OCTOBER 13, 2025
- Devastating Explosives Plant Blast in Tennessee: A massive explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant in rural Centerville on October 10 killed 16 people with no survivors, leveling the facility and felt miles away. Vigils are underway as investigations probe safety failures.
- Mass Shooting on South Carolina Island: Four dead and at least 20 injured in a shooting at a crowded bar on Hilton Head Island, shocking the community during a weekend event. Authorities are searching for suspects amid heightened security.
- Federal Government Shutdown Impacts Deepen: Entering its second week, the shutdown is causing financial strain for federal workers and military families, with delayed paychecks and furloughs affecting over 800,000 employees. Air travel disruptions reported at LAX due to FAA staffing shortages.
- Government Shutdown Standoff Escalates: Senate votes fail to advance a funding bill, with Republicans blaming Democrats for politicizing Obamacare subsidies and Medicaid cuts. Trump threatens more layoffs, while polls show divided blame among Americans.
- Mass Layoffs Hit CDC Amid Reorganization: The Trump administration issued notices for up to 1,200 HHS employees, focusing on the CDC, as part of broader cuts during the shutdown. Critics warn of public health risks.
- VP Vance Criticizes ACA Tax Credits: In interviews, JD Vance accused Affordable Care Act subsidies of enabling fraud, amid debates over deficit reduction and entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security.
- Gaza Ceasefire Takes Hold: Palestinians return north as Israeli forces withdraw under the new truce, with aid entering via Rafah and preparations for hostage-prisoner exchanges. Trump to co-chair peace summit in Egypt today with over 20 nations attending.
- Venezuelan Opposition Leader Wins Nobel Peace Prize: Maria Corina Machado awarded for democracy advocacy; she dedicated it to Venezuelans and Trump. The prize highlights ongoing political transitions in the region.
- Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Clashes Intensify: Afghanistan claims 58 Pakistani soldiers killed in retaliatory strikes over territorial violations. Refugees stranded at closed crossings as tensions rise.
- 2026 U.S. News College Rankings Released: Amid funding cuts and enrollment declines, rankings show minimal shifts despite controversies over methodologies and White House pressures. Princeton and MIT hold top spots.
- 161 Students Honored as 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars: Secretary Linda McMahon announced recipients, recognizing academic excellence amid ongoing debates on foreign worker roles in education staffing.
- NYSED Releases 2025 Test Data: 75% of questions and reports from grades 3-8 ELA/math/science exams published, alongside applications for the 2025 Summer Food Service Program.
- Q2 GDP Revised Upward to 3.8% Growth: Strongest pace in nearly two years, driven by consumer spending; White House calls it "explosive" amid tariff uncertainties and immigration impacts.
- Tariffs Weigh on 2025-2026 Outlook: Higher duties expected to slow H2 2025 GDP by raising prices; fiscal policy offers partial offset, but deficit concerns loom over entitlements.
- Job Growth Accelerates to 150K/Month in Q2: Private sector hiring up, keeping unemployment at 4%; shutdown delays September data release, risking "flying blind" on policy.
- McKinsey's 2025 Tech Trends Outlook: AI, quantum computing, and sustainable tech top the list, with rising investments in multimodal models and data sovereignty; EU pushes infrastructure to reduce U.S. reliance.
- AI Funding Boom Continues: Cohere raises $500M for enterprise GenAI; Google invests $9B in Oklahoma data centers; Perplexity drops paywall on AI browser Comet.
- Quantum Breakthroughs Advance: New method identifies W-state entanglement for teleportation; magnetic nanohelices enable room-temp spin control; perovskite detectors improve gamma-ray imaging.
- Prediabetes Reversal Cuts Diabetes Risk by 71%: Tübingen study shows healthy habits normalize blood sugar without weight loss; green tea aids fat-burning and metabolism in obese models.
- Depression Alters Brain Cells: Genomic mapping reveals gene changes in neurons and microglia linked to mood and inflammation; men's heavy drinking harms women/children globally.
- Rising Arthritis in Younger Adults: World Arthritis Day highlights surge in 30s/40s cases due to lifestyle; Medicare open enrollment starts October 15 for plan changes.
- Las Vegas Aces Sweep WNBA Finals: Third title in four years; A'ja Wilson earns MVP with historic performance in 3-0 win over Phoenix Mercury, cementing dynasty status.
