NOVEMBER 2, 2025
- A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to resume full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments amid the ongoing government shutdown, as millions face disruptions in food aid. This ruling came after a crucial November 1 deadline passed, exacerbating the need at food banks across the country.
- Retailers are reporting shortages due to halted penny production during the shutdown, impacting small transactions and supply chains.
- An intentional explosion at Harvard Medical School's Goldenson Building is under investigation, with no injuries reported but authorities treating it as a potential security incident.
- New Jersey Governor Murphy declared a state of emergency effective November 1 due to the SNAP suspension, highlighting broader economic and social fallout from the shutdown.
- The Trump administration faces mounting pressure over the government shutdown, with effects on SNAP benefits leading to court orders for immediate payments and increased reliance on food banks.
- Canada's Mark Carney apologized to Donald Trump for an anti-tariff ad, amid ongoing trade tensions and diplomatic exchanges.
- President Trump hosted the Syrian president at the White House, signaling shifts in U.S. foreign policy engagements.
- Fact sheets from the White House detailed a new deal on economic and trade relations with China, aiming to ease bilateral tensions.
- Global economic growth outlooks are weakening, with reports emphasizing deceleration in emerging markets and interconnected global challenges.
- A potential terrorist attack was thwarted in Michigan, according to reports, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the U.S.
- Ukraine landed special forces in the embattled city of Pokrovsk, amid escalating conflicts in the region.
- Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan won a disputed election with over 97% of the vote, raising questions about electoral integrity.
- At least 121 people died in Brazil's largest and most lethal wildfire on record, underscoring climate and disaster response issues.
- Fewer students are missing school due to state policies that have helped improve attendance rates.
- An Arkansas judge ordered the removal of Ten Commandments displays from the Lakeside School District, citing separation of church and state concerns.
- A photographer captured life inside Chicago Public Schools, providing insights into daily educational environments.
- Colleges are teaming up to survive financial pressures, with some on the edge of closure seeking partnerships.
- Jeremy VanAndel received the 2025 Franklin College Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award for contributions to higher education.
- The U.S. housing market remains stuck due to low turnover, impacting worker mobility and broader economic growth.
- Tech earnings propelled the Nasdaq to new highs, with Big Tech increasing AI investments despite calls for more spending.
- November is forecasted as a strong month for U.S. stocks, with Bank of America highlighting opportunities in S&P 500, tech, and small-caps amid seasonal gains.
- U.S. financial markets ended the week on a high note, with steady retail sales but slight contractions in manufacturing.
- China is positioning pharmaceuticals as a potential trade leverage point against the U.S., amid ongoing economic rivalries.
- Major tech companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are accelerating AI spending, planning billions more despite bubble risks.
- OpenAI launched new models including Gpt-Oss-Safeguard for safety reasoning and Aardvark for agentic security research.
- NASA's supersonic jet completed its first test flight, advancing aviation technology.
- Germany's tech-first ministry aims to redefine efficiency by tackling bureaucracy through digital initiatives.
- Scientists predict stronger El Niño events due to global warming, potentially causing worldwide weather disruptions.
- Studies link higher air pollution to increased dementia risk, revealing what inhaled particles may do to the brain.
- Healthcare premiums are set to rise substantially starting November 1 due to expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, affecting millions.
- The FDA restricted kids' fluoride varnish treatments amid safety concerns.
- A new study revives hope for a twice-daily pill to slow Alzheimer's in high-risk genetic groups.
- Health warnings were issued after a traveler with measles visited a major international airport, prompting exposure alerts.
- Texas Tech defeated Kansas State 43-20 in college football, with key plays shaping the Week 10 outcome.
- SMU upset No. 10 Miami (Fla.) 26-20 in overtime, shaking up the top 25 rankings.
- In NBA action, the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Sacramento Kings, with full game highlights capturing the excitement.
- Shohei Ohtani is set to start Game 7 of the World Series for the Dodgers against the Toronto Blue Jays, highlighting his two-way prowess.
- Stephen Curry recapped the Golden State Warriors' loss to the Indiana Pacers, discussing team performance.
Thom Hartmann: Why Does the Shutdown Continue? Ask Senator Thune. https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/01/thom-hartmann-why-does-the-shutdown-continue-ask-senator-thune/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Thom Hartmann argues that Senate Republicans could end the government shutdown by suspending or eliminating the filibuster, but they have chosen not to, despite having the votes.
- Hartmann criticizes the lack of mainstream media coverage on the Republicans' ability to end the shutdown and highlights Trump's call to use the "nuclear option" to eliminate the filibuster.
