TODAY'S TOP NEWS
Here's a roundup of the leading stories across key categories, based on current reports from major outlets. These highlight the most impactful developments as of today.U.S. News
- Government Shutdown Enters Seventh Day: The partial federal shutdown, triggered by funding disputes, continues with no resolution in sight. Essential services like national parks and Social Security payments face disruptions, while IRS operations are propped up temporarily by leftover Inflation Reduction Act funds. Both parties remain entrenched, with Republicans holding a trifecta but adopting a passive stance.
- Border Crossings Hit 50-Year Low: Fiscal year 2025 saw unlawful U.S.-Mexico border crossings drop to the lowest level in decades, per federal data, amid heightened enforcement and policy shifts.
- First Supermoon of 2025 Approaches: The "Harvest Moon" supermoon peaks this week, offering prime viewing opportunities and coinciding with reflections on the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
- Supreme Court Hearings: The U.S. Supreme Court is back in session this week, with a focus on high-stakes cases, including those challenging President Donald Trump's claims of presidential immunity and the limits of executive power.
- Trump Pushes for Agency Cuts Amid Shutdown: President Trump is eyeing deep reductions to "Democrat agencies" like the EPA and Education Department, drawing on Project 2025 blueprints, as part of broader efforts to wield executive power in areas like urban crackdowns and immigration. Speaker Mike Johnson defends the strategy, using social media memes to highlight Democratic "absurdity."
- Partisan Deadlock Fuels Prolonged Standoff: With canceled votes and no negotiations, both sides claim political advantage, risking impacts on health care subsidies and more. Democrats, led by figures like Rep. Joe Morelle, argue the fight is worth the "pain."
- Newsom Vows Resistance to Federal Overreach: California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticizes Trump's National Guard deployments as "political weapons," escalating state-federal tensions over public safety and immigration enforcement.
- Attorney General Hearing: Attorney General Pam Bondi faced questioning on DOJ probes and other matters during her first appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee since her confirmation
- ICJ Hears Landmark Case on Right to Strike: The International Court of Justice opened arguments on whether the right to strike is protected under international law, balancing workers' rights against employer interests in a first-of-its-kind ruling.
- Darfur War Crimes Conviction at ICC: The International Criminal Court issued its first-ever conviction for Darfur atrocities, finding Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb guilty of crimes from over two decades ago, marking a milestone in global accountability.
- France's Shortest Government Collapses: Outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned just 18 hours after forming his cabinet, amid political instability in Paris. Separately, Solomon Islands reflects on WWII Pacific battles as climate and geopolitics reshape the region.
- Gaza War and Ceasefire Efforts: The conflict in Gaza remains a central global issue, with reports of renewed momentum in peace talks.
Hamas has indicated it is working to remove barriers to implementing a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan. This comes as Israelis mourn the two-year anniversary of the initial Hamas attack, and reports detail the devastating impact of two years of war on Palestinian lives in Gaza. The U.S. also approved a fresh round of military aid for Israel. UK-India Relations: U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in India for a two-day visit, leading a large delegation that includes CEOs and representatives from various British institutions.
The visit follows a recent trade deal signed between the two countries. Rescue on Mount Everest: The evacuation of over 550 hikers stranded on Mount Everest due to a severe snowstorm is reportedly nearing its conclusion, with Nepalese authorities rescuing dozens from high-altitude camps.
Christian Persecution: The Holy See's secretary for relations with states, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, publicly criticized UN member states for ignoring what he called the "world's most severe and widespread religious persecution" against Christians.
- Trump Ties Federal Aid to Conservative Priorities: Officials are pressuring universities to adopt right-leaning policies for special treatment, raising alarms over academic freedom and potential partisan insertions into the Education Department.
- 161 Students Honored as 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars: Secretary Linda McMahon announced the recipients, recognizing excellence amid ongoing debates over dyslexia screening and teacher pay experiments focused on collaboration, not just test scores.
- HBCU and Tribal College Funding Boost: A one-time federal infusion doubles support for tribal institutions and provides a 48% lift for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, per the Education Department.
