NOVEMBER 8, 2025
- Cornell University Secures $60 Million Settlement with Trump Administration: The Ivy League school reached a deal restoring $250 million in withheld federal research funding after investigations into campus policies.
- Trump Imposes Tariffs on Canada, Prompting Diplomatic Fallout: President Trump announced new tariffs on Canadian imports, leading Prime Minister Mark Carney to declare an "end of ties" in a shocking address, escalating trade tensions.
- Government Shutdown Persists, Canceling Over 1,000 Flights: The ongoing budget standoff has grounded flights at major U.S. airports, stranding travelers and highlighting the economic ripple effects.
- Supreme Court Blocks Full SNAP Food Aid Payments: In an emergency order, the court halted expanded benefits for millions, amid efforts to fund the program failing in the Senate.
- Pentagon Receives Record $130 Million Donation: A major gift bolsters defense initiatives, as reported in top headlines amid broader fiscal debates.
- Democrats Scale Back Demands to End Government Shutdown: Senate Democrats reduced their conditions for resolution, but Republicans remain firm, prolonging the crisis into its second week.
- Trump Proclaims Anti-Communism Week: The White House issued a proclamation honoring the fight against communism, tying into ongoing foreign policy rhetoric.
- Trump Appoints Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff: The president-elect named his co-campaign chair to the key role, signaling continuity in his inner circle.
- Supreme Court Asked to Revisit Same-Sex Marriage Ruling: A decade after Obergefell, challengers seek to revisit the landmark decision, raising questions about its future.
- Judge Bars Trump from Deploying National Guard to Portland: A federal ruling restricts the administration's use of force in protests, rejecting riot claims.
- U.S. Shutdown Cancels 1,000+ Flights, Global Travel Chaos: The domestic budget impasse has international repercussions, with airlines worldwide reporting delays and cancellations.
- Trump Grants Hungary Sanctions Exemption on Russian Oil: The U.S. provided a one-year waiver for Hungary's imports, amid strained NATO ties and energy security debates.
- Canada's PM Declares 'End of Ties' with U.S. Over Tariffs: In response to Trump's trade moves, Mark Carney's address signals a potential realignment in North American relations.
- China's Clean-Energy Boom Reshapes Global Markets: Investments in renewables surge to $600 billion, projected to hit $3 trillion, influencing politics and trade worldwide.
- U.S. Supreme Court Blocks SNAP Aid, Affecting Global Food Security Talks: The ruling complicates international aid discussions at the UN, as U.S. domestic cuts ripple outward.
- Cornell Restores $250 Million in Federal Funding via Settlement: The university's deal with the Trump administration ends probes and secures research grants, a win for higher ed amid budget woes.
- Bowdoin College Shapes Mayoral Candidate Mamdani's Worldview: The small Maine school's influence on progressive politics highlighted in profiles of emerging leaders.
- Delhi Policy Shifts and Kerala's Education Milestone: New reforms in India boost access, while Kerala achieves historic literacy goals, inspiring global models.
- Higher Ed News Roundup: Funding and Policy Debates: Weekly headlines cover shutdown impacts on student aid and calls for smarter workforce training.
- Consumer Sentiment Plunges to Near-Record Low Amid Shutdown: The index fell to 50.3 in November, down 6% from October, as households brace for prolonged uncertainty.
- GOP Rejects Democratic Shutdown Resolution Proposal: Partisan deadlock persists, risking deeper recession as markets show "optimism fatigue."
- Rise of Singlehood Reshapes Global Economy: The "relationship recession" drives shifts in housing, labor, and consumer spending patterns worldwide.
- Tech Sell-Off Deemed 'Healthy Correction' by Strategists: Amid broader market jitters, analysts see the dip as a reset, not a crash, with focus on AI investments.
- Blackstone Offloads $1.8 Billion Flawed Investment: The private equity giant exits senior housing deal, underscoring risks in real estate amid inflation.
- China Bans Nvidia, Intel, and AMD Chips Amid Trade War: Beijing explicitly rejects U.S. semiconductors, stating Trump cannot intervene, accelerating domestic tech push.
- OpenAI Inks $38 Billion Cloud Deal with Amazon: The partnership boosts AI infrastructure, marking one of the largest tech contracts ever.
- November Launches: OnePlus 15 and ChatGPT Goes Free in India: Key releases include high-end smartphones and AI expansions, alongside 100K+ layoffs in sector.
