NOVEMBER 20, 2025
- Federal Court Blocks Texas Redistricting: A federal court in El Paso ruled that the redistricting plan backed by President Trump and Republicans for the 2026 midterms was racially motivated, halting its implementation.
- Tennessee Judge Halts National Guard Deployment in Memphis: A judge blocked the use of the National Guard in a Trump-backed crimefighting operation but paused the order for five days to allow an appeal.
- Interior Department Revives Endangered Species Act Changes: The department proposed restoring modifications to regulations from Trump's first term, aiming to streamline protections amid environmental debates.
- NPR Poll Signals Midterm Warnings for Republicans: A new survey shows Americans prioritizing lower prices, posing challenges for Trump and the GOP ahead of 2026 elections.
- Government Shutdown Ends After Record Duration: President Trump signed a funding bill to reopen federal agencies through January 30, following the longest shutdown in U.S. history, with impacts lingering on data and services.
- Democrats Gain in 2025 Off-Year Elections: Wins in key races, including two gubernatorial contests, boosted Democrats, while Republicans faced setbacks in a politically turbulent year.
- NYC Mayoral Primary Shocker: State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, promising affordability reforms and shaking up Democratic leadership.
- Latino Voter Shift Debated: A Democratic group claims Latinos are turning away from Trump, urging the party to move beyond anti-Trump messaging for broader appeal.
- Gaza Ceasefire Allows Palestinian Returns: After nearly two years of conflict, displaced residents are heading home as UN partners restore services, though insecurity and restrictions persist.
- G20 Summit in Africa Marks Historic First: Leaders from rich and developing nations convene in Johannesburg to address global challenges, emphasizing equity and development.
- Pope Leo XIV Urges Climate Action at UN Talks: The pontiff called for "concrete actions" against climate change, highlighting floods, droughts, and heat as cries from "God's creation."
- ICC Seeks Life Sentence for Darfur Warlord: Prosecutors demand maximum penalty for a Janjaweed leader convicted of atrocities over two decades old, advancing justice efforts.
- Education Department Dismantled Further Under McMahon: Secretary Linda McMahon announced transfers of TRIO and other programs to Labor, fulfilling Trump's pledge to devolve control to states.
- PSLF Program Restored to Original Intent: The Department issued a final rule refocusing taxpayer-funded loan forgiveness on public service workers, reversing prior expansions.
- New Priorities for Postsecondary Improvement Fund: Seven focus areas unveiled for FY 2025 grants, targeting equity and innovation in higher education.
- Penn State Professor Wins TED Social Justice Award: Mildred Boveda recognized for special education contributions at the Kansas City conference.
- Delayed Jobs Report Set for Release Amid Shutdown Fallout: The September nonfarm payrolls data drops today, expected to show losses from the shutdown; October figures may reflect up to 1.5 million job impacts.
- Global Economy Faces Headwinds into November: Geopolitical tensions, policy shifts, and structural changes create precarious conditions, with growth concerns outweighing inflation in key markets.
- AI Bubble Risks Unusual Recession: Analysts warn that a burst in artificial intelligence hype could trigger market instability and economic downturns.
- Existing Home Sales and Leading Indicators Due: October reports today could signal housing weakness and broader slowdowns post-shutdown.
- Microsoft Partners for Saudi Sovereign Cloud: The Public Investment Fund, SITE, and Microsoft signed an MOU to deliver localized cloud services, boosting regional tech sovereignty.
- Crypto Miners Accused of Grid Tampering: Reports claim miners bypassed meters, causing outages and higher costs; utilities push for AI detection amid surging power demands.
- Modern Life Raises $20M for AI Insurance Platform: The Series A funding will scale AI-driven life-insurance advisory tools for better personalization.
- Hermes Biosciences Secures Seed for EV Tech: New capital to expand automated systems for extracellular vesicles in diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Daily Coffee Linked to 40% Lower AFib Risk: New research challenges past warnings, attributing benefits to caffeine's effects on activity, blood pressure, and inflammation.