- Jobs Report Signals Slowdown, Boosting Rate Cut Odds: August added just 22,000 jobs—far below expectations—with unemployment at 4.3% and revisions showing prior losses. Markets now price in a 70% chance of a Fed quarter-point cut in October, amid AI's role in graduate hiring woes.
- Immigration Policies Weigh on Growth: Stricter measures have slowed labor force expansion, pushing native-born unemployment higher and risking shortages in key industries, per Deloitte analysis. Net migration forecasts halved to 3.3 million through 2030.
- Inflation Ticks Up to 2.9%: Consumer prices rose 0.4% monthly—the highest since January—driven by core increases to 3.1%, complicating the Fed's path as global growth holds at 3.2% for 2025.
- AI Workplace Adoption Doubles in Two Years: Gallup data shows U.S. employee AI use surging from 21% to 40%, with daily users at 8%, fueling investments like Meta's $14.8B infrastructure push despite bubble concerns.
- OpenAI's Sora Tops App Store Charts: The invite-only video generation tool leads downloads, while AMD shares jump 23% on rumors of an OpenAI stake in the AI chipmaker.
- Perplexity Drops Paywall for AI Browser: The $200/month Comet tool is now free, amid probes into AppLovin's data practices by the SEC and debates over AI's "gigantic" societal benefits versus risks.
- XFG "Stratus" Variant Drives COVID Surge: The dominant strain fuels a late-summer wave, with rising cases nationwide. The CDC urges consultations for updated 2025-2026 vaccines targeting related lineages like LP.8.1.
- Lifestyle Cuts Prediabetes Risk by 71%: A Tübingen study shows normalizing blood sugar via habits—without weight loss—slashes type 2 diabetes odds, even as shutdowns threaten local health staffing and nutrition programs.
- Mitochondrial Breakthrough in Parkinson's: Researchers identified PP2A-B55alpha as a key regulator; reducing it in models improved symptoms and cell health, offering new therapeutic avenues.
COVID-19 Shots: The CDC has stopped recommending COVID-19 shots for all and is now leaving the decision up to individual patients.
Food Safety: The USDA issued a warning about Hello Fresh subscription meals that may contain listeria-tainted spinach.
Public Health Alerts: There are reports of a deadly mosquito-borne virus sparking a travel alert and a CDC report on the 19th cruise ship norovirus outbreak.
Listerine-Tainted Syrup Deaths (India): The death toll of children in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, due to the consumption of adulterated cough syrup has risen to 17.
- Vikings Kick Off NFL London Series with Win: Minnesota edged Cleveland 24-20 on a late touchdown, launching the 2025 international slate amid Ja Morant's week-to-week ankle injury for the Grizzlies.
- Guerrero's Grand Slam Tilts Yankees-Jays ALDS: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s Game 2 heroics give Toronto a series edge, while Saints' Spencer Rattler notches his first NFL win over the Giants.
- Women's Cricket World Cup Heats Up: South Africa crushed New Zealand by 6 wickets in Indore, as the tournament progresses alongside LPGA's LOTTE Championship and ATP Shanghai Masters.
MLB Playoff Games (Scheduled): Major League Baseball (MLB) is scheduled to play several Conference Semi-Final games today, including:
Detroit Tigers vs. Seattle Mariners
Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers
New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
International Soccer: Various international football matches are scheduled for today, including World Cup qualification games in Africa and Asia.
MLS: A single Major League Soccer (MLS) game is scheduled for the evening: LAFC vs.
TOR.
YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST
Curtis Yarvin is Engaging in Two Debates at Yale https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/07/curtis-yarvin-is-engaging-in-two-debates-at-yale/ via @dianeravitch
Curtis Yarvin, a far-right blogger known for his anti-democratic and controversial views, is participating in two debates at Yale University. His ideas, which include advocating for a monarchy-like governance system and dismantling democracy, have drawn criticism from many, including Yale Law students. Yarvin's influence on powerful figures like Peter Thiel and Vice President Vance highlights the growing extremism in certain political and tech circles. Critics argue that his views on race, slavery, and governance are harmful and question the value of providing him a platform at Yale.
