OCTOBER 15, 2025
- Government Shutdown Enters 15th Day: The ongoing federal shutdown has led to widespread impacts, including flight delays due to increased sick calls among FAA staff and financial strain on federal workers, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasizing safety amid adjusted schedules.
- Tennessee Explosives Plant Blast Kills 16: A massive explosion at a rural explosives facility leveled the site, felt miles away, with no survivors reported; authorities are investigating the cause.
- Chicago Car Chase Ends in Tear Gas Deployment: Federal agents used tear gas to disperse a crowd after a high-speed pursuit crashed in the city, highlighting rising tensions in urban policing.
- Men Falling Behind in Economic and Educational Metrics: A new report details how American men are lagging in wages, education attainment, and household roles, exacerbating long-term gender disparities.
- Indigenous Peoples' Day Highlights Cultural Stories: NPR spotlights Indigenous narratives across the U.S., focusing on resilience and change in Native communities.
- CNN Town Hall with AOC and Bernie Sanders on Shutdown: Amid the 15-day government funding impasse, progressives Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez urged action on ACA extensions and criticized short-term fixes during a live event.
- ACA Premiums Set to Rise Without Shutdown Resolution: With open enrollment looming, failure to extend funding could spike health plan costs, deterring sign-ups and straining low-income families.
- Trump Urges States to Nullify Democratic Redistricting: Top Republican legislators in key states are following President Trump's call to challenge redistricting efforts, escalating partisan battles over electoral maps.
- Justice Department Charges Political Enemies: At Trump's urging, federal prosecutors have filed criminal cases against several perceived adversaries, raising concerns over politicization of the DOJ.
- CDC Firings Spark Protests and Reinstatements: Over 1,300 staff were dismissed amid budget cuts, but more than half were quickly rehired following backlash from employees and supporters.
- Gaza Ceasefire Progress: Hostage Releases and Prisoner Exchanges: Nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees were freed into Gaza and the West Bank, while the last 20 surviving Israeli hostages were released by Hamas after over two years in captivity, marking phase one of a fragile truce.
- Venezuelan Opposition Leader Wins Nobel Peace Prize: MarÃa Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel for her advocacy for democracy and human rights amid political repression.
- Mexico Deploys Troops for Flood Rescue Efforts: Torrential rains caused widespread damage; 10,000 soldiers joined civilian teams in Poza Rica and beyond to aid recovery.
- Mali Mandates U.S. Diplomats to Leave: The Foreign Affairs Ministry ordered American personnel out, straining bilateral ties amid regional instability.
- BRICS Expansion Challenges Western Global Influence: The group's growing membership and economic clout is countering dominance in international institutions, per CFR analysis.
- U.S. Department Announces 2025 Presidential Scholars: Secretary Linda McMahon honored 161 outstanding high school seniors for academic excellence and leadership.
- Enforcement Action Against Fairfax County Schools: The Student Privacy Policy Office cited violations of the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, focusing on survey protections.
- New National Assessment Governing Board Members Named: McMahon appointed fresh leadership, including a new chair, to oversee educational standards and testing.
- SEL Terminology Politicized in Education Marketing: Companies are rephrasing "social-emotional learning" to navigate controversies while promoting related programs.
- Foreign Workers Fill Critical Education Roles: Leaders in higher ed and K-12 rely on international talent for shortages in teaching and administration.
- Fed's Powell Highlights Tariff and Immigration Pressures: Chair Jerome Powell noted stronger growth and productivity but warned of inflation risks from policies, with firms absorbing costs short-term.
- Global PMI Signals Solid but Softening Expansion: September data shows 2.7% annualized growth, below pre-pandemic averages, with easing in production and services.
- IMF Projects Modest Global Slowdown Amid Volatility: Growth at 3.2% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, influenced by fiscal stimuli, AI investments, and policy shifts like tempered tariffs.
- Third-Quarter U.S. GDP Estimates Revised Upward: Near 4% growth forecast, contrasting a softening job market with recent payroll losses.
- 2025 Nobel in Economics Awarded for Innovation Research: Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt recognized for work on technology-driven growth.
