OCTOBER 29, 2025
- Trump Arrives in South Korea for High-Stakes Trade Discussions: President Trump landed in Seoul amid ongoing North Korean missile tests, focusing on bilateral trade deals and regional security. He is set to receive South Korea's highest civilian honor, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, along with a replica golden crown as a diplomatic gift.
- Trump Signals Potential Tariff Reductions on China: En route from Japan, Trump stated he anticipates lowering the 20% tariffs on Chinese exports imposed due to fentanyl trafficking, in exchange for Beijing's cooperation on curbing the flow of the drug into the U.S.
- Domestic Updates on Infrastructure and Security: Live coverage highlights Trump's Asia trip alongside U.S. incidents like boat strikes and ongoing tariff trackers, with emphasis on empowering election integrity measures back home.
- Trump's Asia Tour Focuses on Trade and Diplomacy: Fresh off Japan, Trump engaged South Korean leaders on trade pacts and expressed optimism for "great outcomes" from upcoming talks with China's Xi Jinping, amid heightened tensions with North Korea.
- Fentanyl Tariffs in the Spotlight: Trump reiterated plans to ease penalties on Chinese imports if progress is made on fentanyl controls, a move tied to his broader "America First" agenda and D.C. bureaucratic reforms.
- Election and Policy Momentum: Coverage includes Trump's push against bureaucratic hurdles in Washington and updates on empowering state-level election deniers, as part of ongoing political realignments.
- Trump's Pivot to South Korea Amid Missile Threats: Following his Japan visit, Trump arrived in Seoul for trade talks as North Korea conducted fresh missile tests, raising alarms over regional stability.
- Hurricane Melissa Looms Over Caribbean: The storm is forecast to hit Jamaica as a Category 2 hurricane, prompting evacuations and international aid coordination from the U.S. and regional partners.
- Global Headlines Roundup: Broader coverage spans political shifts in Asia, U.S. foreign policy impacts, and emerging conflicts, with live streams from outlets like Republic TV highlighting interconnected U.S.-world ties.
- Science Education Webinar Spotlights K-12 Innovations: Education Week hosts a live event today on advancing science curricula, addressing teacher training and STEM equity in U.S. schools.
- Teens' Perceptions of Gender in School Excellence: A New York Times analysis reveals stark divides in how U.S. 13-17-year-olds view boys vs. girls in academics, sports, and leadership, based on recent surveys.
- Opposition to Federal Overreach in Higher Ed: A new poll shows 70% of Americans reject government control over college admissions, hiring, and curricula, fueling debates on autonomy vs. accountability.
- IMF Warns of Global Growth Slowdown: The October World Economic Outlook highlights downside risks from trade tensions and inflation, projecting subdued expansion for major economies including the U.S.
- Markets Steady Ahead of Fed Rate Decision: U.S. stock futures are flat as investors await a likely 25-basis-point cut from the Federal Reserve, with focus on Jerome Powell's signals for future policy.
- Gold Prices Edge Up on Trade Optimism: Bullion holds steady near $2,650/oz, buoyed by expectations of Fed easing but capped by positive U.S.-Asia trade developments.
- AI and Chip Investments Dominate Headlines: Key stories include massive bets on semiconductors, AI-powered e-commerce tools, and fintech disruptions reshaping daily tech use.
- Unthread Tackles Slack Clutter: The startup unveils AI-driven tools to organize chaotic team chats, demoing at TechCrunch Disrupt with potential to streamline workplace communication.
- Global Tech Trends in Focus: BBC's Tech Now covers advancements in AI, robotics, health tech, and climate solutions, with live insights on transport and sustainability innovations.
- mRNA Vaccines Boost Cancer Survival Rates: New research shows COVID-19 shots significantly improve outcomes for lung and skin cancer patients on immunotherapy, per ScienceDaily findings.
- Climate Crisis Fuels Health Emergencies: Extreme weather is linked to rising heart attacks, heat-related illnesses, mental health issues, and tropical disease spread, per DW analysis.
- World Stroke Day Urges Preventive Habits: Experts emphasize blood pressure monitoring, exercise, and diet to cut stroke risks, with global campaigns promoting brain-heart health.
- NHL: Stars Blank Capitals in Hot Streak: Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger posts a shutout, powering the streaky Stars past Washington with key contributions from Tyler Seguin.