### Key Points
- Curtis Yarvin, a far-right thinker, is debating at Yale, advocating for anti-democratic ideas and an American monarchy.
- His views have sparked controversy, including his writings on race, slavery, and governance, which many find offensive and harmful.
- Critics question Yale's decision to host Yarvin, citing concerns about promoting extremist ideas.
- Yarvin's influence on figures like Peter Thiel and Vice President Vance reflects the spread of his ideology among powerful individuals.
- Yarvin proposes replacing democracy with a corporate-style governance led by a CEO-like figure, dismantling institutions like the press and universities.
Greg Olear: "F*** Them Kids!" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/07/greg-olear-f-them-kids/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- ICE conducted a militarized raid in Chicago involving Black Hawk helicopters, flash bangs, and mass arrests, targeting suspected gang members.
- Witnesses reported destruction of property, separation of families, and mistreatment of residents, including children being zip-tied and detained.
- The raid was criticized as an act of state-sanctioned terror, signaling the erosion of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a promotional video glorifying the raid, further intensifying public outrage.
- The article draws comparisons between current events and the rise of fascism in 1933 Germany, warning of a similar trajectory.
- The Trump administration’s anti-vaccine stance, led by RFK Jr., has contributed to declining vaccination rates and the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles.
- Measles outbreaks have significantly increased, with over 1,500 confirmed cases in the U.S. in 2025, reversing decades of progress in public health.
- The author criticizes Trump’s misuse of the Insurrection Act, arguing that it violates legal protocols and undermines democratic governance.
- The article emphasizes the moral and humanitarian failures of the administration, encapsulated in the dismissive phrase “Fuck them kids.”
The article discusses the troubling actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), highlighting a specific case of George Retes, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, who was wrongfully detained, mistreated, and denied basic rights. It critiques ICE's excessive use of force, lack of accountability, and violations of constitutional rights, drawing comparisons to oppressive historical regimes. The piece emphasizes the need for government accountability and adherence to civil rights protections to prevent abuse of power.
### Key Points
- George Retes, an American citizen and Army veteran, was wrongfully detained by ICE, subjected to excessive force, denied access to legal counsel, and held without explanation for three days.
- Retes describes his experience as a violation of constitutional rights and has filed claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act to seek accountability for the abuse.
- ICE and DHS have denied wrongdoing, alleging Retes was violent, but their statements contradict Retes’ account and ignore key facts of his detention.
- The article criticizes ICE's actions, comparing them to authoritarian tactics, and calls for stronger enforcement of civil rights protections and government accountability.
- Broader concerns are raised about the misuse of power by government agencies, the undermining of constitutional rights, and the need for legal recourse when rights are violated.
PAM BONDI TO SENATE OVERSIGHT: "F YOU" A MASTERCLASS IN DODGEBALL AND DRAG https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/pam-bondi-to-senate-oversight-f-you.html
### Key Points
- Pam Bondi's Senate testimony highlighted accusations of turning the DOJ into a partisan tool for Trump.
- Bondi deflected questions on key issues, including the Jeffrey Epstein case and the indictment of James Comey, while attacking Democratic critics.
- Republicans supported Bondi, praising her reforms despite concerns over ethical lapses and staff exodus in the DOJ.
- Critics condemned Bondi's actions as undermining justice, accusing her of purging impartial attorneys and shielding Trump allies.
- The hearing was seen as a partisan showdown, with Bondi embodying the Trump administration's combative and divisive style.
Big Education Ape: THE FUTURE IS NOW (ISH): A LOOK AT BLOGGER'S MONUMENTAL NEW FEATURES (JUST LOOK FOR THE PENCIL) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-future-is-now-ish-look-at-bloggers.html
### Key Points
- Blogger introduces the "Pencil" icon, enabling automatic search link insertion based on blog content, reducing manual effort for creators.
- The "Google G" icon in the editor signifies a faster, more efficient editing experience with added features like undo/redo buttons and a broader color palette.
- Blogger's backend updates, such as HTTPS for custom domains, Spanner Storage Migration, and a "Trash Can" for deleted posts, enhance stability and security.