- The filibuster's historical roots, initially used to block anti-slavery legislation, are discussed, along with its impact on current legislative processes.
- Trump's administration faces criticism for its provocative actions against Venezuela, with speculation on motivations ranging from political distractions to personal ambitions of officials like Rubio and Hegseth.
- Reports suggest the Trump administration is preparing military strikes on Venezuela, raising concerns about risks of conflict with countries like Russia and China.
- Trump’s refugee policy prioritizes white immigrants, excluding many who have served or assisted the U.S., reflecting the administration's white supremacy tendencies.
- Controversial actions by ICE, including harsh treatment of undocumented workers and children, highlight the administration's brutal immigration practices.
- Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent criticisms of GOP leadership suggest political trouble or a change in stance within the MAGA movement.
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: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 1, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog.html
### Key Points
- Jacques Barzun's 1961 declaration about the perpetual reading crisis reflects ongoing concerns about literacy and education.
- The Trump administration announced the lowest refugee admissions cap in U.S. history at 7,500 spots, sparking debates over immigration policy.
- The U.S. government shutdown has disrupted federal operations, including food assistance programs, education funding, and national security efforts.
- President Trump attended the APEC summit, proposing nuclear weapons testing and discussing trade truce with China, while Xi Jinping suggested a global AI governance body.
- California students show improved access to Advanced Placement exams, reflecting progress in education despite funding challenges.
- Microsoft committed $4 billion to AI skills development over five years, emphasizing responsible AI development.
- SNAP food assistance disruptions due to the shutdown could affect 42 million people, but a federal judge ordered continued payments.
- School voucher programs in red states face backlash for using public funds for private and religious schools, creating political divisions.
- Federal spending on children has dropped significantly, with child poverty rates rising sharply due to expired programs like the Child Tax Credit.
- Critics argue that the age-graded school system isolates teachers and fails to address diverse learning needs.
- Controversial immigration enforcement strategies include replacing ICE directors with Border Patrol officials, leading to civil rights concerns.
- Trump’s militarization of cities and ambitions for a third presidential term raise concerns over democratic norms.
- Trump administration’s policies on gender-affirming care for transgender youth and the militarization of border enforcement spark public resistance and legal battles.
- The rise of Democratic Socialism is proposed as a solution to balance capitalism’s innovation with fairness and societal welfare.
- Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, devastated Jamaica and Haiti, raising climate change concerns.
- Diane Ravitch’s memoir critiques education reform policies and advocates for public education.
- The Trump administration’s "patriotic" history curriculum raises concerns about political interference in education.
- Controversial plans for a $25 million stadium by a charter school in Pennsylvania highlight issues of accountability in public funding.
- The article discusses the role of education in shaping societal values and fostering critical thinking amidst political polarization.
- The author critiques the over-reliance on AI in education, emphasizing the need for creativity and intentionality.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 10-26-25 TO 11-1 25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-top-news-stories-this-week-10-26-25.html
### Key Points
- Scholar Jacques Barzun's 1961 reflection on a reading crisis is revisited, with discussions on the state of education and literacy.
- The U.S. government shutdown continues, threatening programs like Head Start and ACA subsidies.
- A mass shooting occurred at Lincoln University during homecoming celebrations, leading to multiple casualties.
- Hurricane Melissa caused devastation in the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica and Haiti.
- The U.S. Navy conducted a strike on a Venezuelan boat, raising tensions with Venezuela.
- The Trump administration announced election monitors for California and New Jersey, alongside a framework for a U.S.-China trade deal.
- The global literacy crisis persists, with 70% of children in low- and middle-income countries unable to read simple text.
- UNESCO hosted a conference on AI in education, emphasizing foundational skills and teacher confidence.
- The World Bank advocated for early investments in reading programs to address literacy challenges.
- Big Tech companies like Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon reported strong earnings due to AI-driven demand.
- Advances in AI include Google's quantum computing leap, Amazon's AI-powered smart glasses, and Nvidia's partnerships with OpenAI.
- Health updates include FDA approvals for new treatments, research on Alzheimer's reversal, and GLP-1 drugs reducing addiction.
- Sudan's civil war and humanitarian crisis worsened, with escalating violence in Gaza.
- The MLB World Series reached Game 7, and key matches in NFL, NBA, and college sports dominated headlines.
- East Timor joined ASEAN, marking a significant geopolitical development.