- Jordan Slams NBA Load Management: The legend calls out star absences as "disrespectful" to fans, urging a return to full commitment in a new NBC interview.
- MLS Playoffs Heat Up: New York City FC edges Charlotte FC in a thriller, with Alonso Martínez's strike advancing them; LAFC preps for Austin in the next round.
Nancy Flanagan Writes a Fine Review of My New Book https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/28/nancy-flanagan-writes-a-fine-review-of-my-new-book/ via @dianeravitch
Glenn Kessler: Trump Team Politicizes the White House Website https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/28/glenn-kessler-trump-team-politicizes-the-white-house-website/ via @dianeravitch
Which Federal Agencies Are Laying Off Employees? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/28/which-federal-agencies-are-laying-off-employees/ 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?
Big Education Ape: BILL GATES: THE BILLIONAIRE ORACLE WHO'D RATHER PIVOT THAN PREPARE, AS HURRICANE MELISSA EYES JAMAICA FOR A CATASTROPHIC REMIX https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/bill-gates-billionaire-oracle-whod.html
### Key Points
- Bill Gates emphasizes a pivot from emissions reduction to technological innovation and poverty alleviation, but critics argue this creates a false dichotomy and delays urgent climate action.
- Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms in Atlantic history, highlights the immediate impacts of climate change, with Jamaica bracing for catastrophic damage.
- Climate scientists stress that every fraction of a degree of warming intensifies extreme weather and argue for deploying existing renewable energy solutions rather than relying on unproven technologies.
- Gates’ strategy of investing in futuristic technologies like carbon capture and nuclear energy is seen as insufficient for addressing the urgent needs of communities facing climate disasters now.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: TUESDAY OCTOBER 28, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/monday-october-27-2025-morning-news.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. government shutdown has entered its third week, affecting federal services, SNAP benefits, and school mental health funding.
- President Trump is engaging in foreign diplomacy in Asia, meeting with leaders from Japan and China, while pushing for Antifa to be designated a terrorist group.
- Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, threatens Jamaica with catastrophic damage.
- Pakistan and Afghanistan are progressing in peace talks to reduce border violence, while tensions rise between NATO and Russia over Ukraine.
- AI scams and advancements are reshaping industries, with Google reviving a nuclear plant to meet AI energy demands and Amazon cutting jobs due to AI investments.
- Columbia University settles a $221 million federal agreement over Title VI violations, while NCERT and IIT Madras collaborate on educational innovation in India.
- The IMF predicts slower global growth in 2025, while India’s economy accelerates due to resilient domestic demand.
- France is reportedly preparing troop deployment near Ukraine, escalating NATO-Russia tensions.
- The Dodgers lead the MLB World Series after a dramatic 18-inning victory, while health research highlights risks of CTE in athletes and advancements in medical technology.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 28, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01201057585.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. government shutdown continues, impacting food aid for 40 million people and furloughing essential workers.
- Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, threatens Jamaica, leading to evacuations and warnings.
- U.S.-China trade negotiations outline a framework to ease tensions, though implementation is delayed.
- U.S. military deployments in the Caribbean and covert operations increase tensions with Venezuela, focusing on regime change and alleged drug trafficking links.
- The Texas Education Agency took over Fort Worth ISD, raising concerns about democratic rights and the impact on Black and Latino communities.
- Florida's voucher program faces issues with families double-dipping, costing public schools millions in funding.
- Diane Ravitch’s book, *An Education*, explores her ideological evolution and critiques privatization and testing in education.
- The rise of AI and ed-tech in education is criticized for prioritizing corporate profits over educational equity and values.
- ICE raids in Chicago neighborhoods, using tear gas, are critiqued for their disproportionate impact on low-income families and health risks.
- Stephen Miller suggested arresting Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for obstructing federal immigration enforcement, sparking backlash.
- Jesse Hagopian’s poem critiques societal hypocrisies and systemic oppression, promoting antiracist education through the Teach Truth movement.
- Technology is reshaping human behavior and mental health, emphasizing efficiency over individuality, with calls for play-based learning for children.
- Chronic absenteeism in Oklahoma schools is addressed through holistic programs, though funding remains a challenge.
- The debate over punitive measures in education, such as holding back third graders based on reading tests, continues with mixed evidence.
- Corruption under Trump’s administration is compared to kleptocracies, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
- The article critiques the Unitary Executive Theory, warning against unchecked presidential powers and the risk of tyranny.
