NOVEMBER 5, 2025
- Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies at 84, remembered for his influential role in expanding presidential power.
- U.S. Supreme Court hears case on the legality of Donald Trump's tariffs, potentially reshaping presidential trade authority.
Off-Year Election Results: Democrats scored key victories in off-year elections.
Zohran Mamdani has been projected to win the New York City mayoral race, and Democrats were also successful in New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial contests, viewed as a test of the political mood nearly 10 months into President Trump's second term. - Exit polls from key elections indicate widespread voter dissatisfaction with President Trump's performance.
- Congress approves historic immigration reform bill in a major legislative move.
- Economy emerges as the top concern for voters across racial groups in preliminary polls.
- Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani wins New York City mayor race, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian leader of the city in a historic victory over Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.
- Democrats sweep major races on Election Day 2025, seen as a referendum on the Trump presidency.
- Exit polls reveal voter dissatisfaction with Trump administration in key states like Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City.
- Economy ranks as the primary issue for voters in off-year elections.
- President Trump renominates commercial astronaut Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator.
- Typhoon Kalmaegi kills at least 52 people, mostly in the Philippine province of Albay, with additional fatalities from a related air force helicopter crash.
- China extends visa-free entry policy until the end of 2026 and adds Sweden to the scheme to boost tourism and exchanges.
- Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha focuses on education as key to building fairer societies.
- India and Israel sign defence technology pact during Israeli FM's visit, emphasizing strategic ties against terrorism.
- UPS cargo plane crashes in Kentucky, killing at least three and injuring 11, with toll expected to rise.
- North Carolina teachers consider walking out in November 2025 amid frustrations, though organization is emphasized for effective action.
- Schools in several Indian states closed for Guru Nanak Jayanti holiday on November 5.
- Doha Social Summit highlights education's role in creating fairer societies, with focus on youth and policymakers.
- Mississippi University for Women reports broad enrollment growth for fall 2025, with strong increases in music and art departments.
- Key higher education headlines include proposed compact and student loan rule-making developments.
- Global stocks extend losses with bonds rallying on haven demand amid concerns over high valuations.
- Nasdaq drops over 480 points as AI valuation worries pressure tech sector.
- AMD exceeds earnings and revenue expectations in latest quarterly report.
- BlackRock's Rick Rieder shares optimistic view on U.S. economy, projecting 5% nominal GDP.
- Canadian Prime Minister announces Budget 2025 investments to strengthen communities.
- Tech stocks drive market slide amid fears over AI valuations, with Bitcoin dipping below $100K.
- OpenAI secures $38 billion cloud deal with Amazon in major partnership.
- Philippines' DICT warns of potential DDoS cyberattack on November 5.
- Nintendo increases Switch 2 production forecast to 19 million units.
- Ricoh sells its U.S. Managed IT Services business to Netrix.
- Scientists discover hidden antibiotic 100 times stronger than existing drugs against superbugs like MRSA.
- New clinical data shows oral antiviral treatments may prevent post-COVID conditions (long COVID).
- Worsening listeria outbreak linked to pasta products results in 6 deaths and 25 hospitalizations.
- Super greens powder sold at Sam's Club recalled after reports of Salmonella illnesses.
- Study finds men need more exercise than women to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
- Notre Dame lands in the first College Football Playoff rankings of 2025.
- Novak Djokovic makes successful return to competitive tennis with win in Athens.
- NFL trade deadline sees 26 players dealt, with full tracker, grades, and analysis.
- Wichita State men's basketball pulls away with 15-2 run to defeat UNC Asheville 75-58.
- Top four seeds advance to semifinals in 2025 Sun Belt Women's Soccer Championship.
A Smart Interview About My New Book https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/04/an-interview-about-my-new-book/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch discusses her interview with Tom Discenna about her memoir, appreciating his deep engagement with the book.
- Readers share personal stories about their teaching careers, highlighting challenges and the impact of their work on students.
- Criticism of standardized testing and the focus on excerpts rather than full books in education is voiced, with concerns about its impact on students' critical thinking and love for reading.
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: VIDEO & TRANSCRIPT: ZOHRAN MAMDANI'S FULL VICTORY SPEECH IN NEW YORK CITY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/video-transcript-zohran-mamdanis-full.html
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani celebrates his historic victory as New York City's first immigrant mayor, emphasizing unity, affordable living, and transformative leadership.
- Mamdani highlights the record voter turnout and the importance of community engagement in his campaign.
- He expresses gratitude to supporters, unions, campaign staff, and volunteers for their contributions.