- NFL Week 6 Highlights: 49ers' Fred Warner out for season with ankle injury; Patriots snap skid with Kayshon Boutte's big game; Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba shines as top WR.
- College Football Shakeup: No. 3 Indiana sets AP Top 25 record; USC upsets No. 15 Michigan 31-13 behind walk-on RB King Miller; Texas beats No. 6 Oklahoma 23-6 in Red River.
A Delightful, Wise Post by Greg Olear: "Terence, This is Stupid Stuff" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/12/a-delightful-wise-post-by-greg-olear/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Greg Olear discusses *A Shropshire Lad* by A.E. Housman, focusing on its themes of mortality and melancholy.
- The poem "Terence, This is Stupid Stuff" is analyzed for its dialogue about facing life’s hardships versus seeking escapism.
- Olear connects Housman's themes to modern political dangers, particularly the risks of fascism and societal complacency.
- The post calls for vigilance and preparation in challenging times, urging readers to confront rather than avoid adversity.
Kristi Noem Blocks Catholic Priest from Holding Communion for ICE Detainees https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/12/kristi-noem-blocks-catholic-priest-from-holding-communion-for-ice-detainees/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A Catholic priest was turned away by ICE-DHS employees when attempting to hold communion for detainees, sparking criticism about denying religious comfort to those in detention.
- The blog critiques the Supreme Court's interpretation of religious freedom, which has been used to undermine the separation of church and state and enable discrimination, while questioning the denial of religious rights to detainees.
- Comments on the post reflect concerns about political hypocrisy, selective religious favoritism, and the use of religion as a tool for power and control.
- Broader discussions on the blog include topics such as democracy, ethics, education reform, and the intersection of religion and politics.
Big Education Ape: THE FORREST GUMP LIFE OF DIANE RAVITCH: A BOX OF CHOCOLATES AND A RACE TO SAVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-forrest-gump-life-of-diane-ravitch.html
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch's life and career are compared to Forrest Gump's, illustrating her involvement in pivotal moments in U.S. education history.
- Ravitch initially supported conservative education reforms, including No Child Left Behind, but later publicly recanted and became a critic of privatization and high-stakes testing.
- Her memoir, *An Education*, reflects her intellectual journey and her advocacy for public education as a means to address social inequalities.
- Ravitch's activism extends to digital platforms, where she engages with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to fight for public education and inspire change.
- She founded the Network for Public Education (NPE) to combat the privatization movement and promote equitable public schooling.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 12, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0752829318.html
### Key Points
- The life and work of Diane Ravitch are highlighted, focusing on her efforts to save public schools and her advocacy for better education.
- The U.S. government shutdown has caused federal employee furloughs, economic disruptions, and political divisions over healthcare and funding.
- Immigration raids have escalated tensions, leading to protests and incidents of violence.
- A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas begins, with displaced Palestinians returning home amid ongoing negotiations.
- MarÃa Corina Machado wins the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in promoting democracy in Venezuela.
- Mississippi partners with Nvidia to introduce a statewide AI curriculum for middle and high school students to improve tech literacy.
- Advancements in AI and technology dominate the 2025 outlook, with global developments in brain-computer interfaces, quantum tech, and AI safety laws.
- Studies show prediabetes reversal reduces diabetes risk by 71%, and new COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce severe illness.
- Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress, passes away at age 79.
- The Boston Tea Party is linked to the modern "No Kings 2.0" movement, which opposes authoritarianism and promotes democracy through peaceful protests.
- The "No Kings 2.0" movement plans a nationwide protest on October 18, 2025, emphasizing nonviolence, preparation, and unity.
- Educational discussions include critiques of the "No Child Left Behind" policy, teacher evaluations, and the need for public education reform.
- Screen time in early childhood is linked to lower academic achievement, while SEL programs improve students' performance and development.
- The Trump administration is accused of weaponizing justice against political opponents, undermining democracy.
- FX’s "Alien: Earth" series critiques corporate greed and AI dominance, warning against the commodification of survival and public resources.
- The article reflects on the emotional toll of teaching, advocating for respect and support for educators.