- The article compares Blogger's simplicity to modern platforms, emphasizing its focus on user-friendly blogging rather than advanced, flashy features.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST October 7, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog.html
### Key Points
- Blogger introduces new features for content creation and publishing, emphasizing ease of use and innovation.
- ICE's aggressive enforcement tactics and racial profiling are compared to Gestapo-like behavior, raising concerns about civil liberties.
- Children are reportedly getting less sleep than parents assume, impacting their health and development.
- The "Phonics Gambit" critiques reading policies that persist despite their ineffectiveness.
- Government shutdown impacts millions, halting services like food inspections and WIC benefits.
- Illinois National Guard federalization escalates tensions over state control.
- Trump’s executive actions during the shutdown draw accusations of politicizing the military.
- Pope Francis calls for broader evaluation of U.S. political leaders, focusing on immigration policies.
- Gaza ceasefire talks progress, with high-profile prisoner exchanges and hostages as key demands.
- Trump ties university funding to conservative priorities, sparking fears of eroded academic freedom.
- States experiment with teacher pay reforms and dyslexia education advancements.
- Higher semaglutide doses show promise for weight loss, while flu vaccination is urged amid pediatric deaths.
- Algorithms used by tech giants are suppressing dissenting voices, threatening democracy.
- Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show symbolizes the rise of Latino identity in American culture.
- Trump administration proposes controversial academic funding conditions, threatening institutional values.
- Teachers grapple with defining and managing AI-related cheating, emphasizing AI literacy and ethical use.
- Billionaires’ advice is critiqued for reflecting privilege and ignoring systemic barriers to success.
- Federal judge blocks Trump’s National Guard deployments, citing abuse of power and threats to civil liberties.
- ICE raids traumatize communities, with excessive force and racial profiling under Trump’s directives.
- Genetic predisposition to higher BMI impacts education outcomes due to bullying and absenteeism.
- Positive cultural narratives about adolescence improve academic and family outcomes.
- Charter school sector faces decline due to public disillusionment, lack of accountability, and increased closures.
- UFT Executive Board criticized for lack of transparency and engagement.
- Government shutdown threatens health care access for millions, including children, due to Medicaid and CHIP cuts.
Big Education Ape: KILLER ALGORITHMS AND THE DIGITAL GUILLOTINE: HOW TECH LORDS ARE SILENCING DEMOCRACY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/killer-algorithms-and-digital.html
The article explores the growing influence of algorithms and tech monopolies on free speech and democracy, highlighting issues like shadowbanning, content suppression, and the consolidation of power by tech billionaires. It calls for collective action and transparency to reclaim the internet as a space for free expression.
### Key Points
- Algorithms are used by platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok to control content visibility, often suppressing dissenting or sensitive voices without transparency.
- Shadowbanning limits content reach without notifying creators, eroding free speech and leaving users unaware of suppression.
- Algorithms prioritize engagement over truth, creating echo chambers that amplify division and marginalize diverse voices.
- Tech billionaires wield disproportionate influence over information flow, with algorithms enforcing their agendas.
- Algorithmic censorship threatens democracy by distorting public discourse and silencing dissent.
- Proposed solutions include demanding transparency, user-controlled algorithms, and supporting alternative platforms.
Big Education Ape: NO KINGS, NO DICTATORS, NO PROBLEM: AMERICA’S OCTOBER 18 SHOWDOWN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/no-kings-no-dictators-no-problem.html
To Ensure They Qualify for Federal Research Grants, Trump Demands Universities Sign a Compact Declaring Loyalty to His Agenda
- The Trump administration demanded universities sign a compact aligning with its political agenda to qualify for federal research funding, including freezing tuition, limiting international student enrollment, and eliminating diversity programs.
- The administration claims these measures enforce civil rights laws but has faced criticism and legal challenges for overstepping authority and restricting free speech.
- Courts have blocked similar efforts, ruling they violate constitutional protections like the First Amendment and threaten academic freedom.
