OCTOBER 17, 2025
- A federal judge has blocked mass layoffs at over 30 government agencies amid the ongoing shutdown, citing political motivations in President Trump's cuts targeting "Democrat agencies."
- The U.S. budget deficit for fiscal year 2025 decreased slightly to $1.775 trillion, down $41 billion from the previous year, despite record-high tariffs and debt payments.
- Across America, men are increasingly falling behind economically and educationally, sparking a new era of masculinity discussions focused on strength and resilience.
- The U.S. government shutdown enters its 16th day with no resolution in sight; federal employees missed their first paychecks, and Senate Republicans rejected a spending deal.
- President Trump escalates pressure on Venezuela by authorizing covert CIA operations, while Vice President JD Vance expresses confidence in eventual peace talks for Russia-Ukraine.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom calls for a federal investigation into explicit messages from Young Republicans' leaders, linking them to GOP rivals ahead of midterms.
- Israel and Hamas exchange bodies of Palestinians and Israelis held during the two-year conflict, following a ceasefire deal that has enabled increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- U.S. President Trump threatens militants over the Gaza ceasefire compliance, while shots were fired at comedian Kapil Sharma's eatery in Canada for the third time.
- Anti-immigration rallies in Australia targeting the Indian community are condemned by Minister Anne Aly, who states they do not represent the majority view.
- Centurion University in Odisha ranks 98th nationally and 1501+ globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
- The VIBGYOR Group of Schools announces Season 17 of VIBGYOR Viva 2025, featuring workshops and competitions in performing arts and logic across 15 cities.
- New York State Education Department releases 75% of questions and reports from the 2025 Grades 3-8 ELA, Math, and Science tests, alongside applications for the 2025 Summer Food Service Program.
- Global economic expansion continues solidly in September per S&P Global PMI data, with annualized growth at 2.7%, though production and services softened slightly.
- IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warns of "buckle up" uncertainty as tariffs weigh on growth, but forecasts 3% global expansion this year due to adaptive policies.
- EU consumer prices rose 2.2% year-over-year in September, the highest since April, with core inflation steady at 2.3%; U.S. payroll growth accelerated to 150,000 jobs/month in Q2.
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman cautions that the AI market may be overvalued, amid broader tech leaders' warnings of a potential bubble.
- Apple’s October 2025 event expected to unveil M5 iPad Pro, updated Vision Pro, and MacBook Pro enhancements, building on recent iPhone launches.
- Coinbase boosts investment in Indian crypto exchange CoinDCX, highlighting growing cross-border tech ties; one of 2025's Nobel Physics winners credits their work for enabling cellphones.
- WHO reports accelerating antibiotic resistance, with sharp rises in low- and middle-income countries due to weak surveillance; one pillar of modern medicine is "showing cracks."
- Spanish study: Calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet plus exercise cuts type 2 diabetes risk by 31%; nematodes' diets activate stress defenses for healthier cells.
- Flu season 2025–26 expected to be moderate; heart attacks in younger people often stem from non-blocked artery causes; skin changes may signal hidden mental health issues.
- NFL Week 6: Falcons' Bijan Robinson dubbed "best player in football" in win over Bills; postgame brawl mars Chiefs' victory, with historic RB revenge against Cowboys.
- College football: UTEP beats Sam Houston 35-17; Jacksonville State tops Delaware 38-25; Big 12 fines Kansas and Texas Tech $25K over fan disputes.
- Cristiano Ronaldo becomes soccer's first billionaire athlete per Bloomberg; Seattle Mariners win ALCS Game 1 3-1 over Toronto Blue Jays.
Tell Linda McMahon What You Think of "Patriotic Education" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/16/tell-linda-mcmahon-what-you-think-of-patriotic-education/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration and Linda McMahon propose a "patriotic education" initiative that revises history curricula to exclude negative aspects of U.S. history.
- Federal law prohibits federal officers from influencing public school curricula, making this initiative potentially illegal.
- Critics, including Diane Ravitch and commentators on her blog, argue that this effort is harmful and serves political agendas rather than educational integrity.
- The Department of Education is accepting public comments on this policy until the deadline, encouraging educators and citizens to participate.