Big Education Ape: NO KINGS 2.0: NO KINGS, NO TYRANTS, NO TEA IN THE HARBOR: THE BOSTON TEA PARTY AND THE SPIRIT OF AMERICAN DEFIANCE, THEN AND NOW #NoKings https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/no-kings-20-no-kings-no-tyrants-no-tea.html
Big Education Ape's article explores the historical significance of the Boston Tea Party and its modern-day inspiration, the No Kings 2.0 movement, which opposes authoritarianism and reaffirms democratic values. It highlights the parallels between the 1773 protest against British rule and the ongoing fight for democracy in 2025, emphasizing nonviolent action, community participation, and the enduring spirit of defiance.
### Key Points
- The Boston Tea Party of 1773 was a protest against British taxation without representation, symbolizing the colonists' rejection of authoritarian rule.
- The event united the colonies and spurred the American Revolution, ultimately leading to the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
- The No Kings 2.0 movement in 2025 channels the spirit of the Boston Tea Party, rejecting modern authoritarianism and promoting democracy.
- The movement emphasizes peaceful protests, community organization, and the importance of civic engagement to uphold democratic principles.
- Resources and training, such as protest safety and rights education, are being provided to support participants in the No Kings 2.0 movement.
- The movement highlights the importance of collective action and reminds Americans of their responsibility to protect democracy.
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/looking-back-week-in-review.html
The article is a collection of blog posts and updates from "Big Education Ape" and other sources, covering topics related to education, politics, technology, and social issues. It includes discussions on historical events, modern education challenges, AI developments, and societal movements. The content spans various dates and highlights significant weekly updates and reflections.
### Key Points
- Analysis of the Boston Tea Party and its relevance to modern American defiance.
- Discussion on screen time's impact on academic achievement in young children.
- Criticism of Donald Trump's Justice Department for alleged political misuse of "mortgage fraud."
- Rebuttal of David Brooks' views on education by Jersey Jazzman.
- Weekly review of top news stories and blog posts, including AI advancements and political commentary.
- Reflection on technological challenges and updates in blogging platforms.
- Coverage of societal issues such as school shootings, public education advocacy, and Black Lives Matter.
- Promotion of educational initiatives, including Diane Ravitch's work and the Badass Teacher Association.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 10-4-25 TO 10-11-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-top-state-news-stories-this-week-10.html
The article provides a comprehensive summary of key news and events from various domains, including education, U.S. politics, world affairs, economy, technology, health, and sports, spanning the week of October 4–11, 2025. It covers topics such as the U.S. government shutdown, election security, Israel-Hamas peace efforts, advancements in AI and health research, and major sports updates.
CURMUDGUCATION: Selling The House https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/selling-house.html
### Key Points
- The blog starts with a reflection on an elementary cross-country program and the joy of children participating in activities they love.
- Criticism of school voucher programs in states like Arizona, Mississippi, and Florida, highlighting their negative impact on public schools and taxpayers.
- Discussion of controversies surrounding book bans, self-censorship by teachers and librarians, and lawsuits against such bans.
- Concerns about the increasing use of AI for grading and its implications for education quality.
- Exploration of the pressures and burnout faced by teachers due to the demanding teaching culture.
- Reports on the impact of privatization and charter school policies on public education.
- Reflection on the history and challenges of public education in the U.S., including moral injuries suffered by teachers.
- Observations on how children learn to read and write, critiquing the "science of reading" approach.
- The rise of AI relationships among high schoolers and the implications of AI in education and society.
- Discussions about AI art, its emotional impact, and ethical concerns, including its misuse for recreating deceased individuals.
- A school in Maine introduces hikes instead of detention, yielding positive results.
- Remembrance of David Berliner, a significant figure in education reform.
Extremely Dense Analysis Of Recent Classroom Management Studies Finds That You Can’t Beat Positive Teacher-Student Relationships - Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- Positive teacher-student relationships are emphasized as crucial for effective classroom management.
- Free resources from the author’s books are shared every two months for educators.
- Teaching and learning resources for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (Oct. 17) are provided.
- The article critiques the use of student evaluations in colleges but misses a potential solution.
- A weekly roundup of educational policy posts and articles is shared.
- Resources for teaching historical empathy and its significance are highlighted.
- A weekly feature on free and useful AI tools for classrooms is introduced.
- Zaretta Hammond’s work on “Rebuilding Students’ Learning Power” is discussed.
- Resources for teaching about World Food Day (Oct. 16) are shared.