- Custom Vitamin D3 Cuts Heart Attack Recurrence by 50%: Intermountain Health trial shows tailored doses for survivors significantly reduce second-event risks.
- Ultra-Processed Foods Disrupt Youth Blood Sugar: Study reveals early metabolic harm in young adults, predating overt disease.
- WHO Stresses Sanitation on World Toilet Day: 3.4 billion lack safe toilets, leading to 1.4 million annual deaths; climate resilience urged for WASH systems.
- Rams Hold Top Spot in NFL Power Rankings: The 8-2 Rams edged the Seahawks in a close divisional clash, maintaining their lead heading into playoffs.
- Purdue Reclaims No. 1 in AP Men's Basketball Poll: The Boilermakers surged past Houston after a strong week, with UConn at No. 3.
- Michigan Upsets Top-25 Foe in Historic Win: The Wolverines notched their biggest victory over a ranked team, boosting NCAA tournament hopes.
- Eagles Emerge as Super Bowl Favorites: The defending champs overtook the field in updated odds, with Rams close behind.
Jan Resseger: Trump's Rush to Dismantle the Federal Government https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/19/jan-resseger-trumps-rush-to-dismantle-the-federal-government/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration has significantly reduced federal agency functions, including the Department of Education, impacting civil rights enforcement and public school funding.
- Federal programs supporting low-income students, special education, and public school equity have been targeted through staff layoffs and budget cuts.
- The Supreme Court's use of the "shadow docket" has allowed temporary rulings that enable the administration to bypass Congress and continue its efforts.
- Constitutional concerns include violations of Congress's "power of the purse" and potential long-term damage to public education infrastructure.
Why the Federal Appeals Court Overturned Texas' Racial Gerrymander https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/19/why-the-federal-appeal-court-overturned-texas-racial-gerrymander/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A federal court struck down Texas' gerrymandered maps, citing unconstitutional racial gerrymandering.
- The gerrymandering was driven by Trump’s push to secure more Republican seats in Congress.
- The decision stems from a flawed Justice Department directive under Trump, which misinterpreted legal precedents.
- The ruling could significantly affect the 2026 midterm elections, potentially reducing Republican House seats by five.
- Historical and political patterns suggest that shifts in voting dynamics may lead to broader changes in American politics.
Washington Post Exposes Secret Cabal That Plans to Make MAGA Permanent https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/19/washington-post-exposes-secret-cabal-that-plans-to-make-maga-permanent/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A group of right-wing donors, led by Peter Thiel, JD Vance, and Chris Buskirk, convened in 2019 to create a lasting MAGA political coalition.
- The Rockbridge Network emerged from this summit, becoming highly influential in GOP politics, fueling Trump’s reelection and advancing JD Vance to the vice presidency.
- Rockbridge utilizes advanced voter profiling, data analytics, and media strategies to mobilize conservative voters for elections.
- Chris Buskirk co-founded 1789 Capital, focusing on "patriotic capitalism" and funding ventures aligned with MAGA ideals.
- The network promotes “aristopopulism,” connecting wealthy elites with working-class Americans to revive the country’s industrial base.
- Critics argue that these efforts undermine democracy, concentrate power among unelected elites, and fail to address systemic economic issues.
- The group has organized events and conferences to strengthen its influence, with participation from prominent figures like Donald Trump Jr., Elon Musk, and Tucker Carlson.
- Investments by Rockbridge and 1789 Capital include AI factories, defense startups, and anti-woke companies, reflecting their agenda to reshape the economy.
- Buskirk and his partners aim to coordinate wealthy donors and working-class voters to ensure lasting political success for the MAGA movement.
- The organization’s voter mobilization efforts played a significant role in Trump’s victory in the 2024 election.