- The International Monetary Fund upgraded global economic forecasts due to AI investments.
- Meta secured $27 billion for its largest AI data center, advancing AI and virtual reality technologies.
- Educational technology in NYC schools raises privacy concerns, with parents encouraged to question data-sharing practices.
Big Education Ape: BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: AMERICA’S LATIN AMERICAN INTERVENTIONS AND THE LOOMING SHADOW OF A VENEZUELAN CHILI REDUX https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/been-there-done-that-americas-latin.html
The article explores the historical and ongoing U.S. interventions in Latin America, drawing parallels between the 1973 Chilean coup and current U.S. actions in Venezuela. It delves into the motivations behind these interventions, including economic interests, geopolitical strategies, and ideological narratives. The piece highlights the potential consequences of U.S. actions in Venezuela, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis, international criticism, and the challenges of regime change.
### Key Points
- The U.S. has a long history of intervening in Latin America, often driven by economic and strategic interests, as seen in the 1973 Chilean coup.
- Current U.S. actions in Venezuela mirror past interventions, including sanctions, military posturing, and support for opposition leaders.
- Venezuela faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and struggling under economic collapse, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions.
- The U.S. is motivated by Venezuela's vast oil reserves, geopolitical concerns over its ties with Russia and China, and a narrative of combating a "narco-state."
- Despite similarities to past interventions, a direct U.S. invasion of Venezuela is unlikely due to global scrutiny, Maduro's resilience, and the complexity of the situation.
How a Middle School Teacher Became a Viral Sensation (Rick Hess) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/10/28/how-a-middle-school-teacher-became-a-viral-sensation-rick-hess/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Gabe Dannenbring, a middle school teacher, became a viral sensation by creating relatable and humorous educational content on social media, amassing millions of followers.
- His journey began with a viral video in 2020, and he has since created popular videos about the challenges and joys of teaching, resonating with teachers and parents globally.
- Gabe emphasizes avoiding controversial topics in his content to maintain a positive and inclusive space for educators, parents, and students.
- He highlights the challenges of consistent creativity in content creation and the hate teachers often face online, but remains motivated to bring laughter and relatability to the education world.
- Gabe collaborates with major brands like Google and Amazon, ensuring partnerships align with benefiting educators and students while sharing insights about the business side of social media with his students.
- He advocates for moderation in social media consumption and encourages parents to monitor their children’s content for appropriateness.
- Gabe advises teachers to use their voices online or through other channels to make an impact and share their perspectives.
Who Is Harmeet Dhillon? What If Ed.'s Office for Civil Rights Work Gets Sent to the Department of Justice? https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/10/28/who-is-harmeet-dhillon-what-if-ed-s-office-for-civil-rights-work-gets-sent-to-the-department-of-justice/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which investigates civil rights violations in schools, faces significant staff cuts and potential transfer to the Department of Justice.
- The Trump administration has redefined civil rights priorities, focusing less on racial discrimination and more on opposing diversity initiatives, with Harmeet Dhillon playing a key role in this shift.
- The University of Virginia’s agreement with the Trump administration reflects a broader interpretation of the 2023 Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
- Critics argue that these changes undermine protections for marginalized communities and distort the original intent of civil rights laws.
Just Sent-Out Free Monthly Email Newsletter Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
- The blog shares various educational resources, including newsletters, infographics, and research studies, aimed at supporting teachers with instructional strategies and student engagement.
- Monthly newsletters and posts provide curated resources, including “The Best…” lists, infographics, and teaching materials for different subjects like Math, Science, and English.
- The blog republishes past posts focusing on topics like Social Emotional Learning, literacy instruction, and power dynamics in education.
- Resources for upcoming events, such as Daylight Savings Time, and contests like those from the NY Times Learning Network, are highlighted.
- The author provides books and other resources with research-based strategies for teachers, covering subjects like Social Studies, ELL, and classroom management.
- Additional content includes Q&A-style posts, lessons for English Language Learners, and insights into parental involvement in education.
- The blog also features other work by the author, including radio shows, videos, and teaching strategies divided into categories like autonomy and relevance.
- The blog received 37,471 pageviews between September 28th and October 28th.
glen brown: "Scared of Crossing" Trump https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/scared-of-crossing-trump.html
### Key Points
- Republicans are accused of neglecting their legislative responsibilities, enabling Trump's controversial and autocratic actions.