- Economic news highlighted U.S.-Vietnam and U.S.-Thailand trade deals, lower-than-expected inflation, and record-high stock indices.
- The Louvre Museum heist arrests and escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela were noted.
- Education updates include the impact of shootings, DEI program restrictions, and new online learning initiatives in India and the U.S.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-1-2025.html
### Key Points
- Scholar Jacques Barzun commented on a historical reading crisis, reflecting on its persistence.
- U.S. government shutdown continues, affecting programs like Head Start, ACA subsidies, and SNAP funding.
- California's redistricting vote could impact the 2026 midterm elections.
- Debate over Daylight Saving Time elimination remains ongoing.
- International issues include Sudan's humanitarian crisis, U.S.-China trade truce, and Saudi Arabia's diplomatic efforts.
- Chronic absenteeism in schools is improving post-pandemic, but Head Start programs face funding risks.
- Major tech firms like Google and Samsung ramp up AI investments, while concerns over AI-driven layoffs grow.
- ACA premium spikes are expected due to expired subsidies, potentially affecting 22 million Americans.
- UCLA researchers develop a new immunotherapy for aggressive breast cancer.
- Sports highlights include the Dodgers forcing a Game 7 in the World Series and Luka Dončić's NBA performance.
- Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna announces retirement, and Jemimah Rodrigues praises India's Women's World Cup win.
Big Education Ape: WALL STREET VS. MAIN STREET AND THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST LIFEBOAT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/wall-street-vs-main-street-and.html
Speaking of the growing divide between Wall Street and Main Street, the article explores the imbalance in American economics. It highlights the unchecked pursuit of profit by Wall Street, often at the expense of societal welfare, and contrasts it with the values-driven approach of Main Street. The piece advocates for Democratic Socialism as a solution to balance capitalism's innovation with the common good, emphasizing fair taxation, regulation, and public ownership of essential services.
### Key Points
- Federal spending on children has dropped significantly, with steeper cuts anticipated.
- Wall Street's profit-driven motives often conflict with the needs of Main Street, which prioritizes community and shared prosperity.
- The unchecked capitalism of Wall Street fosters inequality, environmental harm, and commodification of basic needs.
- Democratic Socialism is presented as a balance, aiming to ensure fair taxation, regulation, and public ownership of essential services to support the common good.
- The current economic model favors concentrated wealth over societal welfare, undermining democracy and the collective good.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 31, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0482083440.html
The article is a compilation of diverse topics, covering political events, climate concerns, education reforms, technological advancements, societal issues, and global affairs. It highlights critical current events like Hurricane Melissa, Trump administration policies, education challenges, AI-driven innovations, and health updates.
glen brown: Ghost Army During WWII https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/ghost-army-during-wwii.html
### Key Points
- The Ghost Army was a top-secret U.S. unit in WWII that used creative deception tactics such as inflatable tanks, fake radio transmissions, and pre-recorded sounds to mislead German forces and protect Allied troops.
- The Ghost Army's mission was to save lives, protect Allied forces, and avoid costly battles through psychological and creative warfare.
- The article reflects on the role of writers and intellectuals in resisting oppression and embracing isolation, quoting figures like Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- It explores a wide range of contemporary issues, including social justice, pensions, education reform, healthcare, climate change, and political controversies.
The Reading Crisis that Always Was and Never Is | dr. p.l. (paul) thomas https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/11/01/the-reading-crisis-that-always-was-and-never-is/
### Key Points
- The "reading crisis" rhetoric has existed for decades, often overstating the problem and failing to provide meaningful solutions.
- Declaring students as "barely literate" serves adult agendas rather than addressing the needs of vulnerable students.
- Historical and current discussions on literacy, such as Jacques Barzun's 1961 analysis, reveal the cyclical nature of this debate.
- Alarmist approaches to literacy issues are ineffective and often driven by political or commercial motives.
- The article recommends historical and contemporary resources for better understanding literacy debates, including works by Helen R. Lowe and Tom Loveless.
Jersey Jazzman: Dear Haters: No, NJ's Schools Don't Suck https://jerseyjazzman.blogspot.com/2025/11/dear-haters-no-njs-schools-dont-suck.html
### Key Points
- The blog defends New Jersey schools against claims of underperformance, emphasizing their high rankings and effectiveness despite socio-economic adjustments.
- The adjusted test scores from the Urban Institute show Southern states like Mississippi and Louisiana surpassing New Jersey when socio-economic factors are accounted for.
- Higher spending and wealth in New Jersey contribute to broader educational benefits like college readiness, which aren't reflected in adjusted test scores.