- Concerns have been raised about the group's ability to influence elections and policymaking through financial power and technological expertise.
TRUMP'S WAR ON KIDS "KIDS DON'T VOTE? F*ck 'Em" When Your Administration's Children's Policy Can Be Summarized on a Bumper Sticker https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/trumps-war-on-kids-kids-dont-vote-fck-em.html
### Key Points
- The Trump administration is dismantling the Department of Education, redistributing its programs to other federal agencies, which critics argue undermines public education.
- Cuts to key programs like Medicaid, SNAP, child mental health services, and educational funding are harming children, especially low-income, immigrant, and marginalized groups.
- Policies are part of "Project 2025," aiming to privatize education and reduce children's rights to parental property, reflecting an ideological agenda.
- The administration's actions are described as illegal, bypassing congressional approval to make sweeping changes.
- Critics argue these policies harm future generations and prioritize tax cuts for the wealthy over children's welfare.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 19, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0443436076.html
Big Education Ape: "ALL THE PRESIDENT'S TECHBROS": THE EPSTEIN TAPES (NOT QUITE WATERGATE) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/all-presidents-techbros-epstein-tapes.html
### Key Points
- Satirical depiction of a fictional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's emails, involving exaggerated characters like "Woodstein," "Bernward," and "Deep Throat 2.0."
- Parody of tech billionaires ("The Techbros") and their alleged involvement in covering up scandals.
- Critique of media sensationalism, with fictionalized news outlets and reporters prioritizing trivial or biased narratives over substantive reporting.
- Mockery of political figures and institutions, highlighting their dismissive attitudes toward evidence and accountability.
- The story concludes with a twist revealing the entire conspiracy as an AI-generated hoax, reflecting on the dangers of misinformation and misdirection.
### Key Points
- The Trump administration plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, transferring its responsibilities to other federal agencies, which critics argue will harm civil rights and reduce educational opportunities.
- Critics, including educators and unions, oppose the closure of the Department of Education, citing its role in ensuring equal access to education and supporting vulnerable students.
- Trump used executive orders to bypass Congress in initiating the department's closure, leading to layoffs in key offices, including Civil Rights and Title I program administration.
- The Supreme Court's "shadow docket" has been used to enable temporary rulings that support controversial administrative actions.
- Florida's expanded voucher program has drained K–12 funding, resulting in deficits and raising concerns over equity and religious freedom.
- Summer youth employment programs improve educational and social outcomes for youth, offering insights for similar initiatives.
- Global economic concerns include AI-driven market risks, inflation, and slow growth projections for 2025.
- AI tools like ChatGPT expose flaws in current writing education, which prioritizes compliance over authentic human expression.
- Teach For America (TFA) attracts elite graduates but is criticized for promoting short-term service over long-term professional teaching standards.
- Global affairs highlight Russian drone strikes in Ukraine, Bangladesh's sentencing of Sheikh Hasina, and Ecuador's rejection of U.S.-backed military bases.
- The U.S. government reopened after a 43-day shutdown, but data delays continue to complicate economic decision-making.
- Health updates include breakthroughs in coronary disease research, tailored Vitamin D3 doses reducing heart attack risks, and a new H3N2 flu strain.
- The article critiques systemic gender biases in U.S. presidential elections, reflecting on the challenges faced by female candidates like Kamala Harris.
- International student enrollment in U.S. higher education increased by 5% in 2024–2025, contributing $55 billion to the economy.
- California's preschool program supports children with disabilities, emphasizing inclusion and proportional enrollment.
- The Trump administration's policies have raised concerns about undermining democracy, public education, and social equity.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 19, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-19-2025.html
### Key Points
- NYC public schools release class size compliance reports, with some exemptions noted.
- Federal court rules against Texas redistricting, citing minority vote dilution.
- U.S.-China relations strained over declining Chinese student enrollment in American universities.
- Russian missile attacks escalate in Ukraine, with casualties reported.