- Apple's October Event Teases M5 iPad Pro and Vision Pro Updates: Expected reveals include the powerful M5 chip for iPad Pro, refreshed MacBook Pro, and enhancements to the Vision Pro headset.
- Microsoft Patches 172 Vulnerabilities, Including 6 Zero-Days: October's Patch Tuesday addresses critical exploits in Windows and Office, urging immediate updates for security.
- Huawei Advances 5G-Advanced Solo: The firm forecasts 100 million compatible smartphones by year-end, accelerating despite U.S. restrictions.
- Indian Startup GalaxEye Launches Mission Drishti: A 160kg multisensor satellite for real-time Earth imaging, boosting AI-driven observation from 2026.
- AI Survey Reveals Client Indifference to Edited Photos: Photographers report less stress as clients fail to spot AI alterations, signaling a shift in industry norms.
- Calorie-Reduced Mediterranean Diet Cuts Diabetes Risk by 31%: Combined with exercise and support, the regimen shows strong preventive effects in new Spanish research.
- Enhanced Vitamin K Analogues Boost Neuron Growth: Synthetic compounds outperform natural versions, activating receptors to aid neurogenesis for brain health.
- Brain Cell Changes Linked to Depression Identified: Genomic analysis reveals altered neurons and microglia activity tied to mood and inflammation in affected individuals.
- Low-Dose Radiation Eases Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: Korean study finds benefits in mobility without side effects, outperforming placebo in mild cases.
- C-Section Linked to Postpartum Pain and Sleep Issues: Women face higher risks of chronic discomfort and disorders months after delivery, per large-scale data.
- Las Vegas Aces Sweep Phoenix Mercury for WNBA Title: A'ja Wilson's historic Finals performance clinches the 2025 championship, solidifying her as a generational star.
- Hurricanes Edge Flyers 4-3 in OT Thriller: Seth Jarvis's late goal lifts Carolina in a high-stakes preseason matchup.
- Ohio State Dominates Illinois 34-16: The No. 1 Buckeyes convert three takeaways into 21 points in a decisive Big Ten victory.
- Mercedes Locks in Russell and Antonelli for 2026 F1: The team confirms its unchanged lineup for the new regulations era, ending speculation.
- Rockets Face Hawks in NBA Preseason Clash: Houston travels to Atlanta for a key tune-up game, with box scores and highlights drawing early attention.
Azar Nafisi Will Speak at Wellesley College on October 29! You Are Invited to Attend! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/15/azar-nafisi-will-speak-at-wellesley-college-in-october-29/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Azar Nafisi will speak at Wellesley College on October 29, 2025, about the power of literature in resisting authoritarianism.
- The lecture, titled "READ DANGEROUSLY," will draw from Nafisi's experiences in Iran and the U.S., highlighting literature's role in promoting democracy and freedom.
- Nafisi is the author of the bestseller "Reading Lolita in Tehran" and has a rich background in literature and advocacy for freedom of expression.
- The event is free, open to the public, will be live-streamed, and includes a Q&A session.
Ed Johnson's Fascinating Exchange with AI About the Hypocrisy of Charter Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/15/ed-johnsons-fascinating-exchange-with-ai-about-charter-schools/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Ed Johnson, a systems thinker, critiques the fragmentation and privatization of public schools, aligning with W. Edwards Deming's philosophy against competition in public systems.
- Charter schools, while legally public, operate independently and are managed by nonprofit organizations or boards, creating a hybrid model of governance.
- Public charter schools receive public funding but maintain private operational structures, raising questions about their accountability and transparency.
- The legal framework allows charter schools to toggle between public and private identities for benefits, which critics argue is hypocritical and undermines public trust.
- Critics highlight that charter schools often misuse public funds, lack oversight, and contribute to the privatization of education.
- The privatization of public education is seen as a broader trend that undermines democratic integrity and public accountability.
- Charter schools are described as private goods offering public services, which challenges the traditional understanding of public education.
- The article includes a satirical critique of the charter school business model, exposing potential for financial misuse and lack of focus on actual education.
- Public education is emphasized as a cornerstone of democracy, with critiques of charter schools highlighting their role in fragmenting public systems and diverting resources.
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
### 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
### Key Points
- Voters in 19 Oklahoma school districts decided on school bond packages, with 15 districts passing their proposals.