Trump and McMahon Wipe Out Special Education Staff in Education Department https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/16/trump-and-mcmahon-wipe-out-special-education-programs/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, used a federal government shutdown to impose drastic cuts to the Department of Education, significantly affecting the Office for Civil Rights and OSERS.
- The layoffs have weakened federal enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures children with disabilities receive appropriate education and protections.
- Federal responsibilities, such as oversight of IDEA funds and ensuring state compliance with special education laws, have been severely diminished, leaving children with disabilities at risk.
- The dismantling of OSERS and the Department of Education undermines federal authority and shifts responsibility to states, potentially increasing educational inequities.
- The Education Law Center-PA calls for federal legislators and courts to challenge these actions and reaffirm the nation's commitment to educational equity and disability rights.
You Are Invited to Hear Me Talk About My New Book at the Brooklyn Public Library! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/14/you-are-invited-to-the-debut-of-my-new-book-at-the-brooklyn-public-library/ via @dianeravitch
Book Review :: An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else by Diane Ravitch - NewPages.com https://www.newpages.com/blog/books/book-reviews/an-education-by-diane-ravitch/
An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else: Ravitch, Diane: 9780231220293: Amazon.com: Books https://www.amazon.com/Education-Changed-Schools-Almost-Everything/dp/0231220294?
Join NPE President Diane Ravitch as she discusses her new memoir - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/join-npe-president-diane-ravitch-as-she-discusses-her-memoir/
Big Education Ape: TRUMP'S LYIN' EYES (APOLOGIES TO THE EAGLES) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/trumps-lyin-eyes-apologies-to-eagles.html
### Key Points
- A satirical take on Donald Trump's misleading claims and public persona, comparing them to "Lyin' Eyes" by The Eagles.
- The discontinuation of universal free school meals increases student meal debt and stigma, as reported in a study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
- Activism against authoritarianism and the "No Kings" movement, emphasizing protest safety and rights.
- Historical reflections on activism, such as the Boston Tea Party and its relevance to modern defiance against tyranny.
- Critiques of Trump's immigration policies and their impact on protests like the "No Kings Uprising."
- Advocacy for public education and resistance against billionaire influence, as discussed by various education-focused organizations and individuals like Diane Ravitch.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 16, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01388131330.html
### Key Points
- Ending universal free school meals has led to rising student meal debt and stigma.
- AI's impact on education includes the erosion of student-teacher trust.
- A massive explosion at a Tennessee explosives plant killed 16 people.
- Men are falling behind in economic and educational metrics, worsening gender disparities.
- Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrates resilience and cultural stories in Native communities.
- Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez urged action on ACA extensions during CNN Town Hall.
- ACA premiums are set to rise without a shutdown resolution, straining low-income families.
- Trump urged states to nullify Democratic redistricting efforts, escalating partisan battles.
- Nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees were freed, and Israeli hostages were released in Gaza ceasefire progress.
- MarÃa Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize for advocating democracy and human rights in Venezuela.
- Mexico deployed troops for flood rescue efforts after torrential rains caused widespread damage.
- U.S. teachers are increasingly taking second jobs due to stagnant wages, exacerbating retention issues.
- Youth screen use negatively impacts family relationships and mental health, especially among young girls.
- Linda McMahon’s leadership is criticized for dismantling special education services and oversight.
- Diane Ravitch announced her memoir detailing her advocacy for public education reform.
- The No Kings 2.0 protests are organized to oppose authoritarianism and Trump’s immigration policies.
- Leaked chats reveal Young Republican leaders engaging in racist, antisemitic, and misogynistic rhetoric.
- The U.S. government shutdown has delayed paychecks for servicemembers and caused federal layoffs.
- The Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded for research on innovation and technology-driven growth.
- The Washington Post's claim that "phonics won" in literacy education is critiqued for oversimplifying the issue.
- The first nationwide mass protests against the Vietnam War occurred on October 15, 1965.
- Two superintendent candidates were selected in a closed process by Seattle Schools, raising transparency concerns.
- Dr. Naveed Baqir was voted off the Christina Board of Education due to absenteeism and allegations of abuse.