- U.S. stock market anticipates Nvidia earnings as a tech sector indicator.
- Antimicrobial resistance action plan launched to combat "superbugs."
- Vitamin D3 shown to reduce heart attack recurrence by 50% in survivors.
- College sports updates highlight major wins in basketball and football.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 18, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01805835962.html
Big Education Ape: WHY THE PRESIDENCY IS STILL A SAUSAGE PARTY: AMERICA'S ENDURING BROMANCE WITH THE BOYS' CLUB https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/why-presidency-is-still-sausage-party.html
This blog post discusses societal and political dynamics, focusing on the persistent gender bias in U.S. presidential elections and broader systemic issues. It highlights the struggles women have faced in achieving leadership roles and critiques the entrenched patriarchy in politics. The article also addresses the cultural and societal barriers that hinder women's advancement and reflects on recent political events, including Donald Trump's re-election in 2024 and the challenges faced by female candidates like Kamala Harris. Michelle Obama’s commentary on America’s readiness for a female president serves as a central theme, emphasizing the need for cultural growth and systemic change.
ZNetwork: Will Teachers Save Our Democracy? | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/will-teachers
### Key Points
- Randi Weingarten’s book argues that public school teachers are essential to protecting democracy and resisting fascism.
- Historical examples include teachers resisting Nazi regimes and advocating for equality during the Jim Crow era.
- Modern examples show teachers fostering critical thinking, community support, and career readiness for students.
- Teaching is presented as a democratic act, promoting inclusion, critical skills, and agency.
- The book critiques neoliberal education policies like charter schools but calls for solidarity against fascism.
- Public education is framed as fundamental to democracy and national well-being.
Few Americans Question Use of Computers in Classroom Lessons https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/11/19/few-americans-question-use-of-computers-in-classroom-lessons/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Daniel Buck criticizes the uncritical adoption of technology in U.S. classrooms, urging educators to demand evidence of its effectiveness.
- Buck suggests schools and districts evaluate the return on investment for technology purchases and terminate contracts if devices fail to improve academic outcomes.
- He proposes a shift away from one-to-one computing, encouraging teachers to thoughtfully consider the necessity and impact of technology in lessons.
- Technology in education has become normalized, akin to utilities like electricity, with little scrutiny of its actual impact on learning.
- Despite its widespread use, there is no conclusive evidence that technology improves academic performance, leaving its true impact in question.
Google Unveils “Scholar Labs” For Academic Research – Seems “Meh” Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- Google introduced “Scholar Labs,” an AI tool for academic research.
- A round-up of educational policy articles and resources was shared.
- Posts reflecting on the Zeigarnik Effect and its classroom application were republished.
- A TED-Ed video explains the Nobel Peace Prize process.
- Advice was provided on managing family disagreements during holidays.
- Resources for Geography Awareness Week were highlighted.
- A post on effective five-minute metacognition lessons was republished.
- Discussion on the decrease in ELL newcomers and its implications for schools.
- A study emphasized the benefits of active learning for students.
- Playing For Change released a new global music video, “Better Together.”
- A video on surviving the Mariana Trench was added to learning resources.
- A list of the best “Words of the Year” for 2025 was shared.
- Books and resources offering instructional strategies for various subjects were promoted.
- Practical strategies for motivating students and engaging parents were discussed.
- Links to other works, blogs, and educational posts by the author were provided.
Beyond the Monroe Doctrine: Cuba could be the real target The logic is that regime change in Caracas would sever Havana’s lifeline. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/beyond-the-monroe-doctrine-cuba-could
### Key Points
- The U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, officially targeting Venezuela, may have a strategic focus on weakening Cuba by severing its economic lifeline.
- The White House is deploying its largest military force in the Caribbean since 1989, aiming to destabilize Venezuela and indirectly target Cuba.
