OCTOBER 25, 2025
- Government Shutdown Impacts Deepen: The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown, now in its third week, has delayed critical announcements like the Social Security Administration's (SSA) 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), now set for October 24. Early estimates suggest a modest 2.7% increase in benefits, amid furloughs affecting nuclear security staff and air traffic control shortages causing airport delays.
- Pentagon Media Access Overhaul: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has restricted press access, removing journalists from outlets like The New York Times and CNN via a new memo enforcing stricter rules on classified information, sparking debates on transparency during the shutdown.
- Netflix's 'A House of Dynamite' Debuts: The series, streaming from October 24, features "scarily authentic" White House sets and draws praise for its portrayal of political intrigue, topping entertainment charts.
- Trump Defends Strikes on Venezuelan Drug Boats: President Trump claims U.S. military actions against narcotics trafficking vessels are saving "25,000 American lives," but South American leaders, including Colombia's Gustavo Petro, accuse the U.S. of killing innocents and question their legality amid the shutdown.
- Cory Booker's Record-Breaking Senate Speech: The New Jersey Democrat spoke for over 25 hours on October 21, breaking the modern record to decry the administration's policies, including research grant halts and National Guard deployments.
- Debate Over Essential Worker Pay: Senate Republicans push a bill to pay select federal employees during the shutdown, but House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calls it a "political ploy," as impacts hit nuclear oversight and more.
- Gaza Conflict Escalates: At least 61 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza Strip and City; Hamas returns remains of three hostages to the Red Cross, with 21 more unaccounted for, amid ongoing forensic identifications of October 7 victims.
- Sudan Crisis Worsens: Rapid Support Forces advance in El Fasher, exacerbating a humanitarian disaster; U.S. Treasury delays sanctions on Russian-linked Serbian oil firm until October 8.
- Italy Eviction Explosion: Three carabinieri killed and 25 injured in a deliberate farmhouse blast near Verona; three suspects in their 60s arrested.
- Nigeria-India IIT Collaboration Advances: Plans for Africa's first Indian Institute of Technology campus in Nigeria gain momentum, aiming to boost educational ties and STEM access.
- Nayanta University Launches in Pune: The new institution starts its inaugural undergraduate session for the 2025–29 class and opens admissions for BA/BSc (Hons) programs, emphasizing innovative curricula.
- Chandigarh JBT Results Released: The 2025 Junior Basic Teacher exam results and final answer keys are out, alongside AIBE 2025 applications closing October 28.
- IMF World Economic Outlook: Global growth slows to 3.2% in 2025 amid policy shifts and tariffs, with U.S. AI investments cushioning impacts; advanced economies at 1.5%, emerging markets over 4%.
- WTO on Tariff Delays: U.S. tariffs' trade hit postponed due to 2025 stockpiling, but a sharp goods trade slowdown looms; IMF notes AI shielding U.S. from trade/immigration woes.
- Fed Rate Cuts Expected: 25-basis-point reductions in October and December anticipated, with neutral rates by mid-2026, though core inflation sticks in many economies.
- AWS Graviton4 Boosts AI Efficiency: Amazon's new processor delivers 25% better energy use for AI training, driving cloud migrations by Netflix and Zoom for cost and emissions savings.
- Anthropic Partners with Google on AI Chips: Deal for tens of billions in TPUs to train Claude chatbot; meanwhile, Beijing's five-year plan invests heavily in semiconductors, AI, and robotics for self-sufficiency.
- Apple Loses UK App Store Case: Landmark ruling on commissions; plus, Reddit sues Perplexity AI for data scraping.
- Breakthrough Cancer Therapy: New method halts tumor growth without harming healthy cells, per recent research; stem cell-derived "young" immune cells reverse Alzheimer's symptoms in mice.
- FDA Approves Eye Drops for Presbyopia: Could replace reading glasses, targeting age-related vision loss; study suggests COVID vaccines may aid cancer fights.
- AI Eases Health System Burdens: U.S. providers report gains in care management and documentation via AI, per HLTH 2025; new iron-probiotic supplement combats anemia without gut issues.
- Boxing Title Fights Heat Up: Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman for WBC junior middleweight belt in Las Vegas; Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley for WBO heavyweight interim in London.
- UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane: Heavyweight clash headlines Abu Dhabi event; Shanghai Masters tennis sees upset as unranked Valentin Vacherot beats Novak Djokovic, reaching final vs. cousin.
- MLB Managerial Shifts: Giants hire Tennessee's Tony Vitello in historic college-to-pro move; Kurt Suzuki named Angels manager on 1-year deal; Lou Gehrig's jersey sells for $2.7M.
Trump and McMahon Illegally Undermine Special Education Services https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/24/trump-and-mcmahon-illegally-undermine-special-education-services/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump Administration aims to dismantle the Department of Education by firing staff and transferring IDEA functions to other agencies, risking misuse of funds meant for disabled children.
- IDEA ensures disabled students receive appropriate education and services, but the firing of Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) staff undermines oversight and compliance with the law.
- Congress has not supported the administration's attempts to dissolve the Department of Education or modify IDEA administration, maintaining bipartisan support for special education funding.
- Federal judge Susan Illston issued a restraining order against reductions in force (RIFs), challenging the legality of the administration's actions.
- The article draws historical parallels between Trump’s actions and authoritarian regimes, emphasizing the need for vigilance against such measures.
Pastors for Texas Children Speak Out Against State Takeover of Fort Worth Public Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/24/pastors-for-texas-children-speak-out-against-state-takeover-of-fort-worth-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch
- Texas continues to implement state takeovers of public school districts under laws derived from the "No Child Left Behind" act, despite evidence that such takeovers fail to improve schools.
- The state law allows for the takeover of an entire district if even one school persistently shows low standardized test scores, leading to the removal of elected school leaders and their replacement by state-appointed managers.
- Pastors for Texas Children strongly oppose these takeovers, emphasizing that local governance and community engagement are essential for public schools and democracy.
- Critics argue that the state's approach relies too heavily on flawed standardized testing metrics, which fail to capture the complexities of school performance or address systemic issues like funding and teacher morale.
- The move to replace local trustees undermines democratic participation and sends a demoralizing message to educators working under difficult conditions.
- Public education advocates call for Texans to support local schools, resist state overreach, and uphold the principle of local control in education.
Glenn Kessler: Trump and the Destruction of Bonwit Teller's Artistic Treasures https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/24/glenn-kessler-trump-and-the-destruction-of-bonwit-tellers-artistic-treasures/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Glenn Kessler, now blogging on Substack, focuses on fact-checking Donald Trump’s statements and actions.
- Kessler recalls Trump’s 1980 demolition of Bonwit Teller’s Art Deco sculptures, despite having promised to donate them to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Trump’s decision to destroy the sculptures was accompanied by fabricated appraisals and misleading statements about their value and removal costs.
- The article draws a parallel between Trump’s demolition of the sculptures and his dismantling of institutions such as USAID, highlighting his pattern of breaking promises and acting unilaterally.
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/
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: MICROSOFT AND OPENAI: FROM FIRST DATE TO FOREVER? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/microsoft-and-openai-from-first-date-to.html
### Key Points
- Microsoft and OpenAI's partnership began in 2019 with a $1 billion investment, enabling OpenAI to leverage Azure's computing power.
- OpenAI remains independent, with Microsoft securing profit-sharing rights and exclusive early access to OpenAI's innovations.
- OpenAI has expanded partnerships with Oracle, Nvidia, and others, reducing reliance on Microsoft.
- Microsoft is developing in-house AI capabilities, including custom chips, to reduce dependency on external partners.
- The partnership faces challenges, including regulatory scrutiny, competition, and diverging business strategies.
- OpenAI's pursuit of profitability and an IPO hints at a shift from its nonprofit origins, raising questions about sustainability.
- Industry observers speculate on the future of the partnership, with some predicting a fragile truce or eventual separation.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 24, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/morning-news-update-october-24-2025.html
### Key Points
- U.S. trade negotiations with Canada halted due to unresolved disputes.
- Humanitarian aid challenges in Gaza amid restrictions and ICJ intervention.
- Trump administration's sanctions on Russia target oil and gas sectors.
- Government shutdown impacts federal workers and delays Social Security COLA announcement.
- New Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi focuses on fiscal policy and defense.
- U.S. Presidential Scholars recognized for academic excellence.