- The author critiques Jack Ciattarelli’s proposal to emulate Southern states’ education strategies, arguing they are unsuitable for New Jersey.
- The blog urges teachers and families to avoid voting for Ciattarelli, citing risks to salaries, benefits, and pensions.
Who Belongs? Shifting Landscapes in U.S. Immigration Enforcement — Join Us on November 6 – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/01/who-belongs-shifting-landscapes-in-u-s-immigration-enforcement-join-us-on-november-6/
### Key Points
- Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig revisits the University of Michigan for a discussion on immigration enforcement and belonging.
- Immigration policies often treat immigrants as suspects, creating psychological stress and undermining trust in institutions.
- Intersectionality and critical race theory reveal how immigration enforcement intersects with broader systems of inequality.
- Universities and local communities play a vital role in supporting immigrant students and families through privacy protections, legal aid, and solidarity.
- Solidarity across diverse communities dismantles exclusion and strengthens collective resistance to injustice.
- Dr. Heilig’s academic and professional journey highlights his commitment to equity and participatory approaches in education and policy.
Two Important Infographics About Prison Populations Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The article introduces educational resources such as infographics on prison populations and teaching materials for Veterans Day and Native American Heritage Month.
- Highlights include engaging tools like the game “Eat Poop You Cat” for English learners and weekly updates on free AI tools for classrooms.
- It emphasizes the importance of supporting student identity despite challenging political climates.
- Features a curated collection of over 25,000 Pinterest resources and a podcast on effective questioning for leaders.
- Reflects on past contributions to The NY Times Learning Network and shares insights from eight years of ESL/EFL/ELL resources.
- Discusses books offering research-based instructional strategies for various subjects, including Social Studies, Math, Science, and ELL classrooms.
- Provides tips and lesson plans for student motivation and classroom management, along with Q&A-style responses to teaching challenges.
- Mentions videos and blog posts to support educators in improving their teaching practices and engaging parents in schools.
Choosing Democracy: Now is Our Time for Resistance https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/11/now-is-our-time-for-resistance.html
### Key Points
- Trump’s administration is pushing the U.S. toward authoritarianism, with actions like undermining voting rights and consolidating power.
- The Supreme Court appears to support Trump’s actions, further threatening democratic processes.
- Reasons for hope include growing public resistance, Trump’s unpopularity, potential electoral waves in 2026 and 2028, and historical evidence of reversing authoritarianism.
- Research shows that many authoritarian regimes have been reversed within five years through peaceful resistance, offering a path forward.
- Effective resistance requires broader participation, grassroots organizing, and disruptive, nonviolent campaigns that can go viral.
- Labor movements and unions are critical in combating authoritarianism but need to take more active roles.
- Examples of successful resistance include whistleblowers and activists confronting government actions, but more widespread efforts are needed.
- Concrete tactics for sparking a mass nonviolent movement are proposed, inspired by past movements like Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter.
An Open Letter to Retirees: Why We Should Support Zohran for Mayor https://jd2718.substack.com/p/an-open-letter-to-retirees-why-we
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani is firmly opposed to privatizing Medicare and forcing retirees into Medicare Advantage plans.
- Marianne Pizzitola's claims against Mamdani are refuted, and her leadership in retiree healthcare activism is acknowledged but criticized for divisive tactics.
- Mamdani's broader campaign includes free child care, free buses, rent freezes, and resistance to billionaire influence and authoritarianism.
- A coalition of labor leaders and retirees endorses Mamdani for his progressive vision and commitment to working-class New Yorkers.
New Report Shows Right-Wing School Boards Responsible for Book Banning, Censorship and Anti-LGBTQ Policies Across Pennsylvania From Bucks County Beacon https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/new-report-shows-right-wing-school
### Key Points
- A new report by School Board Spotlight (SBS) highlights the rise of repressive school board policies in Pennsylvania, including book bans, censorship, and anti-LGBTQ measures.
- SBS empowers grassroots organizations with information on school boards, which oversee significant decisions impacting $800 billion in funds and 51 million students.
- These policies are part of a broader right-wing cultural movement, promoting exclusionary rules under the guise of "parental rights" while marginalizing diverse voices.
- Pennsylvania has seen widespread adoption of such policies, with legal support from groups like the Independence Law Center, pushing a conservative worldview.
- The Pipeline Education Fund's Executive Director, Denise Feriozzi, warns that these agendas are harmful to the best interests of Pennsylvania's students and parents.