- The U.S. government shutdown enters its 13th day, risking military paycheck delays and causing federal worker layoffs.
- SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully completed its 11th flight test, achieving all major objectives.
- The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their work on innovation and economic growth.
- A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas resulted in prisoner exchanges, though both sides continue to trade accusations.
- Russian drones struck a UN aid convoy in Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing conflict's dangers.
- Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes escalated, with Afghanistan reporting the deaths of 58 Pakistani soldiers.
- U.S. teachers increasingly take second jobs to supplement stagnant wages, exacerbating retention issues.
- Apple's October event is expected to unveil new products, including an M5-powered iPad Pro and updated Vision Pro headset.
- OpenAI plans to allow verified adult users to access mature content on ChatGPT starting December.
- CDC faces significant layoffs amid the government shutdown, with nearly a quarter of its workforce at risk.
- Diane Ravitch announced her memoir, *An Education*, detailing her shift from supporting conservative education reforms to advocating for public education.
- President Trump plans to construct a triumphal arch for the U.S. 250th anniversary, sparking criticism for its symbolic contradictions.
- Arkansas’s school voucher program primarily benefits students already in private schools, raising concerns about its impact on public education.
- RFK Jr. faced backlash for controversial remarks on vaccines, circumcision, and COVID-19, leading to accusations of anti-Semitism.
- The school choice movement has shifted from promoting diverse educational options to enforcing ideological values, undermining its original goals.
- Leaked chats revealed Young Republican leaders engaging in racist, misogynistic, and antisemitic rhetoric, sparking backlash.
- Ashana Bigard’s book *Beyond Resilience Katrina 20* addresses systemic racism in New Orleans' education system post-Hurricane Katrina.
- The Washington Post's claim that "phonics won" in the reading wars is critiqued for oversimplifying literacy education.
- Biden's failure to broker a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict is attributed to internal Democratic Party resistance and strategic missteps.
- The article critiques AI systems for perpetuating outdated or incorrect data, emphasizing the need for human intervention to correct errors.
- A nationwide protest against Trump, organized by civil rights groups, is expected to draw millions on October 18.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 14, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0866098505.html
The article compiles a wide range of topics, including politics, education, technology, health, and societal movements. It highlights significant news stories and blog posts from October 2025, focusing on issues such as the U.S. government shutdown, controversial education reforms, global conflicts, advancements in technology, and the fight for democracy.
Distorting Reality: How Education Makes Us Fear Our Own Voices – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/15/how-education-makes-us-fear-our-own-voices/
Distorting Reality: How Education Makes Us Fear Our Own Voices
### Key Points
- Paul Bloom argues that American education fosters caution over courage, teaching students to follow rules and prioritize pleasing authority, which continues into professional life.
- Dual consciousness emerges as individuals maintain a split between internal beliefs and external compliance for survival in rigid systems, leading to exhaustion and loss of authenticity.
- Shocks, such as crises or sudden changes, are used by leaders to enforce obedience and suppress dissent, reinforcing fear and dual consciousness.
- Fear becomes a self-regulating force, silencing dissent and discouraging bravery across sectors, from academia to corporate settings.
- Collective resistance, safe spaces for honesty, and leadership that encourages dissent are critical to overcoming dual consciousness and fostering innovation and authenticity.
- The article emphasizes the need for bravery and authenticity in education, workplaces, and leadership to counter fear-based conformity and preserve moral clarity.
Diwali Is On Oct. 20th – Here Are Teaching & Learning Resources Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, begins on October 20, 2025, and related teaching resources are shared.
- Media Literacy Week will take place from October 27 to October 31, 2025, with suggested teaching materials.
- Historical and educational insights are shared about writer Hannah Arendt, born in 1906.
- The importance of writing is emphasized with resources for the National Day on Writing on October 20, 2025.
- Positive teacher-student relationships are highlighted as a key classroom management strategy.
- The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, 2025, is accompanied by teaching resources.
- The article critiques student evaluations in college and discusses their impact on universities.
- Free resources from the author’s books and blog are made available for educators.
- Practical instructional strategies and lesson plans are provided for various subjects, including Social Studies, English, Math, and Science.