- Higher education faces controversy over proposed Compact for Academic Excellence.
- China's Five-Year Plan emphasizes tech self-sufficiency.
- Redwood Materials raises $1B for battery recycling expansion.
- Exercise combats mood impacts of Western diets, ACA premium hikes loom.
- NBA arrests and World Series matchup highlight sports news.
- Sandy Hook Promise releases PSA on school shooting anxiety.
- Diane Ravitch advocates for improving public education.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 24, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01936923005.html
### Key Points
- Public Montessori programs show stronger early learning outcomes and improved teacher morale.
- Cellphone bans in schools improve test scores and reduce disciplinary issues.
- AI integration in education raises privacy concerns, including data mining and biases.
- Sports highlights include the World Series opener and NBA season start.
- Teacher Tom discusses morality and the importance of setting a good example for children.
- The article critiques the narrow focus of "job-ready" education, advocating for liberal arts to foster critical thinking and adaptability.
- The podcast "About Face" discusses veterans resisting war and advocating for peace.
- The U.S. Armed Forces' apolitical stance is emphasized, warning against politicization.
Big Education Ape: TRUMP’S MOO-VELOUS MAKEOVER: WHITE HOUSE EAST WING UDDER-LY DESTROYED FOR 90,000-FOOT BILLIONAIRE MILKING BARN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/trumps-moo-velous-makeover-white-house.html
The article is a satirical piece discussing a fictional scenario in which Donald Trump demolishes the White House East Wing to construct a massive, gold-plated "Billionaire Milking Barn." It humorously critiques political corruption, excessive capitalism, and self-serving leadership while incorporating absurd and exaggerated elements like AI-powered "milking machines" and a gift shop selling Trump-branded items.
### Key Points
- Satirical narrative of Trump demolishing the White House East Wing for a "Billionaire Milking Barn," featuring AI-assisted milking stations and a gift shop.
- Criticism of bypassing traditional oversight processes and the cultural and historical loss caused by the demolition.
- Satirical depiction of Trump's future plans to transform the White House into a neo-Versailles with extravagant features like a Diet Coke moat and a golden Trump statue.
- Reactions from critics, historians, and political figures, highlighting the absurdity and controversy of the fictional project.
- Satirical commentary on political grifting, AI misuse, and excessive capitalism.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 23, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/morning-news-update-october-23-2025.html
### Key Points
- The blog shares weekly updates on educational policy issues, useful posts, and articles.
- Regular features include free AI tools for classrooms, instructional strategies, and educational videos.
- Studies shared emphasize effective learning methods, such as videos for younger students and critiques on educational research.
- Posts revisit past insights on student motivation and community involvement.
- Resources include instructional strategies for Social Studies, English, Math, and Science, supporting all proficiency levels.
- Books and materials provide practical strategies for engaging students and parents, along with lesson plans for English learners.
- Multimedia content includes blog posts, radio shows, videos, and contributions to major publications like Education Week Teacher and the New York Times.
Measure Yourself By Purpose Not Applause – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/24/measure-yourself-by-purpose-not-applause/
### Key Points
- Greatness is not about external validation or applause but about aligning actions with a deeper sense of purpose.
- External validation is fleeting and can lead to compromising values; true greatness requires self-critique and refusing to settle for others' expectations.
- Self-critique, rooted in purpose rather than shame, builds resilience and drives improvement, as seen in figures like Michael Jordan, Maya Angelou, and Steve Jobs.
- Pride often hinders self-critique, but humility and purpose, as exemplified by Nelson Mandela, lead to meaningful impact and reconciliation.
- Resilience grows from honest self-assessment, allowing individuals to withstand external criticism and focus on improvement, as demonstrated by Abraham Lincoln.
- Purpose-driven self-critique liberates and fuels growth, as shown in Kobe Bryant's relentless pursuit of excellence through the "Mamba Mentality."
- True greatness is measured by commitment to a mission and leaving the world better, not by applause or recognition.
Teacher Tom: The Secret to Freedom is Courage https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-secret-to-freedom-is-courage.html
### Key Points
- Risky play helps children develop resilience, executive functioning, and self-confidence while teaching them their limits.
- Courage is defined as acting despite fear, balancing recklessness and cowardice. Aristotle’s analysis of courage is highlighted.
