OCTOBER 20, 2025
- Government Shutdown Escalates: The ongoing federal shutdown, now in its third week, has delayed critical announcements like the Social Security Administration's 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), now set for October 24. Early estimates suggest a modest 2.7% increase in benefits, amid concerns over funding for programs like WIC.
- "No Kings" Protests Spread Nationwide: Thousands rallied in over 2,600 U.S. cities over the weekend against perceived authoritarian policies under President Trump, with organizers decrying anti-immigration measures and federal program cuts. Protests are expected to continue amid the shutdown.
- National Guard Deployment to Portland Approved: A federal appeals court overturned a lower ruling, paving the way for President Trump's deployment of the National Guard to address unrest in Portland, Oregon.
- White House East Wing Demolition Begins: Construction crews started tearing down parts of the White House's East Wing for President Trump's proposed $250 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom, despite lacking full federal approval. Trump described it as an "honor" during a meeting with a college baseball team.
- Shutdown Standoff in Congress: Senate Republicans scheduled a 10th failed vote on a funding bill to extend operations through November 21, highlighting deep partisan divides. Democrats are focusing on cost-of-living issues to rally voters ahead of 2026 midterms.
- Trump on Prosecutions and Rivals: In a Fox interview, President Trump claimed he could intervene in indictments against political opponents but has chosen not to, amid GOP complaints about left-wing rhetoric.
- China's Communist Party Plenum Kicks Off: Xi Jinping and top elites convened in Beijing for a key five-year planning meeting, focusing on economic goals, innovation, and global trade amid U.S. tariff threats.
- Gaza Aid Crisis Deepens: The UN World Food Programme warned that famine in northern Gaza persists due to closed border crossings, urging full access to deliver aid to vulnerable populations.
- Yemen Red Sea Tensions Rise: Satellite imagery shows a new airstrip under construction on Zuqar Island, built by anti-Houthi forces, escalating regional conflicts in the strategic waterway.
- Higher Ed "Compact" Faces Backlash: Most of the nine universities initially selected for the Trump administration's Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education have declined to sign, rejecting conditions for federal grant priority.
- Department of Education Layoffs Hit 465: Amid the government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Education furloughed hundreds of staff, disrupting operations and budget discussions for 2026.
- 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Announced: Secretary Linda McMahon revealed 161 honorees, recognizing top high school seniors for academic excellence and leadership.
- Global Growth Steady but Fragile: The IMF's October update projects 3.2% global GDP growth for 2025, down slightly from prior forecasts, driven by AI investments and fiscal stimulus but tempered by trade tensions and inflation.
- U.S. Tariffs Delay Trade Impact: The WTO reports that anticipated U.S. tariffs will hit global goods trade harder in 2026 due to 2025 stockpiling, potentially slowing growth; EU inflation ticked up to 2.2% in September.
- PMI Signals Solid Q3 Expansion: S&P Global's September PMI indicates global economic growth at 2.7% annualized, below pre-pandemic averages but resilient despite shutdowns and uncertainties.
- Samsung XR Headset Reveal Tonight: Samsung is set to unveil its highly anticipated mixed-reality headset at 10 PM ET, aiming to compete in the growing XR market with advanced features.
- AI Funding Boom Continues: Startups like CoMind (brain-monitoring tech, $102.5M total) and Golpo (AI video generation) secured major rounds, highlighting investor focus on AI applications in health and media.
- Huawei Advances 5G-A Solo: Huawei forecasts 100 million 5G-Advanced compatible smartphones by year-end, pushing forward despite U.S. restrictions, with broader implications for global connectivity.
- New Cancer Therapy Breakthrough: Researchers developed a targeted treatment that halts tumor growth without harming healthy cells, offering hope for more precise oncology options.
- Weight-Loss Surgery Outperforms GLP-1 Drugs: Cleveland Clinic study shows bariatric surgery yields better long-term outcomes for obesity and diabetes, reducing risks for heart, kidney, and eye issues compared to medications like Ozempic.