- Resources for supporting English Language Learners (ELL) at all proficiency levels are shared.
- Strategies for motivating students and engaging parents in education are discussed.
The Ice Age Cometh: How the Unnecessary Cruelty of King Trump’s Immigration Policy is Fueling the ‘No Kings 2.0’ Revolution https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-ice-age-cometh-how-the-unnecessary
### Key Points
- The Trump administration's immigration policies are characterized by unnecessary cruelty, including aggressive ICE raids and targeting of civilians in sensitive locations like schools and hospitals.
- These actions have caused widespread fear, trauma, and community disruption, with children suffering long-term effects such as PTSD and academic decline.
- The policies are viewed as political theater, showcasing authoritarian tendencies through militarization, budgetary power grabs, and silencing dissent.
- Critics argue that the current approach is not a functional immigration policy but a wasteful and inhumane system of detention and abuse.
- The "No Kings 2.0" protests aim to challenge these policies, emphasizing the need for legislative immigration reform and rejecting authoritarianism.
MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 15, 2025 - by MIKE SIMPSON https://ru4people.substack.com/p/morning-news-update-october-15-2025
### Key Points
- Over 1 million U.S. servicemembers face delayed paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown, affecting military and federal operations.
- Alaska is seeking housing solutions for communities devastated by Typhoon Halong’s remnants.
- Federal layoffs in the Department of Education raise concerns about civil rights oversight and funding disruptions.
- The Trump administration revokes visas for foreigners expressing anti-American sentiments and tightens ICE enforcement priorities.
- Russia disputes U.S. claims about its economic struggles, while global tensions continue with NATO meetings and defense initiatives in Moldova.
- China unveils a high-speed train reaching 720 km/h, aiming to revolutionize travel.
- Global hunger worsens, with over 830 million people affected due to conflicts and climate change.
- The IMF projects a modest global economic slowdown, with U.S. growth hampered by tariffs and lower migration rates.
- Oil prices surge to $105/barrel, sparking inflation concerns.
- Apple announces new hardware releases, while Intel re-enters the AI chip market.
- Advances in health research include genomic studies on depression, enhanced vitamin K for neurogenesis, and the impact of social determinants on brain health.
- Medicare open enrollment begins amidst rising healthcare costs.
- Sports updates include India’s cricket series win, Brazil’s loss to Japan, and geopolitical tensions barring Israeli gymnasts from competitions.
- Education updates highlight U.S. Presidential Scholars awards and concerns over federal staff reductions impacting schools.
glen brown: "This year’s Nobel prize committee wound up illustrating the degree to which Trump is inimical to peace, progress, and prosperity" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/this-years-nobel-prize-committee-wound.html
### Key Points
- The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 was awarded to Maria Corina Machado for her efforts in promoting democracy and opposing authoritarianism in Venezuela, highlighting the importance of democracy as a foundation for lasting peace.
- The article draws parallels between the authoritarian tactics of regimes like Venezuela's and those attributed to Donald Trump, criticizing his approach to governance, media, and elections.
- Nobel Prize winners in economics also indirectly criticized Trump’s policies, particularly his trade wars and protectionism, which were seen as detrimental to global growth and innovation.
- The article argues that the Nobel Committee’s celebration of democracy, peace, and economic progress serves as a rebuttal to Trump's leadership style and policies.
- The author suggests that Trump’s actions align with global authoritarian trends, making him unlikely to receive a Nobel Peace Prize despite his aspirations.
Robert De Niro on No Kings http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/10/robert-de-niro-on-no-kings.html
### Key Points
- Leaked Telegram chats reveal Young Republican leaders using racist, antisemitic, and misogynistic language, joking about gas chambers, slavery, and rape.
- Kansas Young Republicans’ vice chair William Hendrix and New York State Young Republicans’ vice chair Bobby Walker were among the participants using slurs and offensive rhetoric.
- The chats include violent fantasies, such as references to gas chambers and physiological torture methods, reflecting extremist ideologies.
- The group chat members discussed their campaign to take over the Young Republican National Federation on a hardline pro-Trump platform.
- Prominent GOP figures, including Elise Stefanik and Rob Ortt, condemned the leaked messages, calling for resignations.