- Risky play is a personal practice of courage, allowing children to find their appropriate level of risk and freedom.
- Courage is not limited to physical acts; it can manifest in other areas, such as performing or overcoming personal challenges.
- The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage, as emphasized by ancient philosophy.
RAGE and REVOLUTION(s) | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/10/24/rage-and-revolutions/
- The article discusses a book tour and related events for "RAGE and REVOLUTION(s)" scheduled in October 2025, including a mention of its appearance at the Goodman Theater.
- It provides a navigation structure for blog archives, listing posts from 2006 to 2025, categorized by months and years.
- Comments and interactions on the blog are closed, but the content can be accessed through an RSS feed.
glen brown: In 1948, live television was ruled by fear — fear of sponsors, censors, and angry letters. But one man refused to bend. His name was Ed Sullivan https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/in-1948-live-television-was-ruled-by.html
### Key Points
- Ed Sullivan's revolutionary role in live television, showcasing Black artists like Nat King Cole and The Beatles despite societal resistance.
- Commentary on systemic oppression, societal fears, and the nobility of writers in resisting such forces, drawing inspiration from Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- Political and social critiques, including Trump's policies, adjunct faculty struggles, and protests against authoritarianism.
- Reflections on historical and ongoing injustices, such as racism, healthcare inequities, and environmental threats to children.
From Flirty DMs to Prenuptial Agreements: The Scintillating Saga of Microsoft and OpenAI https://ru4people.substack.com/p/from-flirty-dms-to-prenuptial-agreements
### Key Points
- Microsoft initially invested $1 billion in OpenAI, later increasing it to $13 billion, marking a significant partnership in AI development.
- OpenAI relied on Microsoft's Azure for cloud computing but has since diversified by partnering with Oracle, signaling a shift in exclusivity.
- Microsoft is collaborating with other AI companies, such as Anthropic, while OpenAI is restructuring to prepare for a potential IPO, focusing on financial sustainability.
- Industry competitors like Google and AWS criticize the partnership for being anti-competitive or lacking in advanced features, while venture capitalists question the financial risks of AI spending.
- Microsoft's AI tools, like Copilot, showcase the partnership's productivity, but disagreements on ethical boundaries in AI applications reveal deeper tensions.
- The partnership is described as a co-dependency aimed at technological dominance rather than mutual affection, with both companies navigating a competitive landscape.
Barn Door’s Open: Trump Tears Down East Wing for a 90,000-Foot ‘Billionaire Grifting Barn’ https://ru4people.substack.com/p/barn-doors-open-trump-tears-down
### Key Points
- President Trump has initiated the demolition of the White House East Wing to construct a 90,000-square-foot "Billionaire Grifting Barn," designed to accommodate wealthy donors and equipped with AI-assisted "billionaire milking machines."
- The project, estimated to cost $300 million or more, includes a luxury "Grift Shop" selling extravagant Trump-branded merchandise like gold-plated bricks and high-end collectibles.
- The initiative is funded by private corporations, such as Comcast and Alphabet, raising concerns about transactional politics and regulatory conflicts.
- Critics lament the loss of the historic East Wing, while the administration envisions further plans for a "Presidential Palace" in Trump's speculated third term, featuring a gold throne room and a crocodile moat.
TGIF When the cops are the criminals… https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/tgif
### Key Points
- Ruben Torres Maldonado, a Chicago resident and father, was detained by ICE, leaving his family struggling while his teenage daughter battles stage-4 cancer.
- Torres’ attorneys argue for his release, citing his eligibility for permanent residency and the family’s dire medical situation.
- The case has led to public outcry and criticism of ICE tactics, with elected officials and advocates demanding reform and Torres’ release.
- A fundraiser has been created to support the Torres family during this crisis.
- Allegations of systemic issues within ICE, including the hiring of agents with criminal records and ties to extremist groups, raise concerns about enforcement practices.
Your Lying Eyes A poem by Jesse Hagopian https://jessehagopian.substack.com/p/your-lying-eyes
### Key Points
- The poem highlights societal contradictions, such as portraying harmful actions (like family separation or corporate greed) as compassionate or just.
- It critiques the distortion of truth in history, politics, and media, urging readers to question propaganda.
- The author underscores the resilience of human perception despite systemic attempts to manipulate it.