- Mamdani outlines bold policies, including freezing rents, expanding public services, and improving education and public safety.
- He emphasizes the role of immigrants in building New York, calling for inclusivity and challenging political norms.
- Mamdani reflects on the challenges of the campaign, the power of solidarity, and the importance of grassroots efforts.
- He pledges to lead a city that is affordable, safe, and inclusive for all New Yorkers, regardless of political affiliation.
- Mamdani critiques past political leadership and calls for renewed faith in democracy, emphasizing the collective power of the people.
- He thanks his family, campaign supporters, and community leaders for their belief in his vision.
- Mamdani concludes with a call to action to build a more hopeful and equitable New York for all residents.
Big Education Ape: MAMDANI: THE SOCIALIST SPARK THAT LIT A BONFIRE UNDER AMERICA'S BUTT, WIN, LOSE, OR DRAW https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/mamdani-socialist-spark-that-lit.html
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign sparks a national debate on democratic socialism, with his policies like universal healthcare, affordable housing, and free public transit facing criticism from elites.
- Critics, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk, misrepresent Mamdani's platform, equating democratic socialism with authoritarian communism, using fear tactics to oppose his ideas.
- Democratic socialism has deep historical roots in American policy, with examples like the New Deal, Social Security, and Medicare, which were initially criticized but became essential.
- The elite opposition to democratic socialism stems from its challenge to the status quo, particularly tax loopholes and economic inequality benefiting the wealthy.
- The U.S. has a history of opposing socialism both domestically and internationally, often conflating it with communism to justify interventions and maintain corporate interests.
- Mamdani's campaign, win or lose, has reignited discussions on economic fairness, challenging centrists and elites to address systemic issues like housing and wage stagnation.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 4, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_02079510935.html
### Key Points
- AI in education is predicted to grow, with concerns about its role in teaching and cheating.
- Wisconsin rejects Trump’s school voucher scheme, highlighting resistance to privatization.
- Trump administration faces criticism for SNAP benefits funding issues during the government shutdown.
- Zohran Mamdani leads in New York City’s mayoral race, signaling a left-wing political shift.
- The Second World Summit for Social Development adopts the Doha Political Declaration.
- Higher education groups warn of weakened GI Bill protections due to new VA rules.
- UNESCO focuses on gender equality in education.
- OpenAI signs a $38 billion deal with Amazon for cloud services, emphasizing AI expansion.
- Trump renovates the Lincoln Bathroom and plans a $300 million ballroom, prioritizing personal projects over national issues.
- Trump defies judicial rulings on SNAP benefits and conducts unauthorized military actions in Venezuela.
- Diane Ravitch critiques alarmist narratives about failing American schools and advocates for public education investment.
- Thom Hartmann criticizes Senate Republicans for prolonging the government shutdown by not eliminating the filibuster.
- Oxfam’s report highlights the rise of U.S. oligarchy and the need for systemic reforms to combat inequality.
- Class size planning for NYC schools for 2026-2027 begins, focusing on compliance with legal mandates.
- AI literacy for preschoolers raises ethical and developmental concerns, emphasizing the importance of play in early learning.
- Seattle schools face nepotism, immigration enforcement issues, and a math education crisis.
- Cory Doctorow’s book “Enshittification” critiques the deliberate degradation of digital platforms for profitability.
- Jesse Hagopian’s poem critiques social inequality and hunger, warning of potential rebellion due to food insecurity.
- Hurricane Melissa devastates Jamaica and Haiti, raising climate change concerns.
- Privatization efforts in education in states like Texas and Florida threaten public school systems.
- The article critiques Trump-era policies, including tax reforms and their impact on inequality.
- Low financial literacy limits participation in college savings accounts, creating barriers to higher education.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 4, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-4-2025.html
### Key Points
- AI's increasing role in education sparks discussions on teaching assistants and cheating concerns.
- U.S. elections feature key races in New York City, Virginia, and New Jersey, alongside a California redistricting referendum.
- Government shutdown impacts federal workers, SNAP benefits, and air traffic control.
- Former Vice President Dick Cheney's death prompts reflections on his legacy.
- Global developments include the Doha Declaration on social development and U.S. plans for defense spending in South Korea.
- Israel-Hamas conflict continues with ceasefire efforts and U.N. involvement.
- Typhoon Kalmaegi hits the Philippines, causing fatalities and displacement.
- AI advancements in cardiovascular care and tuberculosis screening highlight health tech innovation.