- The author’s books provide research-based instructional strategies for various subjects and grade levels, including resources for English learners and parental engagement.
- A blog, radio show, and other resources by the author aim to support teachers and parents in improving education.
- The author’s posts and videos on various platforms, including the New York Times Learning Network, are mentioned.
What Causes Low Academic Performance of Urban Children? Teacher Expectations of Their Students or Residential Segregation? (Richard Rothstein) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/10/12/what-causes-low-academic-performance-of-urban-children-teacher-expectations-of-their-students-or-residential-segregation-richard-rothstein/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- The 1968 book "Pygmalion in the Classroom" by Rosenthal and Jacobson argued that teacher expectations significantly influence student achievement, but its methodology and conclusions were questioned.
- Policies based on the "low-expectations" theory, such as standardized testing and accountability measures, have not successfully closed the racial achievement gap.
- Residential segregation and socioeconomic factors, including poverty, poor health, and inadequate resources, are the primary contributors to educational disparities, not just teacher expectations.
- The focus on teacher accountability has diverted attention from systemic issues like segregation and poverty, which require broader social and policy reforms.
The American Model That Shaped the World’s Worst Crimes – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/12/america-our-laws-policies-and-culture-were-the-inspiration-for-the-nazis-really/
The article explores the historical parallels between Nazi Germany's racial policies and the racial laws and practices of the United States, emphasizing how America’s segregation laws, eugenics movement, and treatment of Native Americans influenced the Nazis. It argues that the U.S. provided a prototype for institutionalized racism and highlights the need for historical honesty to confront and dismantle these legacies.
### Key Points
- The Nazis modeled many of their racial laws, including the Nuremberg Laws, on American segregation codes, anti-miscegenation statutes, and immigration exclusions.
- U.S. eugenics policies, including sterilization laws and the work of prominent eugenicists, heavily influenced Nazi racial science and policies.
- Nazi officials studied the U.S. treatment of Native Americans, including reservations and boarding schools, as models for population control and cultural genocide.
- The swastika, appropriated by the Nazis, was originally a symbol used in Native American and global cultures before being weaponized as a symbol of racial conquest.
- Nazi delegations visited the U.S. to observe segregation, immigration policies, and prison systems, using these as inspiration for their own regime.
- The article challenges the idea that fascism was alien to America, arguing instead that U.S. racial hierarchies and policies laid the groundwork for Nazi ideology.
- It calls for a reckoning with America’s dual legacy of exporting both racial oppression and civil rights movements, urging recognition of historical continuities to prevent future injustices.
- The article concludes that understanding this history is essential for reclaiming justice and building a future aligned with democratic ideals.
Schools Matter: NO KINGS MARCH, Saturday October 18 http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/10/no-kings-march-saturday-october-18.html
### Key Points
- The blog emphasizes that a child's learning is more influenced by classmates' characteristics than the teacher's qualities, reflecting James Coleman's 1972 perspective.
- Critiques of "No Excuses" teaching methods and the pressures on teachers to conform to rigid educational standards are presented.
- The blog discusses the role of poverty as a significant factor affecting education outcomes, arguing it is more impactful than teacher quality.
- There is criticism of the increase in standardized testing and corporate involvement in education reform.
- The blog archives and reviews various educational topics, including the history of testing, the impact of NCLB (No Child Left Behind), and the influence of organizations like KIPP.
glen brown: "An 'extortion' agreement for federal funding" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/an-extortion-agreement-for-federal.html
### Key Points
- The blog explores societal and political issues, including pensions, education, social justice, and environmental concerns.
- The writer emphasizes the importance of resisting oppression and critiques political and societal systems.
- Topics like scams, healthcare, constitutional amendments, and government policies are discussed, with a focus on their societal impact.
- Personal reflections, poetry, and literary inspirations are interwoven with political discussions.
Call for Poetry Submissions – English Journal https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/05/14/call-for-poetry-submissions-english-journal/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- The "bad teacher" myth has been perpetuated by media and political narratives, blaming teachers and teacher educators for systemic issues in education.
- The Science of Reading (SOR) movement uses misleading claims and numbers, such as NAEP proficiency data and the 90-95% reading proficiency claim, to push for scripted curricula and de-professionalize teaching.
- Teacher education programs are criticized for not adequately preparing teachers, but this is partly due to the constraints of accreditation and accountability systems.