Big Education Ape: ICE AIN’T NICE: THE UNNECESSARY CRUELTY OF TRUMP’S IMMIGRATION CIRCUS—AND WHY IT’S FUELING THE OCTOBER 18 NO KINGS UPRISING #NoKingsProtest #NoKingsOct18 #NoKingsInAmerica https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/ice-aint-nice-unnecessary-cruelty-of.html
Immigration policy under Trump, and the upcoming "No Kings 2.0" protests against authoritarianism and ICE practices. The article highlights the human cost of aggressive immigration enforcement, public backlash, and the need for comprehensive reform.
### Key Points
- Trump's immigration policies, including ICE raids, have intensified, causing fear and disrupting communities.
- Critics argue these policies are unnecessarily cruel, targeting non-criminal immigrants and creating systemic fear.
- Protests like "No Kings 2.0" are being organized to oppose authoritarian practices and advocate for immigration reform.
- The article calls for comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship and humane enforcement.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 15, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0382032414.html
This Week’s Federal Staff Reductions, Now Temporarily Stayed by a Judge, Would Undermine Educational Opportunity Across the States https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/10/16/this-weeks-federal-staff-reductions-now-temporarily-stayed-by-a-judge-would-undermine-educational-opportunity-across-the-states/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- A federal judge temporarily blocked mass layoffs in federal agencies during the government shutdown, citing concerns about legality and political motives.
- Russell Vought's plan to reduce federal workforce includes drastic layoffs in the Department of Education, undermining its mission to ensure educational equity.
- The Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs faces severe cuts, reducing staff from 200 to five, jeopardizing the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Staff reductions in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education threaten the administration of Title I grants, crucial for high-poverty schools.
- The Office for Civil Rights has faced significant downsizing, hindering its ability to address civil rights complaints and enforce equity measures.
- Layoffs in other critical programs, such as TRIO and 21st Century Community Learning Centers, risk leaving marginalized students without essential support.
- The layoffs align with the Trump administration's broader goal to eliminate federal oversight in education and dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The Tollbooth President: Trump’s Tariffs, TikTok, and the New Price of Power and Profit – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/16/the-tollbooth-president-trumps-tariffs-tiktok-and-the-new-price-of-power-and-profit/
### Key Points
- Trump's tariffs, such as the 50% tax on cabinets and 30% on furniture, create economic strain, which he uses to gain political loyalty by redistributing collected funds as subsidies or payments.
- These tariffs are framed as protecting American industry but instead harm workers, consumers, and small businesses while increasing dependence on Trump’s administration.
- The "tollbooth strategy" involves creating economic crises, offering selective relief, and rewarding allies, fostering political dependence similar to dictatorial governance.
- The TikTok case highlights how Trump allegedly leveraged public power to reward loyal supporters, turning national security concerns into opportunities for personal or political gain.
- Corporate settlements with Trump illustrate how economic uncertainty is monetized, with loyalty becoming the key to business success under his influence.
Research Studies Of The Week 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 research studies and their applications in education, including Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and classroom management strategies.
- Upcoming cultural events like Halloween, DÃa de Muertos, and Diwali are highlighted, with related teaching resources provided.
- Media Literacy Week and the National Day on Writing are featured, with resources and teaching strategies for educators.
- The blog includes practical resources for teaching various subjects like Math, Science, Social Studies, and English, with a focus on engaging English Language Learners (ELL).
- The author shares personal work, including books, a radio show, and blog posts, offering strategies to improve teaching and student engagement.
glen brown: Why Protest on Saturday, October 18, 2025 https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/why-protest-on-saturday-october-18-2025.html
### Key Points
- The "No Kings Day" protest on October 18, 2025, aims to oppose authoritarianism and defend democracy.
- The Trump administration is accused of weaponizing the Department of Justice, suppressing protests, and labeling dissidents as "terrorists" under false pretenses.
- Right-wing propaganda misrepresents peaceful protesters while promoting narratives of violence and chaos in blue cities.
- The article criticizes the administration's policies, including tax cuts for the wealthy, attacks on healthcare, free speech, unions, and marginalized groups, and the erosion of constitutional rights.
- The author calls for unity among Americans to peacefully protest and resist these abuses of power.
Poem: i did not come here https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/10/16/poem-i-did-not-come-here/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- Dr. P.L. Thomas is a multifaceted scholar focusing on education, poetry, and critical commentary.
- The article references his poetry, including "i did not come here," which reflects personal and societal themes.
- It discusses the "reading wars" and the emphasis on phonics in education, critiquing its limitations.