- FDA actions include restrictions on children's fluoride supplements and a resignation amid a federal probe.
- Sports updates include the Dodgers' World Series win, India's maiden Women's Cricket World Cup title, and Kane Williamson's T20I retirement.
Big Education Ape: UNEQUAL: The rise of a new American oligarchy and the agenda we need https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/unequal-rise-of-new-american-oligarchy.html
A new Oxfam report outlining growing wealth disparities, the rise of oligarchy, and policy-driven inequality. It emphasizes the need for systemic reforms to address these issues.
### Key Points
- Cory Doctorow's term "enshittification" highlights societal and technological degradation.
- Oxfam's report "UNEQUAL" examines the rise of U.S. oligarchy, where the wealth of the top 10 billionaires increased by $698 billion in a year.
- Historical policy decisions, such as tax cuts and weakened labor protections, have exacerbated inequality.
- The report calls for reforms, including wealth taxes, stronger labor rights, and a robust social safety net, to combat inequality.
- Economic inequality is further compounded by racial and gender disparities, with minority and female-headed households disproportionately affected.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 3, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0394031472.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of global news, political developments, education reforms, societal issues, technological advancements, and health and sports highlights. Key issues include the U.S. government shutdown, education challenges, AI integration in classrooms, immigration policies, and the impacts of privatization in public education.
No Simple Answers for Kids and Screens* (Sara Konrath) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/11/04/no-simple-answers-for-kids-and-screens-sara-konrath/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Parenting stress has increased dramatically, with nearly half of parents feeling overwhelmed, partly due to financial and time pressures.
- Jean M. Twenge’s book outlines 10 rules to help parents manage children’s use of digital technology, including no devices overnight, delaying social media, and advocating for no phones during school.
- Twenge links rising mental health issues and delayed developmental milestones to the rise of smartphones and social media, though some trends predate these technologies.
- Konrath points out that digital technology may also have benefits, such as fostering empathy and supporting mental health, depending on how it is used.
- Research shows mixed or minimal effects of social media on mental health, with some apps even promoting well-being.
Teacher Tom: How Young Children Learn Self-Discipline https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/how-young-children-learn-self-discipline.html
### Key Points
- Conventional discipline systems often rely on external motivators like rewards and punishments, which treat children as machines rather than human beings.
- True self-discipline comes from internal motivation, which can only develop when children are free to think for themselves and understand natural consequences.
- Challenging behaviors, such as disobedience or rowdiness, are often healthy responses to controlling environments and should be seen as opportunities for learning, not problems to fix.
- Adults should create environments where children can safely explore, experiment, and learn social-emotional skills through trial and error.
- Discipline should focus on helping children understand the consequences of their actions, make amends, and learn how to meet their needs while respecting others.
- The goal is to help children develop self-discipline and community awareness, not to enforce obedience or fear-based respect.
A Look Back: All Student Hand-Outs From My Student Motivation Book Now Online For Free Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog shares posts on educational policy issues, teaching strategies, and motivational resources for students.
- Infographics and videos are recommended as tools for teaching subjects like history, social studies, and global awareness.
- Resources for specific events like Veterans Day and strategies for fostering student identity in challenging political climates are discussed.
- The author’s books focus on research-based instructional strategies for various subjects and levels, including ELL, social studies, and math.
- The blog features additional resources like Q&A-style responses, lesson plans, and parental involvement strategies.
- Contributions to platforms like Education Week Teacher, the New York Times Learning Network, and Bam Radio are highlighted.
Retiree Advocate Fails to Represent And should know better https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/retiree-advocate-fails-to-represent
### Key Points
- The author criticizes the Retiree Advocate (RA) for failing to represent retirees effectively despite being elected on a clear mandate to protect retiree healthcare and oppose Unity Caucus.
- RA has failed to utilize social media effectively, which is crucial for outreach and building an emerging movement, and has not aligned with groups like ABC, which are more adept at social media and alliances.
- Despite promises, RA has not delivered on transparency, engagement, or collaboration with members, and has not granted voting rights to a broader base, limiting its influence.
- RA has made strategic errors, such as not retaining alliances with key groups like Marianne Pizzitola and NYC Public Retirees, which were instrumental in their previous election success.
- The author highlights RA's disconnect from its constituency, lack of support for key initiatives like 1096, and misplaced focus on personal causes rather than addressing retiree needs.
Trump Endangers Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion by Manipulating Vagueness and Fear https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/11/04/trump-endangers-equity-diversity-and-inclusion-by-manipulating-vagueness-and-fear/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The Trump administration's attack on D.E.I. in schools and colleges violates the vagueness doctrine by using unclear definitions and arbitrary enforcement.