- AWS Builds High-Speed Subsea Cable to Ireland: The project enhances transatlantic data flow, amid rising global AI spending surges.
- Promising High-Growth Tech Stocks to Watch: Investors eye AI and cloud firms as small-caps lag behind large-cap rallies.
- Pfizer Acquires Metsera in Up-to-$10 Billion Deal: The pharma giant's cash buyout targets obesity treatments, paying $65.60 upfront per share plus contingents.
- Trump Admin Adds Temporary Funding for Child Nutrition: Amid SNAP cuts, extra resources injected into programs to avert immediate crises for families.
- Radiation Often Unnecessary for Breast Cancer Patients: New studies show many can skip it post-surgery, reducing side effects without compromising outcomes.
- Big Food Escalates Fight Against RFK Jr.: Industry lobbies intensify opposition to Kennedy's health reform pushes, amid rising scrutiny on processed foods.
- Bird Flu Threatens U.S. Thanksgiving Supplies: CDC warnings grow as outbreaks hit poultry, with global mRNA tech transfers aiming to bolster vaccines.
- Indian Chess Stars Advance in FIDE World Cup: D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa reach third round, boosting nation's chess dominance.
- Boston Celtics Edge Orlando Magic in Thriller: Full-game highlights show intense NBA action, with key plays deciding the matchup.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Drops 41 Points on Bulls: The Bucks star's unstoppable performance leads Milwaukee to victory in high-scoring affair.
- Hofstra Volleyball Extends Streak to 10 with Epic Win: The Pride defeats Towson 3-2 in CAA battle, showcasing resilience in five-setter.
- Augustana Hockey Tops Ferris State 4-2: Vikings' balanced attack secures road win, with four different scorers lighting the lamp.
SCOTUS Pauses Order to Fully Fund SNAP https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/07/scotus-pauses-order-to-fully-fund-snap/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Peter Greene criticizes Arne Duncan for promoting federal tax credit voucher programs, comparing him to Betsy DeVos.
- Duncan and Elorza advocate for redirecting tax dollars to private organizations, claiming it benefits students, but critics argue it undermines public education.
- Greene condemns the revival of failed education reform policies, such as test-and-punish and school choice, which have not improved education outcomes.
- The article critiques Democrats for adopting Republican-style education policies, arguing it weakens their values and fails to address systemic inequities.
Justice J. Michael Luttig Denounces SCOTUS for Failing to Condemn Death Threats to Judges https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/07/justice-michael-luttig-denounces-scotus-for-failing-to-condemn-death-threats-to-judges/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Justice J. Michael Luttig criticized the U.S. Supreme Court for ignoring death threats against federal judges opposing Donald Trump.
- Luttig condemned Trump’s attacks on the judiciary and called for the Supreme Court to denounce such behavior to protect judicial independence.
- He compared Trump’s actions to those of a king, betraying the principles of democracy and the Constitution.
- Luttig emphasized the importance of remembering the Declaration of Independence and its grievances to understand the current threats to democracy.
Jan Resseger: Don't Believe the Lies about State Control of Federal Funds https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/07/jan-resseger-2/ via @dianeravitch
Jan Resseger: Don’t Believe the Lies about State Control of Federal Funds Jan Resseger recently read Arne Duncan’s cheerful hopes for the Trump education agenda and encouraged the public to look at the bright side. Then Jan remembered Arne’s disastrous Race to the Top, which even the U.S. Department of Education rated as a waste of money , and Jan looked elsewhere for advice. She found Kevin Welner’s sage thoughts. My view is that Trump, his budget director Russell Vought, and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon ultimately hope
### Key Points
- Jan Resseger critiques Arne Duncan’s optimism regarding Trump’s education agenda, recalling the failures of Duncan’s "Race to the Top" program.
- The Trump administration aims to convert federal funding into block grants for states, potentially undermining support for public schools and directing funds toward vouchers, charters, and private education.
- Arne Duncan promotes a federal tax credit scholarship program as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allows states to redirect funds for various educational services. However, concerns arise about its impact on public schools.
- Kevin Welner warns that the federal scholarship tax credit program could lead to a rigid, federally controlled voucher system, restricting states’ flexibility and threatening public school equity and stability.
- The program allows funds to be used for a wide range of educational expenses, but critics fear it could prioritize private education over public needs.