- Flu Vaccine Effectiveness at 50%: Southern Hemisphere data previews a moderate 2025-26 U.S. flu season; experts urge eligible individuals to vaccinate early, with Obamacare enrollment starting November 1.
- Florida Gators Fire Coach Billy Napier: After a 3-4 start, the Gators dismissed Napier; top candidates include Lane Kiffin and Billy Liucci, with key transfers and recruits now in play.
- NFL Week 7 Highlights: The Cowboys' defense rebounded with DaRon Bland's pick-six in a win; fantasy pickups focus on bye-week survivors like Christian Kirk (out with hamstring injury).
- Warriors vs. Lakers Preseason Clash: The NBA season opener pits Golden State against the Lakers tonight, with betting odds favoring the Lakers amid injury concerns for key players like Deebo Samuel (wait, no—likely a mix-up; focus on NBA rosters).
How a Cyber Charter Struck Back When It Was Fired by a School District in New Mexico highlights allegations against Stride Inc., a for-profit cyber charter school operator, accused of prioritizing profits over educational standards. The article details lawsuits, whistleblower reports, and historical controversies surrounding the company.
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: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 20, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01598032072.html
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch's blog critiques Donald Trump's actions, including controversial videos and his stance on education and Antifa.
- The "No Kings" protests united millions across U.S. cities against Trump’s policies, emphasizing peaceful resistance to authoritarianism.
- Trump’s administration proposed a federal school voucher program and massive budget cuts to public education, threatening protections for students with disabilities.
- Charter school expansion in U.S. cities has led to fiscal stress, operational challenges, and inequities in public school systems.
- For-profit companies have historically struggled to improve public schools due to the complexities of education systems.
- AI advancements are transforming education, raising privacy and ethical concerns while improving student outcomes in pilot programs.
- The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has disrupted federal services, delayed Social Security updates, and caused political gridlock.
- International conflicts, including Israel-Gaza tensions and Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, highlight global instability.
- Health studies reveal breakthroughs in aging, chronic disease prevention, and dietary impacts, emphasizing simple health metrics like grip strength.
- Cristiano Ronaldo became the first billionaire athlete, reflecting the intersection of sports, endorsements, and investments.
- Public education advocacy remains a recurring theme, with resistance to privatization and billionaire influence.
- The normalization of extrajudicial killings near Venezuela raises concerns about unchecked executive power and erosion of democracy.
- The impact of cellphone bans in schools remains under-researched, despite their growing popularity in the U.S.
- The rise in AP exam participation among minority students in California indicates progress despite equity challenges.
- Educational challenges include layoffs during the shutdown, opposition to Trump’s "patriotic education" initiative, and resistance to charter school privatization.
- The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to MarÃa Corina Machado for her advocacy for democracy in Venezuela.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 20, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/morning-news-update-october-20-2025.html
### Key Points
- Cellphone bans in U.S. schools are gaining popularity, but their effects on student outcomes remain under-researched.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) experienced a major outage, disrupting global internet services and highlighting infrastructure vulnerabilities.
- Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment announcement was delayed due to a government shutdown, with an estimated 2.7% increase predicted.
- President Trump proposed a ceasefire in Ukraine, leaving parts of Donbas under Russian control temporarily, and criticized Colombian President Gustavo Petro with new tariffs and aid cuts.
- A fragile U.S.-proposed ceasefire in Gaza faced challenges, while humanitarian aid remains restricted.
- Education enrollment declines in K-12 schools signal financial strain, with debates on abolishing the U.S. Department of Education gaining traction.
- Global economic growth is projected to slow to 3.2% in 2025, with advanced economies growing at 1.5%.
- Technological advancements include Apple's strong iPhone 17 sales and Huawei's progress in 5G-A technology.
- Health breakthroughs include cancer therapies, weight-loss surgery benefits, and a device restoring vision in patients with macular degeneration.
- Sports updates highlight Messi's hat trick in MLS and the MLB playoff showdown between Toronto and Seattle.