- The vagueness doctrine, rooted in constitutional law, protects citizens from laws that are too vague to understand, ensuring due process and preventing arbitrary power.
- Federal judges, including some Trump appointees, have criticized the administration's use of vague executive orders and policies, emphasizing the dangers of unclear rules.
- Vague laws create fear and uncertainty, impacting educators and institutions, and forcing them to alter or eliminate programs to avoid penalties.
- Historical examples, such as post-Civil War Black Codes and Supreme Court rulings, demonstrate the dangers of vague laws in undermining justice and equality.
glen brown: “Trump’s message to 42 million Americans: Eat dirt” https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/trumps-message-to-42-million-americans.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump claimed the U.S. would immediately resume nuclear testing, causing confusion and backlash.
- The U.S. has not conducted nuclear tests since 1992 and relies on simulations and sub-critical experiments.
- The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) has been a global standard since 1996, though the U.S. Senate has not ratified it.
- Resuming nuclear tests could lead to a new arms race, with nations like Russia, China, India, and Pakistan potentially following suit.
- Lawmakers and experts have criticized Trump’s stance, highlighting the risks and the lengthy process required to restart testing.
THE BOGEYMAN OF THE LEFT: MAMDANI, DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM, AND THE ART OF THE STRAW MAN https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-bogeyman-of-the-left-mamdani
### Key Points
- Opponents of Zohran Mamdani employ Cold War-era tactics to label him as a "communist," conflating democratic socialism with authoritarian communism.
- Democratic socialism advocates for policies like universal healthcare, progressive taxation, and a strong social safety net, rooted in American history through programs like Social Security and Medicare.
- Critics of democratic socialism use strawman arguments to exaggerate moderate policies into dystopian scenarios, a tactic employed since the Cold War.
- Billionaires and elites resist democratic socialism due to its threat to wealth redistribution, employing strategies to discredit such movements domestically and abroad.
- Younger generations increasingly view democratic socialism as a necessary solution to economic inequality, despite ongoing resistance from political and economic elites.
Class size planning for 2026-2027 school year has begun! | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/class-size-planning-for-2026-2027-school-year-has-begun/
La planificación del tamaño de las clases para el año escolar 2026-2027 ha comenzado, con las escuelas de NYC obligadas a cumplir con los límites de tamaño de clase establecidos por una ley de 2022. Se están llevando a cabo encuestas y sesiones de capacitación para evaluar el cumplimiento y abordar las necesidades de recursos. Se alienta a las partes interesadas, incluidos padres y liderazgo escolar, a colaborar en soluciones, como la reubicación de espacios o la defensa de recursos adicionales. Se han planteado preocupaciones sobre las exenciones y la transparencia en el proceso, junto con actualizaciones sobre cambios de políticas y de personal.
### Puntos Clave
- NYC está planeando implementar clases más pequeñas para el año escolar 2026-2027, cumpliendo con una ley de 2022 que requiere que el 80% de las clases cumplan con los límites de tamaño.
- Se ha solicitado a los directores de las escuelas que completen encuestas antes del 3 de diciembre de 2025 para evaluar el cumplimiento y las necesidades de recursos, con sesiones de capacitación proporcionadas.
- Se alienta a las partes interesadas a colaborar con los equipos de liderazgo escolar para abogar por la reducción del tamaño de las clases y explorar soluciones de espacio, como anexos o la reubicación de programas de preescolar.
- Los padres y maestros pueden escalar sus preocupaciones a autoridades superiores si el liderazgo escolar no apoya los esfuerzos de reducción del tamaño de las clases.
- El ex subcanciller del DOE, Dan Weisberg, quien anteriormente se opuso a los planes de reducción del tamaño de clases a largo plazo, recibió una exención por conflicto de intereses para continuar asesorando sobre estos asuntos.
- Se encuentran disponibles recursos adicionales, incluidas peticiones, kits de herramientas y encuestas, para quienes abogan por clases más pequeñas.
### Algunas preguntas que podrían interesarte:
1. ¿Qué pasos se están tomando para reducir el tamaño de las clases en las escuelas de NYC?
2. ¿Cómo pueden los padres y maestros abogar por clases más pequeñas?
3. ¿Qué papel desempeña Dan Weisberg en el proceso de planificación del tamaño de las clases?