- Dr. Thomas addresses broader issues such as social justice, critical media literacy, racism, and educational equity.
- His writings critique neoliberalism, disaster capitalism, and systemic inequities in education.
- The content includes a wide range of topics, from literature and politics to teaching practices and public intellectualism.
Race Science is Back. Again. If you want to understand the Trump administration's education moves, lift up a rock https://educationwars.substack.com/p/race-science-is-back-again
### Key Points
- The Trump administration has significantly cut funding for programs aiding vulnerable communities, including civil rights enforcement, special education, and health services for high-poverty areas, labeling them as "Democrat programs."
- A Housing and Urban Development staffer described these cuts as the "nail in the coffin of the Great Society," while highlighting the resurgence of race science ideologies, which claim that "biology is destiny."
- Race science, with its focus on IQ and genetic determinism, has historically been used to argue against public policy interventions, including public education. Historian Quinn Slobodian links this ideology to periods of social change and critiques its reemergence.
- Despite its reappearance, race science has been repeatedly discredited and clashes with the nation's underlying egalitarian values. The Trump administration's targeting of programs for children with special needs reflects this ideology.
- The article encourages readers to critically engage with these issues and provides links to related podcast episodes and further content.
OCTOBER 16, 1965—60 years ago today! | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/10/16/october-16-1965-60-years-ago-today/
### Key Points
- On October 16, 1965, 37 students and 2 professors were arrested for disrupting a draft board office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as part of a larger antiwar protest.
- Nationwide protests on October 15, 1965, involved over 100,000 participants in over 40 cities, featuring diverse actions such as draft card burnings, teach-ins, and vigils.
- The Vietnam War protests highlighted systemic issues, including imperialism, racism, and economic injustice, and shifted the antiwar movement from pacifism to radical critique.
- Phil Ochs’ 1965 song “I Ain’t Marching Anymore” became an anthem for the antiwar movement, symbolizing the era’s resistance to militarism.
Another AI Side Effect: Erosion of Student-Teacher Trust (Greg Toppo) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/10/16/another-ai-side-effect-erosion-of-student-teacher-trust-greg-toppo/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- AI is affecting student-teacher trust as students often use generative AI for assignments, making education more transactional and less relational.
- Teachers are struggling with the reliability of AI-detection tools, which often misclassify work, particularly for non-native English speakers, creating a low-trust environment.
- Research suggests that AI is prompting educators to rethink assessments, emphasizing intrinsic motivation, deeper learning, and ethical discussions to prevent cheating.
- Some teachers are reverting to handwritten assignments and in-class work to counteract the over-reliance on AI tools.
- The importance of fostering teacher agency and a culture of trust in schools is highlighted as a solution to the challenges posed by AI in education.
Teacher Tom: "Eat This Food, Then You Can Have Some Ice Cream" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/eat-this-food-then-you-can-have-some.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom shares a playful interaction with a two-year-old, highlighting the dynamics of pretend play and its emotional impact.
- The story reflects on how pretend games can evoke real emotions and parallels this to adult-child interactions in daily life.
- Teacher Tom offers resources for educators and parents, invites support for his blog, and provides information for event bookings.
Ending universal free school meals linked to rising student meal debt and stigma Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Ending universal free school meal (UFSM) policies increases student meal debt, stigma, and reduces participation, while states continuing UFSM report stable revenues and improved access to nutritious meals.
- Positive school environments promote physical activity in students, particularly girls, improving mental health and academic outcomes, though activity levels decline as students age.
- LGBTQ+ youth in Delaware face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use compared to peers, with inclusive school policies improving mental health outcomes.
- Early smartphone use among children increases family conflict and reduces emotional sharing with parents, contributing to mental health challenges.
- High screen time in early childhood is linked to lower academic achievement in reading and math, with interventions needed to promote healthy screen habits.
- HEPA air purifiers in classrooms do not significantly reduce respiratory viral exposure, suggesting additional measures like controlling humidity are necessary.
MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 16, 2025 - by MIKE SIMPSON https://ru4people.substack.com/p/morning-news-update-october-16-2025
### Key Points
- The U.S. government shutdown continues into its 16th day, causing significant disruptions, including impacts on cybersecurity and aviation systems.