- Discussions and calls for regime change are intensifying, with notable figures like María Corina Machado advocating for U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
- Experts warn that a U.S. invasion of Venezuela could lead to disaster, with Maduro seeking military support from Russia, China, and Iran.
Why Martin Luther King Jr.’s Most Radical Idea Still Scares People Today – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/19/why-martin-luther-king-jr-s-most-radical-idea-still-scares-people-today/
### Key Points
- Martin Luther King Jr. argued that power and love are not opposites but complementary forces, with power being the means to implement love’s demands for justice.
- King emphasized that power without love becomes domination, and love without power becomes ineffectual, advocating for the balance of both to create meaningful change.
- The fusion of love and power challenges societal norms by requiring love to engage in action and power to be guided by morality, eliminating excuses for inaction or cruelty.
- King’s insights highlight how societal systems often prioritize dominance over empathy, leading to a culture that is “power hungry and love starved.”
- Love without power is described as sentimental and ineffective, while power without love is cold and destructive; both must coexist to achieve justice and transformation.
- The Social Change Model of Leadership Development integrates love and power into leadership, emphasizing collaboration, community, and moral purpose as essential components.
- Leadership, according to King, belongs to anyone willing to use power for collective good, blending love and power to achieve reform and progress.
- The reconciliation of love and power is essential for societal reform and justice, as love provides direction and power gives it reach, creating a durable path to progress.
Poem: be careful (DMZ) https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/11/19/poem-be-careful-dmz/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- The poem "be careful (DMZ)" emphasizes the dangers of war and the indiscriminate harm caused by violence.
- The blog discusses the importance of centering student voices in writing and education, advocating for pedagogies of kindness and respect.
- Themes like academic freedom, social justice, and resistance to systemic oppression are explored in various posts and poems.
- The blog critiques the "Science of Reading" approach, highlighting its failure to address equity and teacher autonomy.
- Issues like racism, poverty, and literacy crises are recurrent topics, with a focus on their impact on education.
- The blog includes references to cultural and literary figures, such as Paulo Freire and James Baldwin, to support its arguments.
Teacher Tom: "Be Careful What You Teach" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/be-careful-what-you-teach.html
### Key Points
- Adults should avoid interfering with children's natural learning processes by imposing their knowledge.
- Children's discussions, even if factually incorrect, are valuable for their cognitive development and understanding.
- Teachers should focus on listening and creating a space for children to think and explore independently.
- Reflecting on teaching practices, Teacher Tom acknowledges moments where he may have unintentionally interfered with children's learning.
“Whatever could go wrong, Has gone wrong” – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/whatever-could-go-wrong-has-gone-wrong/
### Key Points
- Florida’s voucher program expansion led to a $47 million deficit in the 2024–25 K–12 funding formula.
- The audit highlighted failures such as distributing funds without verifying eligibility and overspending by $400 million.
- Step Up for Students had incomplete or unverifiable records, and improper payments were made.
- Senator Gaetz announced plans for legislation to address these issues, emphasizing the need for systemic changes.
THE FRIENDS OF JEFFREY EPSTEIN: A WITTY WHODUNNIT AND WHAT-DID-THEY-KNOW-DUNNIT https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-friends-of-jeffrey-epstein-a
### Key Points
- Jeffrey Epstein’s network included influential figures like Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Ehud Barak, and others, raising questions about their associations post-Epstein’s 2008 conviction.
- Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted for trafficking minors, is portrayed as receiving preferential treatment in prison, further spotlighting systemic privilege.
- The Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed by the House, aims to unseal Epstein-related documents, with bipartisan support and public demand for accountability.
- The article critiques the lack of action by powerful individuals who knew or ignored Epstein’s crimes, emphasizing the need for transparency and justice.
WHY THE PRESIDENCY IS STILL A SAUSAGE PARTY: AMERICA’S ENDURING BROMANCE WITH THE BOYS’ CLUB and Why Michelle Obama Isn’t Wrong https://ru4people.substack.com/p/why-the-presidency-is-still-a-sausage
### Key Points
- The U.S. presidency has been dominated by men for over 235 years, reflecting societal biases against female leadership.