- Key concerns include rising healthcare costs, misuse of military powers, corruption, and trade wars.
- Suggestions for Congressional action include negotiating ACA subsidies, reclaiming tariff powers, investigating mismanagement, and enforcing constitutional provisions like the Emoluments Clause.
- The author emphasizes the importance of the 2026 elections in holding Republicans accountable for their failures.
- A call for voters to demand a properly functioning Congress to counteract Trump's policies and restore democratic norms.
Half of US workers don’t know work experience could count toward a degree, Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Physical fitness, physical activity, and moderate screen time positively influence adolescents' brain development and mental health. Passive screen time weakens cortical inhibition, while active engagement and organized sports enhance brain health.
- Learning programming reuses the brain's logical problem-solving areas, and even before learning programming, the brain shows neural activity related to understanding algorithms. Everyone has the capacity to learn coding due to innate logical abilities.
- Many U.S. workers are unaware that work experience can count toward college degrees. Clear guidance and credit evaluation can help reduce education costs and time for working learners.
- Students' math scores are negatively affected by extreme heat during testing, especially in schools with fewer resources. Reading scores are not similarly impacted. Addressing facility disparities is crucial for educational equity.
- Disrupted sleep and shorter sleep durations in teenagers are linked to higher risks of suicide attempts. Sleep issues should be addressed as part of suicide prevention strategies.
- Tailored interventions for repeating students improve engagement and perseverance but do not significantly increase pass rates. Personalized support and adaptive learning technologies are needed to address individual barriers.
- Nicotine pouches are increasingly popular among college students, particularly in fraternities, due to their discreet use and perceived benefits. However, they pose health risks and environmental concerns.
Teacher Tom: "The Perfect Uselessness of Knowing the Answer to the Wrong Question" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-perfect-uselessness-of-knowing.html
### Key Points
- Ursula LeGuin's novel highlights the futility of knowing answers to the wrong questions and the value of uncertainty in life.
- The author emphasizes that absolute certainty would strip life of meaning, as learning and growth stem from curiosity, doubt, and mistakes.
- Traditional schooling often prioritizes future outcomes over present experiences, which can hinder children's ability to live fully in the moment.
- Play-based learning allows children to embrace the present, fostering curiosity and passion that lead to meaningful living.
BREAKING: TRUMP DEPLOYS SPACE FORCE TO AMERICA’S CITIES—ARMED WITH PATENTED TRUMP FREEZE LASERS™ https://ru4people.substack.com/p/breaking-trump-deploys-space-force
### Key Points
- Bill Gates proposes a "for-profit technological fix" to climate challenges, emphasizing innovation over immediate action, despite Hurricane Melissa's catastrophic impact on Jamaica.
- Gates's memo suggests prioritizing technological solutions and human welfare over a "doomsday outlook," which critics argue dismisses urgent climate realities.
- Climate experts criticize Gates’s approach for delaying immediate systemic emissions cuts and relying on high-risk future technologies.
- Gates's "innovation over equity" strategy is seen as ignoring the disproportionate burden on vulnerable nations like Jamaica, which contribute minimally to global emissions.
- Critics challenge Gates’s framing of climate action versus poverty reduction, emphasizing their interconnectedness and the need for immediate global cooperation.
- Prominent scientists argue existing solutions like renewable energy are sufficient and warn against over-reliance on unproven technologies like geoengineering.
We’re Watching the Most Important Leadership Lesson in Real Time – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/28/were-watching-the-most-important-leadership-lesson-in-real-time/
### Key Points
- The "No Kings" protests, one of the largest mobilizations in U.S. history, emphasize that democracy rejects authoritarianism and celebrates collective action.
- Political scientists suggest that when 3.5% of a population engages in sustained, nonviolent protest, significant political change is inevitable, placing the "No Kings" movement on the edge of historical transformation.
- The protests were a response to President Trump's authoritarian imagery, including a controversial video that mocked dissent, which instead fueled defiance and expanded the movement.
- Leadership is not about dominance or humiliation but about inspiring collective courage and grounding authority in service and humility.
- Power defends itself strategically, often suppressing dissent, but movements like "No Kings" succeed by building alliances and acting proactively to define the narrative.
- The protests underline that democracy is sustained through collective action, moral courage, and organized resistance to oppressive power structures.