- The chats reflect the normalization of hate speech and extremist rhetoric among younger GOP members, influenced by Trump-era political discourse.
- Participants joked about mishandling finances of the New York State Young Republicans, with the organization reportedly in significant debt.
- Allegations of infighting and extortion among Young Republicans led to the chat’s exposure, with some participants accusing others of character assassination.
- The leaked messages included references to white supremacist symbols and rhetoric, further highlighting extremist views in the group.
- Some members of the chat faced professional consequences, such as job terminations or rescinded offers, following the leak.
- Participants in the chat made offensive comments about minority groups, including Black, Asian, Jewish, and Hispanic communities.
- Internal conflicts within the Young Republicans have escalated, with accusations of financial mismanagement and toxic behavior.
- The chats reveal the influence of prominent conservative figures and Trump’s rhetoric on the group’s extremist discourse.
Alert: Federal Special Education Staffing Gutted Putting IDEA Protections at Risk - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/alert-federal-special-education-staffing-gutted-putting-idea-protections-at-risk/
- Hundreds of staff from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) were laid off, jeopardizing the administration and monitoring of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- The layoffs threaten the distribution and oversight of $15 billion in federal funding for special education, potentially leaving millions of students without essential services.
- The dismantling of OSERS undermines IDEA’s legal mandate to ensure free and appropriate public education for children with special needs.
- Advocacy is urged to restore OSERS cuts by contacting Linda McMahon, who previously pledged to protect IDEA and its beneficiaries.
Join NPE President Diane Ravitch as she discusses her memoir: An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else https://actionnetwork.org/events/join-npe-president-diane-ravitch-as-she-discusses-her-memoir-an-education-how-i-changed-my-mind-about-schools-and-almost-everything-else-2/
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch will discuss her memoir, detailing her growth and changing perspectives on public education.
- The event is scheduled for November 10, 2025, at 3:30 PM EDT.
- Carol Burris will join Diane Ravitch in the discussion, providing additional insights.
- The memoir is described as a beautifully written account of Ravitch’s personal and professional evolution.
- The event is sponsored by the Network for Public Education.
- Email updates for this event are available for subscribers.
Youth screen use can cause problems The presence of cellphones can have a negative impact on family relationships and youth mental health, according to two new studies from the University of Georgia. https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/10/youth-screen-use-can-cause-problems.html
- Youth screen use, especially smartphones, negatively impacts family relationships and youth mental health, increasing family conflict and reducing emotional sharing between parents and children.
- Researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 families and found that screen use, particularly social media among young girls, correlated with family disagreements, emotional struggles, and self-comparison.
- Early smartphone ownership reduces parent awareness of children's emotional issues, leading to gaps in communication and increased internalization of problems.
- Adolescents who rely on social media for support may experience heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can persist into adulthood.
- Researchers recommend delaying smartphone ownership, setting screen time limits, and prioritizing face-to-face family interactions to mitigate these effects.
Teacher Tom: "A Strong, Demanding Love" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-strong-demanding-love.html
### Key Points
- Love is described as a strong, demanding force that allows individuals to be their authentic selves, rather than shaping them to fit others' expectations.
- Bell hooks highlights love as a politicized, active practice aimed at ending oppression and fostering communion with the world.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes that love in teaching is not about control but about nurturing children to grow into their true selves, celebrating their individuality and freedom.
- Love is positioned as a courageous act and an antidote to fear, which upholds structures of domination.
- Teacher Tom offers resources and support for educators and parents to create thriving, play-based learning environments.
Nancy Bailey's Education Website: Linda McMahon’s Reckless and Scary Disregard for Special Education History | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/linda-mcmahons-reckless
### Key Points
- Linda McMahon’s lack of understanding regarding special education history and her push to dismantle the U.S. ED could reverse decades of progress for students with disabilities.
- The Trump administration proposed cuts to IDEA Part D funding, which supports critical special education services, leading to concerns about the future of these programs.
- Eliminating the U.S. ED could lead to a lack of accountability, with states potentially failing to comply with IDEA mandates, harming students with disabilities.
- Historical context reveals the poor conditions for students with disabilities before IDEA, emphasizing the importance of federal oversight.