- Severe storms in Alaska, remnants of Typhoon Halong, have displaced 1,500 residents and prompted urgent housing efforts.
- President Trump authorizes covert CIA operations in Venezuela, escalating tensions with the Maduro regime.
- The U.S. Supreme Court appears likely to weaken a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, potentially impacting civil rights and electoral districting.
- A federal judge blocks mass firings of federal employees during the government shutdown, citing overreach of presidential authority.
- MarÃa Corina Machado of Venezuela wins the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against authoritarianism.
- China tightens export controls on critical technologies, escalating trade tensions with the U.S., while also warning against sanctions over Russian oil imports.
- Hamas threatens to halt cooperation in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, citing Israel's delays.
- U.S. announces 2025 Presidential Scholars and recognizes activists advocating for girls’ education in Iran and Afghanistan.
- Brown University rejects federal funding from the Trump administration over concerns about academic freedom.
- U.S. economic growth hits 4% in Q3, but job market softens; global growth slows to 3.2% due to policy volatility.
- Missouri overdose deaths drop by 26%, attributed to expanded treatment access.
- A study finds no safe level of alcohol consumption in relation to dementia risk.
- India defeats West Indies 2-0 in a Test cricket series, while Ronaldo sets a World Cup qualifier scoring record.
- Los Angeles Dodgers lead 2-0 in the National League Championship Series.
UFT Retired Teacher Chapter Meeting October 16, 2025 https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/uft-retired-teacher-chapter-meeting
### Key Points
- Bennett Fischer, the meeting chair, discussed new health care plans for members under 65, highlighting expanded networks and reduced pre-authorizations.
- Retirees expressed disappointment over high premiums and copays compared to in-service members.
- Debate surfaced around a resolution addressing copays and premiums, with Unity allegedly blocking its introduction.
- Labor Solidarity Committee activities were discussed, emphasizing support for workers and unions but criticized for lack of involvement in key retiree issues like 1096.
- Concerns were raised about the implementation of SHIP copay reimbursements, with detailed instructions provided by Pat Rojas.
- Bennett Fischer emphasized the importance of retirees monitoring health care changes and participating in union activities.
- Mulgrew discussed broader political and economic issues affecting health care and education funding, linking them to union efforts.
- The meeting addressed dental insurance limitations, with calls for better coverage under the UFT Welfare Fund.
- Resolutions about improving discussion and debate at UFT Delegate Assembly were introduced, sparking debates about their alignment with DA regulations.
- Calls for solidarity against rising fascism and appeals for volunteer participation in political canvassing were made.
- The meeting concluded with motions and votes on resolutions, reflecting retiree concerns and efforts to influence UFT policies.
A Shutdown of Compassion: The Latest Assault on Obamacare https://www.changethelausd.com/a_shutdown_of_compassion_the_latest_assault_on_obamacare
### Key Points
- The government shutdown is tied to disagreements over healthcare funding, with Democrats filibustering to protect Obamacare.
- Republicans have historically opposed Obamacare, attempting to repeal it numerous times despite its proven benefits.
- Trump-era healthcare policies have caused millions to lose insurance, worsening health outcomes in Republican-led states that rejected Medicaid expansion.
- States that embraced Obamacare reforms show better healthcare outcomes, highlighting the need for bipartisan solutions.
Keep ICE’s Big Tech partners out of our kids’ counseling services! | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy https://studentprivacymatters.org/keep-ices-big-tech-partners-out-of-our-kids-counseling-services/
### Key Points
- CPS signed a contract with Hazel Health for telehealth counseling services, raising concerns about inadequate student data protection.
- Hazel Health's parental consent form is vague and allows broad usage of student data for research and development, violating Illinois’ SOPPA regulations.
- Hazel Health merged with Little Otter, a Palantir-affiliated company, increasing fears of data misuse and AI training using sensitive student information.
- Advocacy groups are urging CPS to review or cancel the contract before its automatic renewal on December 31, 2025, citing privacy risks and ethical concerns.
- Hazel Health operates in 19 states and 180 school districts, making scrutiny of its contracts and practices essential nationwide.
No Kings: Protest Safety, Know Your Rights & De-Escalation Training 10/15 https://act.aclu.org/a/no-kings-kyr-eng2
No Kings https://www.nokings.org/
