools accumulate high-risk debt through revenue bonds.
- Expanding charter schools in areas with declining student populations or rural settings can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.
- Policy recommendations include rethinking charter governance laws, ensuring public accountability, and evaluating the broader system-wide impacts of charter expansion.
- The report emphasizes the need for centralized management to ensure equitable resource distribution and protect public assets.
- Legal and governance issues arise as charter schools operate under private management, often limiting transparency and student/employee rights.
- Charter schools tend to spend more on administrative overhead and less on direct instructional costs compared to public schools, leading to inefficiencies.
- Charter schools often serve fewer high-need students, further widening inequities in resource allocation and educational opportunities.
- The transfer of public assets to private entities and the accumulation of high-risk debts by charter operators raise long-term financial concerns.
- The report calls for a reevaluation of the current charter school system to ensure it aligns with equity and public interest goals.
Trump's Anti-Education Agenda He just keeps pushing to destroy public education in America https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/trumps-anti-education-agenda
### Key Points
- Trump’s administration attempted to lay off nearly 500 staffers from key education offices, including the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, during a government shutdown. A federal judge temporarily blocked the layoffs.
- The administration is likely to appeal the judge’s decision, continuing efforts to reduce education workforce protections.
- Trump is promoting a federal school voucher program and has proposed a fiscal year 2026 budget that includes $12 billion in national education cuts, with Tennessee schools alone projected to lose $131 million.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: My Endorsements for Seattle School Board 2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/10/my-endorsements-for-seattle-school.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- The article discusses a "pop quiz" given to candidates, testing their basic knowledge of SPS operations, with most performing adequately.
- District 2: Sarah Clark is endorsed over Kathleen Smith due to her knowledge, community connection, and prior Board experience, though concerns about her health are noted.
- District 4: Laura Marie Rivera is endorsed over Joe Mizrahi, particularly for her focus on public engagement and insight into Highly Capable programs.
- District 5: Vivian Song is endorsed over Janis White, with the acknowledgment that both are strong candidates.
- District 7: Jen LaVallee is endorsed over Carol Rava due to her community involvement, transparency stance, and focus on Title One schools.
- The article highlights issues of nepotism within SPS, particularly in leadership roles, suggesting personal connections influence job assignments and promotions.