- Welner highlights the risks of voucher programs, including low academic achievement, civil rights violations, and lack of regulation for private schools.
- Governors are advised to wait for clearer guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department before opting into the program.
Musk Wins $1 Trillion Contract! Another Reason Mamdani Was Elected Mayor of NYC https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/07/another-reason-mamdani-was-elected-mayor-of-nyc/ via @dianeravitch
- Tesla shareholders approved a $1 trillion compensation plan for Elon Musk, contingent on achieving ambitious financial and operational goals over the next decade, highlighting growing wealth inequality in the U.S.
- The U.S. faces significant social issues, including layoffs, government shutdowns, and attempts to cut programs like SNAP and health insurance benefits, exacerbating economic struggles for the poorest citizens.
- Zohran Mamdani’s election as NYC mayor reflects frustrations with the current economic system and a push for taxing the wealthy to address inequality.
- Discussions on wealth inequality emphasize the unsustainable nature of extreme disparities, with some advocating for higher taxes on billionaires and gradual redistribution of wealth.
- Critics argue that billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have amassed wealth through monopolistic practices, exploitation, and systemic advantages, sparking debates about fairness and economic ethics.
- The federal minimum wage remains stagnant at $7.25/hour since 2009, contrasting sharply with Musk's potential trillionaire status, further fueling concerns about income disparity.
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/
An Education | Columbia University Press https://cup.columbia.edu/book/an-education/9780231563161/
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: BREAKING NEWS: THE PEACOCK GETS PLUCKED: AN AUTOPSY OF CABLE NEWS LATEST IDENTITY CRISIS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/breaking-news-peacock-gets-plucked.html
The article discusses MSNBC's rebranding to "MS NOW" amidst corporate and political pressures, exploring its implications for journalism, media ownership, and credibility. It critiques the shift as a reflection of corporate strategies, technological changes, and political influence, raising concerns about the future of independent journalism.
### Key Points
- MSNBC rebrands to "MS NOW," reflecting corporate panic and attempts to stay relevant in a fragmented media landscape.
- The iconic NBC peacock is abandoned, symbolizing the decline of traditional cable news and the rise of alternative news sources like TikTok and podcasts.
- Comcast spins off networks into a new company, Versant, positioning MS NOW as an independent entity while rumors of a potential buyout by Oracle's Larry Ellison circulate.
- The rebrand raises questions about MS NOW's credibility under political pressure and billionaire ownership, highlighting broader concerns about media integrity.
- The article critiques the state of journalism, questioning its ability to adapt to technological progress and maintain relevance amidst corporate and political dynamics.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 7, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0786106595.html
### Key Points
- Senate Republicans blocked a resolution to prevent President Trump from launching a military strike on Venezuela without congressional approval.
- The Supreme Court held a private conference to decide whether to hear high-profile cases, including challenges related to same-sex marriage protections.
- A Newsweek investigation revealed Chinese citizens buying U.S. citizenship through investments, gaining footholds in tech and real estate.
- President Trump hosted Central Asian leaders to discuss rare earth minerals, aiming to reduce U.S. dependence on China.
- Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens secured reelection, showcasing Democratic resilience in urban areas.
- North Korea launched ballistic missiles, escalating regional tensions.
- Experts warned of genocide risks in Sudan amid civil war atrocities in Darfur.
- Columbia University reported a drop in international student applications due to heightened U.S. visa scrutiny.
- U.S. stock markets tumbled amid fears of AI-driven economic slowdown and layoffs.
- Amazon Web Services announced a subsea internet cable connecting the U.S. and Ireland to improve transatlantic data transfer.
- The FDA approved CAPLYTA as a treatment for major depressive disorder, showing promising results.
- Zohran Mamdani was elected as New York City's youngest mayor, emphasizing inclusivity, affordable housing, and transformative leadership.
- Democrats swept school board races in Pennsylvania, defeating conservatives focused on divisive cultural issues.
- The Trump administration faced criticism for delaying SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, harming millions of Americans.
- Arne Duncan was criticized for advocating federal tax credit voucher programs similar to Betsy DeVos' policies, undermining public schools.
- AI integration in education was critiqued for reducing complex processes into quantifiable data and devaluing traditional educational practices.
- Typhoon Kalmaegi caused devastation in the Philippines, while Vietnam braced for its impact.