- Despite progress in feminism and representation, cultural attitudes still favor male leaders, as seen in Donald Trump's re-election in 2024 over Kamala Harris.
- Michelle Obama critiques America's readiness for a female president, citing lingering stereotypes and biases against ambitious women.
- Historical examples of women like Hillary Clinton, Shirley Chisholm, and Victoria Woodhull highlight systemic barriers to female leadership.
- The "likability penalty" and societal double standards often undermine female candidates, as evidenced by the 2024 election.
- Scandals like Jeffrey Epstein's reveal the dangers of unchecked male power, further emphasizing the need for change in leadership dynamics.
- Michelle Obama emphasizes the need for cultural maturity and systemic change to normalize women in leadership roles.
THE OLIGARCH’S MONOPOLY: HOW THE BILLIONAIRE CLASS IS STEALING THE AMERICAN DREAM ONE STARTER HOME AT A TIME GEN Z: HOME OWNERSHIP BY NEVER. THANKS, CITIZENS UNITED! https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-oligarchs-monopoly-how-the-billionaire
### Key Points
- The American Dream of homeownership is being systematically dismantled by billionaires and corporate landlords who profit from housing scarcity and rising rents.
- Generation Z faces skyrocketing home prices, stagnating wages, student loan debt, and barriers to saving for a down payment, locking them out of homeownership.
- Citizens United v. FEC enabled unlimited corporate money in politics, allowing billionaires to influence policies that perpetuate housing inequality.
- Institutional investors have monopolized the housing market by purchasing single-family homes, driving up prices, and converting them into rentals.
- Restrictive zoning laws, developer incentives for luxury homes, and construction labor shortages contribute to the housing supply crisis.
- The gig economy creates challenges for mortgage qualification due to inconsistent income and lack of financial stability.
- Student loan debt significantly hinders Generation Z’s ability to save for homeownership and build wealth.
- High rental costs create a cycle that prevents saving for a down payment, forcing many into permanent renting.
- Corporate landlords use technology, such as algorithmic rent-setting tools, to maximize profits, further disadvantaging renters.
- The article proposes solutions like affordable housing investment, zoning reform, regulating institutional investors, and campaign finance reform but notes these are blocked by the wealthy elite.
- The psychological toll on Generation Z includes being gaslit into believing their struggles are personal failures rather than systemic issues.
- Collective action, voting, organizing, and rejecting systemic narratives are proposed as means to challenge the oligarchy and reclaim the American Dream.
NYC Public School Parents: New class size reports released - showing which schools are complying with the class size law and which are "exempted" https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/11/new-class-size-reports-released-showing.html
### Key Points
- NYC DOE reports achieving 64% compliance with class size laws, excluding 123 schools and 10,535 classes.
- Exemptions expanded from eight specialized schools to 123 schools, with unclear plans to address overcrowding.
- DOE's capital plan allocates $6 billion for 33,000 seats, falling short of the $18 billion needed for 100,000 seats.
- Financial Impact Statement reveals DOE's reluctance to align enrollment policies with class size goals, undermining future compliance.
- Inconsistent data and lack of transparency highlight DOE's inadequate planning and communication.
- Parents are encouraged to investigate exemptions, funding allocations, and advocate for class size funding.
Children at the Ballot Box: Why Direct Democracy May Be a Game-Changer for Kids Child advocates have often ignored or minimized the use of ballot measures and direct democracy as part of our playbook. It's past time to change that. BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/children-at-the-ballot-box-why-direct
The article discusses the growing importance of direct democracy, particularly ballot measures, in advancing policies for children’s welfare. It highlights both the successes and challenges of using initiatives and referenda to secure funding and protections for children, emphasizing the need for child advocates to strategically engage in this democratic process to counter opposing movements that may harm children’s interests.