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/looking-back-week-in-review-sunday.html
The article compiles various blog posts, news updates, and opinions surrounding recent political and social events, particularly focusing on protests against authoritarianism (#NoKings), critiques of Donald Trump’s policies, and discussions about public education and societal issues. It highlights the intersection of education, politics, and activism, emphasizing resistance movements, the defense of democracy, and ongoing challenges in the U.S. political landscape.
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch's blog and other sources discuss the #NoKings protests and resistance against authoritarianism.
- Critiques of Donald Trump's policies, including his impact on special education and immigration, are highlighted.
- The #NoKings movement is explored as a modern defiance against tyranny, with references to historical events like the Boston Tea Party.
- Weekly roundups and blog posts reflect on news, activism, and education reform efforts.
- Public education advocacy, including resistance to billionaire influence and support for teachers, is a recurring theme.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 19, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_19.html
Rebellion!: Americans Are Refusing to Cross Redlines – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/20/the-quiet-rebellion-americans-are-refusing-to-cross-redlines/
### Key Points
- Donald Trump seeks to deploy the military in Oregon, California, and Illinois, citing the Insurrection Act of 1807, despite legal and ethical concerns about violating the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878.
- The Supreme Court is reviewing a federal court ban on troop deployment in Illinois, raising constitutional questions about executive power and states' rights. Meanwhile, acts of resistance are occurring across various sectors, including resignations and refusals to comply with coercive policies.
- Universities are rejecting Trump's "Compact for Academic Excellence," which threatens academic freedom by demanding ideological alignment in exchange for funding. Institutions like MIT, Brown, and others have refused to comply, emphasizing the need for independence in research and education.
- The article stresses the concept of "red lines," urging leaders to define their ethical boundaries to resist political pressure and protect democracy. Moral courage often manifests in quiet but principled actions.
- Historical examples and current acts of conscience demonstrate that leadership rooted in integrity is vital for safeguarding democratic values and resisting authoritarianism.
Schools Matter: No Kings: 2,700 Events and 7 Million Protesters, +1 (Below) http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/10/no-kings-2700-events-and-7-million.html
### Key Points
- A child's learning is influenced more by classmates than teachers, highlighting the importance of social dynamics in education.
- Poverty, not teacher quality, is a significant factor affecting education outcomes.
- Criticism of increased testing and corporate influence in education systems.
- Historical and modern perspectives on education reform, including "No Excuses" teaching and the impact of standardized testing.
- Reviews and essays on systemic challenges, teacher experiences, and policy critiques.
Infographic: “Where People Live in Extreme Poverty” Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- Infographics and videos on poverty, nuclear warheads, and endangered species were added to curated educational resources.
- Weekly posts include updates on ESL/EFL/ELL resources, AI tools for classrooms, and educational policy articles.
- Insights on classroom routines and U.S. immigration infographics were shared to enhance teaching strategies.
- Books and resources provide research-based instructional strategies across various subjects and student engagement techniques.
- The blog, radio show, and videos offer additional tips and teaching practices for educators.
Teacher Tom: Playing Math https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/playing-math.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom observes a two-year-old exploring differences in shades of blue bears, showcasing early math concepts like comparison and categorization.
- Children engage in counting and grouping activities with toys, such as bears and baskets, demonstrating the concept of "more" and basic arithmetic.
- A girl builds a train and learns about length, comparing and declaring her creation "longer" and eventually "the longest."
- Another child humorously mixes objects (trees and a traffic sign), illustrating how play fosters creativity and humor in learning.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes that preschool mathematics in a play-based setting is intellectual, joyful, and driven by children's natural curiosity.
The Effects of China’s College Expansion on American Universities Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Cellphone bans in schools initially increased suspensions, especially among Black students, but later improved test scores and reduced absences, particularly in middle and high schools.
- State minimum wage increases reduced lab employment for undergraduates, leading to less lab experience and lower chances of pursuing science careers. Federal Work-Study mitigated these effects.
- China's college expansion led to increased Chinese graduate student enrollment in the U.S., boosted STEM programs, and supported local economies in college towns.