- Colorado voters approved tax measures to sustain universal school meals.
- Teacher shortages and funding cuts threatened special education programs in the U.S.
- Menstrual health education remains underprioritized globally, requiring expanded programs to address stigma and misinformation.
- Democrats achieved significant election victories in Virginia and New Jersey, signaling political shifts.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 7, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-7-2025.html
### Key Points
- Cornell University's alleged alignment with Trump policies sparks debate.
- The U.S. government shutdown reaches record length, impacting SNAP benefits, air traffic, and economic stability.
- Democrats achieve significant electoral victories, signaling a shift in political dynamics.
- Global events include Typhoon Kalmaegi in Vietnam, tensions over Taiwan, and Sudan's civil war risks.
- Education trends shift toward nondegree credentials; Colorado funds universal school meals.
- Economic concerns rise as tech stocks decline and China's exports contract.
- Technological advancements include OpenAI's Sora video tool and Google's space-based AI data center.
- Health breakthroughs target cancer treatments and affordable weight-loss drugs.
- Sports updates include NCAA basketball milestones and tragic youth sports incidents.
- Public education advocacy highlights safety measures and climate education efforts.
Zohran Mamdani's victory as New York City's first immigrant mayor reflects a bold vision for unity, inclusivity, and transformative leadership. His campaign emphasized community engagement, affordable living, education, public safety, and a renewed sense of democracy. His victory speech celebrated the diverse coalition that supported him and outlined his plans for a better future for all New Yorkers.
The Lack of Evidence for Ubiquitous Classroom Technology https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/11/07/the-lack-of-evidence-in-support-of-ubiquitous-classroom-technology/ via @CubanLarry
The growing mental health crisis among international students in America Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation have significantly increased among international students in the U.S. from 2015–2024, with a gap between rising needs and access to mental health services.
- A study highlights that students focused on self-improvement and mastering material tend to perform better academically compared to those who focus solely on grades or competition.
- College women, particularly those living on campus, face a significantly higher risk of sexual violence compared to non-college women, with the highest prevalence seen from 2015–2022.
- Research on capitalization skills shows that young students benefit from targeted reminders and exercises that emphasize sentence structure and word roles to improve their understanding of capitalization rules.
- Long school bus commutes negatively impact students' academic engagement and emotional well-being, with longer commutes correlating to lower levels of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement.
Teacher Tom: Seeing the Cage that is Created by Norms and Standards https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/seeing-cage-that-is-created-by-norms.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom shares his experience of visiting art museums with his toddler, noting the personal and reflective value of art rather than adhering to societal expectations of "good parenting."
- He emphasizes the transformative power of art, literature, and other creative outlets in understanding human nature and escaping the constraints of societal norms.
- The "therapeutic state" is critiqued for promoting rigid norms and step-by-step approaches that stifle imagination and emotional depth.
- Teacher Tom highlights the evolving nature of scientific understanding, noting its limitations when applied as rigid truths in parenting and education.
- He concludes by advocating for individual paths to joy and self-discovery, rejecting the fallacy of universal norms and standards.
Schools Matter: He Just Doesn’t Care http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/he-just-doesnt-care.html
Schools Matter: Cornell Sells Out to Fascists http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/cornell-sells-out-to-fascists.html
- The blog post criticizes Cornell University for aligning with fascist ideologies.
- The article emphasizes poverty as a primary factor affecting education quality, rather than teacher performance.
- The blog highlights the negative impacts of excessive testing and corporate influence on education.
- It reviews various educational reforms, policies, and their implications, including critiques of No Child Left Behind and standardized testing.
- The author discusses personal and professional growth for teachers, and challenges in modern teacher education.
We’ve Entered the Whipsaw World – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/07/weve-entered-the-whipsaw-world/
### Key Points
- Project 2025 aims to consolidate federal control, politicize civil services, and reshape education, media, and justice, leading to governance instability as opposing administrations reverse policies.
- Political retaliation escalates, with states and cities becoming targets for funding shifts and partisan-driven policy changes.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other federal programs are now influenced by political ideology, creating a precedent for future reversals.
- The "whipsaw world" erodes norms like compromise and respect for process, turning governance into a partisan tug-of-war.
- Redistricting battles between states like Texas and California highlight the growing cycle of political revenge.
- Governance by grievance leads to fragmentation, as policies and resources are weaponized based on ideological loyalty rather than public need.