- The author emphasizes the need for teacher autonomy as a critical aspect of professionalism, arguing that current systems reduce teachers to technicians who must follow mandates.
- The SOR movement is linked to ideological agendas, using "science" as a rhetorical tool to advance policies that harm both teachers and students, particularly marginalized groups.
- The author highlights the success of Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools as an example of addressing systemic issues through better funding, integration, and teacher support.
- Inequities in education disproportionately affect marginalized and minoritized students, and the accountability era has failed to address these challenges effectively.
- The article calls for a shift away from blaming individuals and toward addressing systemic failures, advocating for teacher educators and teachers to take a political stance against inequities and flawed systems.
NEW: Crisis as distraction and erasure: How SOR fails diversity and urban students (Journal of Literacy and Urban Schools) https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/10/12/new-crisis-as-distraction-and-erasure-how-sor-fails-diversity-and-urban-students-journal-of-literacy-and-urban-schools/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- The "Science of Reading" movement is critiqued as a subset of the broader "crisis" education reform that began with "A Nation at Risk" under Ronald Reagan.
- The SoR movement is argued to function as a distraction and erasure, failing to serve marginalized and urban students adequately.
- Current education reforms prioritize accountability over equity, leading to issues like book censorship, bans, and the whitewashing of educational materials.
- The article emphasizes the need for equity-focused reforms to address the literacy needs of all students.
Is Patriotism About Blind Loyalty or Core Values? https://www.changethelausd.com/is_patriotism_about_blind_loyalty_or_core_values
### Key Points
- Patriotism should embody compassion, justice, and equality rather than loyalty to a single individual.
- The author recounts their family’s tradition of flying the American flag, which was once a symbol of unity and respect, but has now been politicized and distorted.
- Trump’s actions, including those on January 6, 2021, and his policies, have shaken the author’s belief in what the flag represents.
- The lowering of the flag under Trump’s orders to honor controversial figures highlights the politicization of patriotism.
- The author refuses to fly a flag that symbolizes intolerance and blind loyalty, advocating instead for a version of patriotism that promotes justice, equality, and compassion.
On Cutting Off Your Nose to Spite Your Face There's a lot of that about. https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/on-cutting-off-your-nose-to-spite
### Key Points
- The author reflects on personal growth in communication and the importance of speaking out during critical times.
- The author highlights the ongoing natural disasters and parallels them with avoidable political conflicts, specifically within the RTC and union elections.
- Criticism of the insular decision-making by a small group of RA leaders, which has led to poor outcomes and division within opposition groups.
- The author discusses the dismissive attitude and lack of collaboration from RA leaders, which hindered efforts to build a united front.
- Despite challenges, the author expresses optimism about overcoming obstacles and calls for unity and leadership to challenge the current leadership effectively.
Sunday morning coming down Back in the 'real world' https://klonsky.substack.com/p/sunday-morning-coming-down
### Key Points
- The author discusses attending Zayd Dohrn’s play "Revolution(s)" at the Goodman Theatre, which explores themes of resistance in an occupied Chicago, with a notable musical contribution from Tom Morello.
- The article reflects on the Trump administration’s use of a government shutdown as a political tool to consolidate power and target Democratic programs.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem falsely claimed the arrest of a supposed Antifa founder’s girlfriend, which the article critiques as a propaganda tactic to justify government repression.
- The piece highlights how misinformation and propaganda are used to create narratives that support political agendas, often without factual basis.
- The author humorously suggests creating an anti-fascist dating service called “Girlfriendtifa” in response to the fabricated Antifa story.
Trump vs. Kids It's about the fear https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/trump-vs-kids
### Key Points
- Anne Lutz Fernandez explores the Trump Administration's attacks on children, emphasizing how fear is used to instill compliance and suppress resistance.
- Red states have removed child labor protections, forcing vulnerable children into hazardous work environments.
- Restrictive abortion laws jeopardize the health and safety of young girls, including victims of abuse.
- Cuts to food assistance programs and Medicaid harm low-income families, schools, and rural pediatric healthcare access.
- The Trump Administration's Department of Education reduced support for students with disabilities and announced there would be no safe spaces for children.
- Immigration policies, including mass deportations, create trauma for children in migrant and mixed-status families, instilling fear of the state.