- The compact represents a shift in strategy, offering incentives alongside threats of funding loss, but raises concerns about prioritizing ideology over academic merit in grant decisions.
- Legal experts and educators argue the compact undermines academic freedom and violates constitutional principles, particularly by enforcing ideological loyalty.
2026 Best Colleges: Students Are Not Bumper Stickers – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/07/2026-best-colleges-find-the-best-school-for-you/
2026 Best Colleges: Students Are Not Bumper Stickers
- College rankings are heavily marketed, influencing parents, students, and institutions, but often prioritize exclusivity and prestige over educational quality.
- Rankings encourage selective colleges to maintain low acceptance rates, which misleads families into equating exclusivity with quality.
- The pressure to conform to rankings distorts students' and families' priorities, focusing on social signals and prestige rather than fit and genuine educational outcomes.
- Rankings simplify complex institutions into single scores, often ignoring diversity, mentorship, and real student success.
- Universities spend significant resources on marketing to influence rankings instead of investing in student support and educational improvements.
- Ranking criteria often favor wealthy, selective institutions, penalizing those that prioritize access, teaching, and community impact.
- Rankings create systemic distortions in higher education, incentivizing data manipulation, exclusivity, and prestige over equity and meaningful outcomes.
- Despite their flaws, rankings can validate progress in areas like student engagement and affordability but should not dominate decision-making.
- Families and students should focus on fit, mentorship, and long-term growth rather than rankings, reclaiming agency in the college decision process.
Schools Matter: The Real Power of Nonviolent Resistance http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/10/the-real-power-of-nonviolent-resistance.html
### Key Points
- The learning of children is influenced more by peers than teachers, as per James Coleman.
- Nonviolent resistance is a powerful tool for social and educational reform.
- Poverty, not teacher quality, is a significant factor affecting education outcomes.
- Critique of excessive testing and its implications on education.
- Discussion on the challenges of public education and the impact of reforms like NCLB (No Child Left Behind).
- Exploration of the role of personal and professional growth for teachers.
glen brown: "Let’s stop pretending that any of this is normal" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/lets-stop-pretending-that-any-of-this.html
- The article critiques former President Trump's attempts to deploy National Guard troops in Democratic-led cities under the guise of addressing crime, despite legal and constitutional challenges.
- The Insurrection Act is highlighted as a potential tool Trump might misuse to bypass legal restrictions on deploying troops domestically, raising concerns over the erosion of democratic norms and federalism.
- Judges have intervened to block federalization of National Guard troops, emphasizing the lack of justification and bad faith in such actions.
- The article urges awareness and resistance to the normalization of authoritarian tactics, including militarizing domestic issues for political control.
- Public pushback and sustained opposition are identified as effective ways to prevent further escalation of undemocratic actions.
MORNING NEWS UPDATE - by MIKE SIMPSON https://ru4people.substack.com/p/morning-news-update
- The U.S. government shutdown enters its seventh day, causing disruptions such as the FAA control tower closure at Hollywood Burbank Airport, with debates over ACA premium subsidies at the center of the standoff.
- Illinois loses its legal attempt to block the federalization of its National Guard, escalating tensions over state autonomy.
- Elon Musk announces the formation of the “America Party,” opposing Trump’s tax-cut bill, which could increase U.S. debt by $3.3 trillion.
- Israel commemorates the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, with ongoing hostage negotiations and reports of severe humanitarian crises in Gaza.
- France’s Prime Minister resigns within 18 hours of forming a government, intensifying political instability.
- The ICC secures its first conviction for Darfur war crimes, finding Ali Kushayb guilty of atrocities.
- AMD secures a major AI chip deal with OpenAI, leading to a 34% surge in its stock price. Meanwhile, OpenAI reaches a $500 billion valuation.
- Advances in health research include higher semaglutide doses for obesity treatment, a Parkinson’s breakthrough, and enhanced T-cell cancer therapies.
- LeBron James teases a significant announcement, fueling speculation about his retirement, while the NBA prepares for its season opener.