- Stability and equity require rules that outlast administrations, but the current cycle of retaliation undermines this vision.
THE PEACOCK HAS LEFT THE BUILDING: A WITTY DISSECTION OF MSNBC’S REBRAND TO MS NOW https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-peacock-has-left-the-building
### Key Points
- MSNBC rebrands to "MS NOW," abandoning its iconic peacock logo and raising questions about its identity and relevance.
- The new name, "MS NOW," is critiqued for its awkward acronym and lack of inspiration, signaling a shift in the network's focus.
- The rebrand is seen as a strategic move to distance itself from NBC amidst political pressures, especially with Trump back in power.
- Comcast spins off its cable networks into a new company, Versant, which now owns MS NOW, signaling corporate restructuring.
- The article raises concerns about the increasing influence of billionaires in media ownership, potentially compromising journalistic accountability.
- The monetization of journalism and the rise of paywalls are highlighted as troubling trends for public access to quality news.
“Every Child Known: The Slogan That Says Everything and Means Nothing” https://norinrad10.com/2025/11/07/every-child-known-the-slogan-that-says-everything-and-means-nothing/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points
- The slogan "Every Child Known," adopted by Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), is criticized as an empty phrase focused on branding rather than meaningful action.
- Authentic relationships with students are essential for education, but MNPS policies, such as scripted instruction and micromanagement, hinder teachers from forming genuine connections.
- MNPS boasts about Social Emotional Learning (SEL) but fails to provide the necessary flexibility for teachers to make it effective.
- Graduation rates in MNPS are significantly lower compared to neighboring counties, with certain schools performing poorly, raising concerns about the district’s effectiveness.
- Tennessee's proposal to allow teaching with only an associate’s degree is criticized for potentially lowering commitment and professionalism in education.
- The article highlights political controversies, including pardons for Tennessee politicians involved in corruption, reflecting broader issues in leadership and governance.
Episode #140: Teaching in Dark Times with Kathryn Zamarron Under the Tree—#140 | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/11/07/under-the-tree-140/
- The podcast episode explores the challenges faced by teachers, students, families, immigrant communities, and marginalized groups in navigating dark times characterized by white supremacist power, cruelty, autocracy, and capitalism.
- Kathryn Zamarron, a Chicago Public School teacher, shares insights on supporting children, youth, and families amidst these struggles.
- Resources such as the CTU Toolkit, Know Your Rights materials, and community initiatives are highlighted to help defend school communities under threat and support neighbors during ICE raids.
- Musical inspirations, including songs by Mana, Los Tigres del Norte, Zack de la Rocha, and Sones de Mexico, are recommended for solidarity and hope.
- The podcast also promotes previous episodes, such as Episode #139, which discusses the history of GI resistance.
A New Nonprofit Would End Public Education in Tennessee Group supports rapid expansion of school vouchers, explosion in charter school growth https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/a-new-nonprofit-would-end-public
### Key Points
- Tennessee Leads, a nonprofit organization, seeks to end public education in Tennessee by 2031 through expanded school vouchers and charter school enrollment.
- The group plans to provide 200,000 education scholarships annually and increase charter school enrollment to 250,000 students, potentially removing half of K-12 students from public schools.
- Expanding school vouchers could cost Tennessee $1.5 billion per year and strain state and local budgets, as seen in other states.
- Tennessee Leads advocates for Direct Instruction as a teaching model, despite evidence suggesting it is ineffective and potentially harmful to student learning.
- Concerns include reduced public school funding, increased local taxes, and unclear plans for accommodating additional charter school students.
Florida’s State Board Poised to Ratify Heritage’s “Phoenix Declaration” – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/floridas-state-board-poised-to-ratify-heritages-phoenix-declaration/
### Key Points
- Florida’s State Board of Education plans to adopt the Heritage Foundation’s “Phoenix Declaration,” signaling an ideological shift in public education.
- The Declaration uses broad, agreeable terms like “parental choice” and “character formation” but is criticized for advancing a political agenda disguised as reform.
- Critics argue the Declaration promotes selective patriotism, undermines diversity, and uses “parental rights” as a means to censor and defund public schools.
- Historian Tad Stoermer highlights five key dangers of the Declaration, including ideological control, rewriting history, and excluding dissenting perspectives.
- The article urges public action to expose and oppose the adoption of the Declaration to protect public education.