- Current state-level examples, such as Alaska, Florida, Missouri, and Virginia, illustrate the challenges of underfunding, teacher shortages, and inadequate services for special education.
- The broader corporate reform agenda seeks to reduce accountability and funding for special education, leaving parents to fight harder for their children’s rights.
CURMUDGUCATION: Did The Class of '92 Destroy America https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/did-class-of-92-destroy-america.html
### Key Points
- The Atlantic article by Idrees Kahloon attributes declining student achievement to factors like low expectations, technology, and policy issues, but the author criticizes its assumptions.
- NAEP reading scores are at their lowest since 1992, but the author questions whether these scores have led to significant societal consequences.
- The author argues against manufactured panic over test scores, advocating for evidence-based conclusions about their long-term impact.
On this day in 1965 The first nationwide mass protests against the Vietnam War https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/on-this-day-in-1965
- On October 15, 1965, the first nationwide mass protests against the Vietnam War occurred, with over 100,000 participants in more than 40 cities, marking a significant moment of resistance.
- Demonstrations included draft card burnings, vigils led by clergy, teach-ins by students, and protests by groups such as the UAW and NAACP, highlighting the war's impact on Black and working-class communities.
- The Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) played a key role in organizing the protests, framing the Vietnam War as a symptom of systemic issues like imperialism, racism, and economic exploitation, shifting the antiwar movement toward a radical critique.
- October 15, 1965, became a turning point where the Vietnam War was seen not just as a foreign policy issue but as a moral crisis, despite being downplayed by the press and dismissed by the White House.
- Phil Ochs’ song “I Ain’t Marching Anymore” became a powerful anthem for the antiwar movement, symbolizing the resistance and radicalization of a generation.
NIMBU Not in my bloody union--UFT Delegate Assembly October 15, 2025 https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/nimbu
### Key Points
- The author criticizes UFT President Michael Mulgrew for undermining democracy and transparency within union meetings and decision-making processes.
- Mulgrew is accused of failing to address the needs of paraprofessionals effectively, despite raising the issue during an election period. The author claims this was a political move rather than genuine concern.
- The UFT leadership is criticized for not using allocated funds to address staffing shortages and for sidelining paraprofessionals in past negotiations.
- The union's handling of voting during remote meetings is questioned, with some members reporting that their votes were not acknowledged. This raises concerns about fairness and representation.
- The article highlights ongoing issues with class sizes, cell phone bans, and the implementation of MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) policies, which have caused confusion and frustration among educators.
- The UFT has supported various resolutions, including advocating for paraprofessionals, fair pay for actors and musicians, play-based learning, and opposing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.
- The author critiques the lack of oversight in co-located schools and calls for a better process to address space allocation issues.
- Concerns are raised about the treatment of asylum-seeking students and the need for protections for vulnerable children.
- The article emphasizes the need for better technology training and professional development for educators.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Quick Board Special Meeting Yields Two Superintendent Candidates. https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/10/quick-board-special-meeting-yields-two.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Two superintendent candidates were chosen from 40 applicants during a closed process, with confidentiality maintained for final interviews.
- Concerns were raised about transparency and public engagement in the superintendent selection process.
- Questions remain about the candidates' identities, their current roles, and the timeline for interviews and announcements.
- Nepotism in Seattle Schools is highlighted, with examples of personnel promotions based on personal connections.
- Director Geary discussed advanced learning services at a past Board meeting.
Dr. Naveed Baqir Voted Off Christina Board of Education https://exceptionaldelaware.wordpress.com/2025/10/15/dr-naveed-baqir-voted-off-christina-board-of-education/ via @ExcptlDelaware
- The Christina Board of Education voted to declare Dr. Naveed Baqir’s seat vacant in District F with a vote of four yes, two no, and one abstention (Baqir).
- Dr. Baqir has been absent from the district, and even the country, for over a year and ten months, which led to calls for his removal.
- Allegations of abuse and financial mismanagement have been raised against Dr. Baqir, along with criticism of his lack of physical presence in the district.
- Baqir attempted to claim credit for bringing families to the district due to his wife’s school closure, while also alleging that his removal was politically motivated.
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/
Indivisible https://indivisible.org/