The New York Daily News has decided what is an "affront to the Jews". https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/the-new-york-daily-news-has-decided
### Key Points
- The New York Daily News criticized mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's views on Israel, calling them an "affront to Jews," which the author disputes, arguing that Jews hold diverse opinions and that Mamdani's stance aligns with many Jewish voters.
- The article highlights Mamdani's broad support, including significant backing from Jewish voters, as evidenced by ranked-choice voting data and statements from his Jewish advisers.
- Jeffrey Lerner, Mamdani's communications director, emphasized the strong Jewish support for Mamdani despite fearmongering from opposing groups.
Teacher Tom: Telling Our Stories
### Key Points
- Storytelling is a natural human capacity that helps interpret experiences and memories.
- Revisiting past stories allows adults to reshape and better understand their narratives.
- Children are at the start of their storytelling journey, creating narratives based on emotions and experiences.
- Parents and educators should avoid dictating a child's story, as it can hinder their growth and autonomy.
- The role of adults is to positively influence children's stories without overstepping, allowing them to find their own way.
The Phonics Gambit: The Zombie Reading Policy that Fails but Won't Die https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/10/07/the-phonics-gambit-the-zombie-reading-policy-that-fails-but-wont-die/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- Essentialist philosophy underpins phonics-based reading reforms, focusing on basic skills and teacher-centered methods.
- Historical cycles of "back-to-basics" movements have failed to improve reading comprehension, as seen in the UK and US.
- The UK’s phonics reforms since 2006 and US reforms post-NCLB have not achieved significant comprehension gains, with data suggesting developmental factors play a role.
- Claims of a "reading crisis" due to insufficient phonics instruction lack evidence, and systematic phonics alone does not address comprehension issues.
- States like Mississippi and Florida, despite being models for SOR reforms, show no sustained improvement in literacy or equity.
- Media and ideological narratives continue to promote phonics reforms despite evidence of their limited success.
Kids are not getting as much sleep as their parents think Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
- A Brown University study found that most parents overestimate the amount of sleep their children get, with only 14% of children meeting national sleep guidelines. Cultural and environmental factors, such as co-sleeping, may influence sleep patterns and parental perceptions.
- Children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families face higher developmental challenges, particularly in communication and cognitive skills, highlighting the need for targeted, culturally responsive early childhood programs.
- Short-term school closures disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged students, especially in mathematics, but smaller class sizes and experienced teachers can mitigate the impact.
- Higher genetic predisposition to a higher BMI is linked to lower educational attainment, partly due to bullying, absences, and lower test scores.
- Positive views of adolescence and fostering family responsibilities improve academic performance and family relationships among Chinese teens, with potential global applications.
- Self-efficacy strongly influences mathematics performance, with reciprocal benefits between performance and confidence, though co-teaching showed no significant additional effects.
- Education has a lasting protective effect on cognitive aging, even into the 90s, while midlife cardiovascular risks show mixed associations with cognition.
Choosing Democracy: ICE, and Trump Maga Forces have gone mad !! No Kings https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/10/ice-and-trump-maga-forces-have-gone-mad.html
### Key Points
- Trump is deploying military-style tactics, including ICE raids and chemical agents, to intimidate citizens and suppress dissent.
- "No Kings Day" on October 18 is planned as a massive peaceful protest to resist authoritarianism and demonstrate people power.
- The movement is mobilizing resources, organizing events, and preparing legal support to ensure safety and maximize turnout.
- The blog encourages contributions and participation to make the protest impactful and resist the administration’s scare tactics.
LA Progressive: Community Schools and Why Democrats Should Support Them | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/community-schools-why
### Key Points
- Community schools align Democrats with a proven strategy to improve education and counteract privatization efforts, which often harm marginalized communities.
- Democrats have lost their historical advantage as the "education party," with polling showing Republicans gaining trust on education issues in battleground states.
- Community schools prioritize local decision-making, family involvement, and tailored programs, producing significant improvements in underperforming schools like Lakewood Elementary in North Carolina.
- Milwaukee’s shift from school choice to community schools showed progress in academic performance and school ratings despite economic disadvantages.
- Community schools in rural New Mexico and urban centers like California and New York City have demonstrated reduced absenteeism, improved graduation rates, better school safety, and enhanced academic outcomes.