- A poll revealed strong support for plant-based meals and nondairy milk in schools, which could improve students' health and reduce obesity and heart disease risks.
- Feedback in teacher education can foster reflection when delivered collaboratively, using multimodal tools like gestures and notes to create "reflect-able" moments.
- Family conflicts and peer bullying are the strongest predictors of teen mental health issues, with girls affected more by isolation and gossip and boys by aggression.
- Ending universal free school meal policies increased student meal debt, stigma, and reduced participation, while states continuing these policies reported better outcomes.
Celebrating Susan Stamberg | The Merrow Report https://themerrowreport.com/2025/10/20/celebrating-susan-stamberg/
### Key Points
- Susan Stamberg was NPR’s “Founding Mother” and host of “All Things Considered” from 1972-1986.
- The author reminisces about working near Susan Stamberg and her warm personality.
- A humorous contest between Susan and the author revolved around misaddressed fan mail.
- The naming of NPR’s “Morning Edition” involved a contest, though no clear winner was decided.
- Susan Stamberg’s recognition at her son’s Little League game reflected her public visibility and NPR’s growing impact.
- The article celebrates Susan Stamberg as a unique and influential figure in public broadcasting.
CURMUDGUCATION: Margaret Spellings Still Doesn't Get It https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/margaret-spellings-still-doesnt-get-it.html
### Key Points
- Margaret Spellings remains a staunch advocate for standardized testing and accountability systems, despite widespread criticism of their effectiveness.
- Spellings supports the idea of education as a consumer-driven market, which critics argue undermines the public trust and civic purpose of education.
- She dismisses nuanced criticisms of NCLB, attributing its failures to insufficient accountability rather than systemic flaws.
- The article highlights her controversial past, including connections to for-profit education and dismissive attitudes toward educators' concerns.
- Spellings continues to resist acknowledging the negative impacts of NCLB and standardized testing on curricula and teaching practices.
Odds and Ends Executive Board, Ashley Returns, Pissgate Redux, Robert's Rules, and the COLA is STILL Crapola https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/odds-and-ends
### Key Points
- The author has stopped attending UFT Executive Board meetings due to Unity's dominance and lack of meaningful engagement with members.
- Former UFT District Representative Ashley Rzonca spoke about the need for pensionable raises for paraprofessionals, but her proposal was dismissed by Michael Mulgrew.
- The misogynistic incident involving Amy Arundell ("Pissgate") was not properly addressed by Unity, and she, along with others, was fired by Mulgrew.
- Unity's promises to improve the cost of living adjustment (COLA) for retirees have seen no significant action, with only a committee formed for appearances.
- Unity selectively uses Robert’s Rules to suit their agenda, while disregarding them when convenient, highlighting their lack of transparency and fairness.
Weekend Quotables Over seven million people in more than 2,700 cities and towns across this country took to the streets for one shared reason: they’ve had enough of pretending that America is ruled by a king. https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-c2d
### Key Points
- Over seven million people protested in the "No Kings" demonstrations across 2,700 cities, rejecting authoritarianism.
- Trump's approval rating has dropped to 44%, with independents leaning significantly negative, while both political parties suffer high unfavorability.
- The protests showcased a shift from anger to determination, with organizers and speakers emphasizing empathy and resistance to fear tactics.
- Events in traditionally conservative areas, like East Tennessee, saw increased participation, reflecting broader discontent.
Teacher in a Strange Land: Is There Really a Decline in Pleasure Reading? | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/decline
### Key Points
- Media reports claim a decline in pleasure reading, with a 40% drop over 20 years, but this may reflect changes in how people consume information.
- A teacher observed a shift in students' attitudes toward reading, linking it to disrupted learning and an overemphasis on testing.
- Standardized test scores, such as Michigan's M-STEP, show slight declines, but the term "proficient" is often misunderstood as "on grade level."
- The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on young learners disrupted early reading development, contributing to negative attitudes toward reading.
- Reading for pleasure is framed as essential for a fuller, deeper understanding of human experiences.