- The piece concludes with a call for truth and justice, tying into the author's broader advocacy for education and liberation.
ABC Mass Meeting Activism is stressed (and the time for it is now). https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/abc-mass-meeting
### Key Points
- The need for union members to activate and stand up for their rights, as relying solely on union leadership is insufficient.
- Grassroots activism, such as the Fix Para Pay movement, is crucial for achieving meaningful change, especially for paraprofessionals.
- Criticism of union leadership for misleading members about Medicare Advantage plans and other benefits. Members are encouraged to demand transparency and accountability.
- Concerns over the new health plan, including the use of AI for healthcare decisions and the potential for increased denials. Transparency and member input are needed in decision-making.
- Advocacy for better pay, pensionable benefits, and improved working conditions for paraprofessionals, as many struggle financially and work multiple jobs.
- Calls for reforms to Tier 6 pensions, including reduced contributions and better retirement benefits for all members.
- The union must transition from a top-down leadership model to a more inclusive, member-driven approach to restore trust.
- The importance of educating members about their rights and empowering them to enforce contracts and advocate for change.
- Encouragement to join working groups, share information, and support initiatives like Bill 1096 to protect retiree healthcare.
Florida's Voucher Problem The money's not adding up - for public or private schools https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/floridas-voucher-problem
### Key Points
- The Florida Department of Education's budget faced a $47 million shortfall due to the rapid growth of the School Choice scholarship program.
- Students' mobility between public, private, and home education led to payment delays and mismatched funding for schools.
- Public schools, like Lake County schools, had to make sudden budget cuts, impacting teacher raises and overall operations.
- Private schools accepting vouchers, such as Inner City Christian School in Jacksonville, reported issues like payment delays, fluctuating scholarship amounts, and technical failures.
- Other states with similar universal voucher programs, like Arizona and Tennessee, have faced administrative challenges, fraud, and school closures.
"Grift, Grit, and the Great Voucher Grab" https://norinrad10.com/2025/10/24/grift-grit-and-the-great-voucher-grab/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points
- The Des Moines superintendent Ian Roberts faces legal troubles involving falsified records and gun possession, while questions about accountability in the education sector arise from the career trajectory of Robert Lundin.
- A culture war erupts in Sumner County over renaming “Winter Break” to “Christmas Break,” revealing deeper issues about inclusivity and representation in public education.
- The Sumner County school board renews Superintendent Dr. Scott Langford’s contract despite an ongoing lawsuit, highlighting concerns over political ties and accountability in leadership decisions.
- Tennessee’s ambitious voucher and charter school expansion plans could drastically alter public education, raising concerns about infrastructure, transparency, and privatization.
- MNPS plans a celebratory event, but it sparks criticism for prioritizing optics over addressing classroom challenges like teacher burnout and understaffing.
David Labaree on Schooling, History, and Writing: Do No Harm: Reflections on the Impact of Educational Research | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/first-do-no-harm
### Key Points
- Educational research often aims to improve schools but has historically caused harm by emphasizing sorting students over learning.
- Researchers like Edward Thorndike and Lewis Terman contributed to systems that prioritized testing and stratification in education.
- Funding biases research toward policy objectives, such as accountability and test scores, limiting the scope for independent, fundamental studies.
- Simplified and politically driven research from think tanks and organizations like Teach For America and KIPP often overshadows more complex, unbiased academic research.
- University researchers can counteract biased research by focusing on credible and fundamental studies about teaching and learning.
SBE Meeting for November 2025 Agenda and other related materials for the California State Board of Education (SBE) meeting on November 5-6, 2025. https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/ag/ag/main202511.asp
### Key Points
- The California State Board of Education (SBE) meeting will take place on November 5-6, 2025, in Sacramento, California.
- The agenda addresses various educational issues as per state and federal regulations and is of interest to educators, policymakers, parents, students, and community members.
- Meeting agendas and supporting materials are posted online 10 days prior to the meeting, with electronic and physical access options available.
- Contact information for the State Board of Education includes email (SBE@sbe.ca.gov) and phone (916-319-0827).
- Recent updates include attachments and reports on fiscal and economic impacts related to the November 2025 meeting.
- Other resources provided by the California Department of Education include education standards, funding details, and program information.