- Research supports the effectiveness of the community schools approach, which improves attendance, reduces dropout rates, and fosters a positive school climate.
- The article urges Democrats to adopt community schools as a cornerstone of their education reform vision to regain their status as the leading party on education.
Perverse Incentives in Florida’s Middle School Math Acceleration – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/perverse-incentives-in-floridas-middle-school-math-acceleration/
### Key Points
- Florida’s accountability system, heavily influenced by the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd), creates harmful policies like middle school math acceleration incentives that prioritize school grades over student needs.
- The “Middle School Acceleration” policy, introduced in 2011, pressures schools to push students into high school-level Algebra 1 prematurely to improve school grade calculations, often disregarding student readiness.
- Schools have adopted questionable practices, such as enrolling students in both Algebra 1 and intensive math electives, to maximize success metrics, illustrating the system’s focus on compliance over meaningful education.
- Patricia Levesque, CEO of ExcelinEd, acknowledges the flaws in the system, calling them “perverse incentives,” though her organization originally supported these policies.
- The article argues that genuine educational improvement requires listening to educators, students, and families instead of relying on metrics, mandates, or AI solutions.
Public Education Shaped by 19th Century Dispute | tultican https://tultican.com/2025/10/08/public-education-shaped-by-19th-century-dispute/
### Key Points
- Horace Mann's push for nonsectarian public education aimed to unify Protestant sects but excluded Catholics, leading to tensions.
- Anti-Catholic bias in early public school textbooks and practices alienated Catholic families, prompting them to create their own schools.
- Violent clashes, such as the 1844 Philadelphia riots, underscored the deep divisions between Protestants and Catholics.
- The 1859 Thomas Whall incident highlighted the Catholic-Protestant divide in schools, leading to widespread expulsions and legal battles.
- Anti-Catholic sentiment persisted in Ohio and beyond, influencing public opinion and school policies.
- The Blaine amendments, rooted in anti-Catholic bigotry, sought to prevent public funding for religious schools but were later challenged in court.
- Calls for accountability in voucher and charter schools stress the need for adherence to public education standards.
How NYC parents can opt out of data sharing and protect their child’s data | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy https://studentprivacymatters.org/how-nyc-parents-can-opt-out-of-data-sharing-and-protect-their-childs-data/
### Key Points
- NYC DOE revised regulations to disclose student Directory Information to non-school vendors, but the opt-out process for parents is complex and unclear.
- The Parent Coalition for Student Privacy created a simplified opt-out form to assist parents, as the DOE has not provided an adequate alternative.
- Parents are advised to ask schools for details about data disclosures and ensure written agreements exist to protect data shared with third parties.
- Ed Law 2D gives parents the right to know which ed tech programs access their child’s data, how it is protected, and how to correct inaccuracies.
- Parents should inquire about ed tech programs using AI and the privacy protections in place, as AI tools may illegally use student data.
- Concerns about excessive screen time and the risks of AI in classrooms were discussed, emphasizing the need for transparency and better data protection.
- A privacy briefing for parents is scheduled for October 20, 2025, to address these issues further.
CURMUDGUCATION: Saving Time With AI https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/saving-time-with-ai.html
### Key Points
- The article critiques the claim that AI will save teachers time, arguing that setting up and troubleshooting technology often consumes more time than it saves.
- AI tools like ChatGPT are not reliable for creating lesson plans or educational materials without thorough review, as they can generate inaccurate or inappropriate content.
- The author highlights that AI is often marketed as a solution looking for a problem, without addressing the root causes of teacher burnout or workload issues.
- Effective solutions to reduce teacher workload include smaller class sizes, hiring more teachers, and providing administrative or support staff, rather than relying on AI.
- The article criticizes the lack of meaningful use cases for AI in education, noting that its benefits are often overstated or impractical.
- Teachers are often left to self-train on new tech, which takes additional time and effort, and AI is no exception.
- The author argues that AI is being promoted by individuals with limited understanding of teaching, focusing on vague promises rather than practical applications.