### Key Points
- Direct democracy, through ballot measures, is increasingly used to secure funding and policy wins for children, but it also faces opposing movements that threaten children’s rights.
- Ballot measures often succeed in gaining voter support for children’s initiatives, such as school bonds, early childhood funding, and youth mental health services.
- Initiatives and referenda provide a direct channel for policy change, bypassing legislative gridlock and ensuring children’s needs are prioritized.
- Historical examples, such as Montana’s Healthy Montana Kids initiative and Ireland’s constitutional amendment for children’s rights, showcase the potential impact of direct democracy on children’s welfare.
- Child advocates must strategically use ballot measures to promote children’s interests while countering harmful initiatives, such as “parental rights” campaigns that undermine inclusive education and youth autonomy.
- Local-level measures are cost-effective and impactful, with many communities successfully passing child-focused initiatives since 2016.
- Even failed ballot measures raise public awareness, build coalitions, and force conversations about children’s needs.
glen brown: "Quiet, Piggy!" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/quiet-quiet-piggy.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump faced criticism for misogynistic remarks, including calling a female journalist "Quiet, Piggy," and his dismissive response to questions about Jeffrey Epstein and Saudi relations.
- The article highlights Trump's continued denial of involvement in controversies, including the Epstein scandal and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, despite evidence and public scrutiny.
- Broader societal issues such as social justice, pensions, education reforms, healthcare, and political corruption are discussed, reflecting the author's focus on systemic problems.
- The article emphasizes the importance of releasing the Epstein files for transparency and accountability.
- The author reflects on the historical and cultural significance of resistance, quoting figures like Albert Camus and Ambrose Bierce to underscore the writer’s role in challenging oppression.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Meeting, November 19, 2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/11/seattle-school-board-meeting-november.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Historical reference to the Gettysburg Address and its relevance to unity in the U.S.
- Ongoing legal dispute regarding a 2018 incident involving a teacher and systemic racism claims in Seattle Public Schools.
- Updates from the Seattle School Board meeting, including a new Facilities Master Plan, enrollment trends, and administrative changes.
- Highlighted issues with under-enrolled schools and considerations for property use and acquisitions.
- Details on the Superintendent's Employment Agreement and legislative priorities.
- Upcoming presentations on student cellphone use, personal technology, AI, and data privacy.
- Concerns about nepotism and personnel decisions within the district.
Not My Fault if Retiree Meds Are Denied, Says Mulgrew to Delegate Assembly Mulgrew, otherwise occupied, claims UFT and MLC are not responsible. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/not-my-fault-if-retiree-meds-are
### Key Points
- Retirees are no longer covered by the UFT Welfare Fund for pharmacy plans, and costs have increased significantly for retirees. Mulgrew denies responsibility for these changes.
- Many UFT members, including retirees, face catastrophic expenses due to medications no longer being covered, and Mulgrew's lack of accountability is criticized.
- Mulgrew and Unity are accused of disregarding dissenting opinions and misleading retirees about Medicare Advantage plans.
- The Delegate Assembly discussed class size laws, exemptions, and the need for progress in school construction to address overcrowding.
- The importance of funding for schools with the greatest challenges and ensuring equity in education was highlighted.
- The assembly addressed issues like para support, pattern bargaining inequities, and the need for better treatment of paraprofessionals.
- Health care transitions and lawsuits related to Senior Care and Anthem were discussed, with assurances of no harm to members.
- Resolutions were passed to support Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, advocate for student welfare, and commemorate the Stonewall riots.
- A resolution emphasized the importance of play in education, asserting it as a human right and essential for equity.
- Advocacy for fair pay in women’s sports was supported, highlighting the pay disparity between men and women athletes.
- Questions raised during the assembly included issues about class size funding, substitute teacher shortages, lesson plan ownership, and co-location policies.