The "Southern Surge" in Reading: Another Media Manufactured Mirage https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/10/28/the-southern-surge-in-reading-another-media-manufactured-mirage/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- The "Southern surge" narrative in reading reform, centered on states like Mississippi, is media-driven and based on incomplete or misleading data.
- Short-term test score gains from reading reforms do not necessarily equate to higher reading proficiency, with grade retention being the only policy linked to score improvements.
- Grade retention may artificially inflate scores by removing younger, lower-performing students from testing populations and reintroducing them later when they are biologically older.
- Persistent race and poverty gaps in literacy data show that the touted reforms fail to address systemic inequalities.
- The article critiques the recurring "crisis/miracle" narratives in U.S. literacy policy, calling them outdated and harmful.
CURMUDGUCATION: The Wrong Civics and Language https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-wrong-civics-and-language.html
### Key Points
- Young Americans are increasingly skeptical of democracy, comfortable with suppressing speech, and disillusioned with civic institutions due to societal dysfunction and poor examples set by leaders.
- The government’s failure to function effectively and responsibly, including during crises like COVID-19, has eroded trust in democratic values and institutions.
- The misuse and manipulation of language in politics and media have created a culture of dishonesty, making it difficult for individuals to trust communication or feel connected.
- Teachers should focus on transmitting shared civic norms and values with humility and neutrality, rather than acting as ideological change agents. However, the lack of clear societal norms makes this challenging.
- Honest and accurate language is essential for meaningful civic discourse and education, yet its abuse is pervasive, undermining trust and understanding.
What Will Happen Wednesday's Special Board Meeting? https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/10/what-will-happen-wednesdays-special.html
### Key Points
- The Seattle School Board will hold a special meeting on October 28, 2025, to evaluate superintendent finalists and potentially make an announcement.
- The superintendent selection process includes strict criteria, such as requiring candidates to have prior superintendent experience and no current district employees being considered.
- The Board faces pressure to restore public trust amidst concerns of declining enrollment, budget deficits, and accusations of cronyism.
- Transparency in the selection process is a public demand, with hopes that the winning candidate’s 100-day plan will be shared with the community.
- Nepotism and favoritism in hiring and promotions within the district are ongoing issues, raising concerns about fairness and accountability.
TRUMP PASSES MoCA Test (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) for Dementia https://www.verywellhealth.com/alzheimers-and-montreal-cognitive-assessment-moca-98617
### Key Points
- The MoCA test is a 30-point cognitive assessment designed to detect mild cognitive impairment and early signs of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and other conditions.
- The test evaluates seven cognitive domains: executive/visuospatial function, naming, attention, language, abstraction, recall, and orientation. A score of 26 or higher is considered normal.
- Compared to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the MoCA has higher sensitivity for detecting mild cognitive impairment but is less useful for moderate-to-severe dementia.
- The MoCA test has advantages like simplicity, high sensitivity, and availability in multiple languages, but it requires training to administer and may be influenced by education level, stress, and other factors.
- Alternatives to the MoCA include the SLUMS Examination, ADAS-Cog Test, SPMSQ, and CAM Assessment, each with specific uses and strengths in detecting cognitive impairment or delirium.
Ed Politics: How the Trump Administration Wields the Federal Government’s Power Over Public Education | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/how-trump
### Key Points
- The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to dismantle the Department of Education without providing detailed justification, using the "shadow docket" for controversial decisions.
- The administration withheld $6.8 billion in federal school funding, affecting programs for low-income students and after-school initiatives, though later reversed the decision under pressure from Republican senators.
- The Trump administration introduced a federal school voucher program, redirecting public funds to private schools, and proposed budget cuts that would eliminate key grants and increase financial burdens on public schools.
- The dismantling of the Department of Education weakened offices like the Office for Civil Rights and Federal Student Aid, harming marginalized communities and reducing access to essential education services.
- Federal funding cuts disproportionately affected high-poverty districts, with low-income students and vulnerable populations facing significant risks.
- The administration framed public schools as "woke indoctrination camps" to justify these policies, despite the federal government having limited influence over school curricula.
- Historical context highlights a long-standing conservative agenda to undermine public education, dating back to Reagan's administration and continuing through policies like No Child Left Behind.
- Democrats have opposed these measures, filing lawsuits and demanding investigations into the administration’s actions, but their efforts were overridden by the Supreme Court's ruling.