Arne Duncan's back in the mix, pushing school vouchers and praising Republicans for their school reform efforts. Is he fronting for a Rahm Emanuel run for president in '28? https://klonsky.substack.com/p/arne-duncans-back-in-the-mix-pushing
### Key Points
- Arne Duncan now supports school vouchers and Republican-led education reforms, a significant shift from Democratic norms.
- Duncan’s op-ed, co-authored with Jorge Elorza, revives neo-liberal school reform ideas and endorses federal tax credit scholarship programs.
- The op-ed aligns with Rahm Emanuel’s past voucher program in Chicago, which faced equity and transparency criticisms and expired in 2023.
- Duncan’s tenure as Education Secretary under Obama included controversial reforms like standardized testing and school closures in marginalized communities.
- While critical of Trump’s education policies, Duncan praises Republican lawmakers’ role in driving school-choice reforms.
- Speculation arises that Duncan’s public stance may be a strategic move to support Rahm Emanuel’s potential 2028 presidential bid.
Wisconsin Says "NO" to Trump School Voucher Scheme Privatizers push back on state's voucher resistance https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/wisconsin-says-no-to-trump-school
Wisconsin rejects participation in a federal school voucher scheme introduced by President Trump, prioritizing public education over privatization efforts. The program, which offers tax incentives for private school scholarships, is criticized for disproportionately benefiting wealthy families while burdening taxpayers. Despite resistance from Governor Tony Evers, privatization advocates are campaigning to reverse the decision.
### Key Points
- Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced the state would not participate in a federal school voucher program tied to Trump's legislation, prioritizing public education.
- The program offers tax breaks for donations funding private school scholarships, but critics argue it primarily benefits wealthy families and costs taxpayers over $20 billion.
- Privatization advocates, including Milwaukee’s chamber of commerce, are lobbying to push Wisconsin into the program, despite evidence of similar programs primarily aiding affluent families.
Why Jonathan Bailey is the Sexiest Man Alive... and what that means for the romance genre https://authorkellyrey.substack.com/p/why-jonathan-bailey-is-the-sexiest
### Key Points
- Jonathan Bailey is named People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2025, marking a significant moment for LGBTQIA+ representation.
- Bailey’s appeal stems from his warmth, advocacy for inclusivity, and emotional intelligence, contrasting traditional portrayals of masculinity.
- The romance genre has been shifting towards portraying kind, emotionally literate, and respectful male characters, aligning with Bailey’s persona.
- This cultural shift reflects a rejection of toxic masculinity and an embrace of healthier, more desirable male archetypes.
- Bailey’s recognition validates the evolving expectations for men in both fiction and society, celebrating emotional fluency as attractive.
Terry Stoops Quietly Exits the Florida Department of Education – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/terry-stoops-quietly-exits-the-florida-department-of-education/
### Key Points
- Terry Stoops secretly left his role as Director of ASRD in the Florida Department of Education in August 2025.
- His office, funded by a federal grant, focused on aligning district leadership with Governor DeSantis' conservative agenda, raising concerns about accountability and transparency.
- Stoops' new role is with Defending Education, a conservative group linked to privatization of public education.
- The ASRD office’s purpose and use of resources during Stoops' tenure remain unclear, reflecting broader concerns about politicization of Florida’s education system.
The Coming AI Teaching Assistant Boom (And Cheating) PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/the-coming-ai-teaching-assistant
### Key Points
- The author predicts a rise in AI as teaching assistants, expressing concern about its misuse by teachers for tasks like grading, lesson planning, and writing recommendation letters.
- AI-generated outputs are often presented as human work, which the author considers a form of "cheating" that diminishes the authenticity of educational interactions.
- The reliance on AI could lead to negative consequences for students, such as reduced motivation to write and a lack of genuine human feedback.
- The substitution of human judgment with AI in teaching processes fundamentally alters educational outcomes and raises ethical issues.
- The article calls for transparency and critical reflection on the use of AI in education, urging teachers to openly discuss their reliance on AI tools with students.
- Some commenters argue that technology has always challenged education and that AI might bring necessary changes, while others express skepticism about its benefits.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Early Election Results https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/11/seattle-school-board-early-election.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Kathleen Smith and Jen LaVallee won School Board positions, with The Stranger's endorsements playing a significant role. There seems to be a shift in the School Board's balance of power.
- Election results for other districts include Joe Mizrahi, Vivian Song, and Jen LaVallee winning their respective races.
- Concerns about nepotism in Seattle schools highlight personnel moving between roles due to personal connections rather than merit.
- A past discussion on advanced learning services by Director Geary emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues in school policies.
