NOVEMBER 15, 2025
- Trump Announces Healthcare Reforms: President-elect Trump outlined plans for major changes to the U.S. healthcare system, focusing on lowering costs and expanding access during a Friday address.
- Immigration Fears Grip Naturalized Citizens: New policies under the incoming Trump administration are causing anxiety among naturalized U.S. citizens, who fear potential revocations of status despite prior protections.
- Trump to Sue BBC for Defamation: Trump stated he will file legal action against the BBC next week over alleged biased reporting on his campaign and administration.
- New Prosecutor Takes Over Georgia Trump Case: A special prosecutor has been appointed to lead the criminal election interference case against Trump in Georgia, aiming to resolve delays from prior legal challenges.
- Government Shutdown Averted, Trump Hails Victory: The House passed a funding bill to end the brief shutdown, with Trump celebrating it as a win for fiscal responsibility amid ongoing budget debates.
- U.S. Pressures UN on Gaza Resolution: The U.S. envoy warned of a "real human cost" if the Security Council fails to back a ceasefire measure, accusing holdouts of enabling Hamas.
- Controversy Over Trump Aide's 'Nazi Streak' Admission: A key Trump advisor, accused of admitting to a "Nazi streak," has been reassigned within the General Services Administration, sparking backlash.
- White House Targets Liberal Advocacy Groups: Officials signaled a broad crackdown on progressive organizations, including audits and funding restrictions, as part of post-election priorities.
- Russian Strikes Devastate Kyiv: At least six people were killed and dozens injured in Russian missile attacks on Ukraine's capital, damaging over 15 buildings.
- Gaza Faces Mass Displacement from Israeli Operations: Authorities report forced evacuations of Palestinians on a scale amounting to war crimes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
- G7 Affirms Support for Open Indo-Pacific: Leaders backed efforts to counter status quo disruptions, amid rising tensions with China in the region.
- Taliban Denies Harboring Pakistani Militants: Afghanistan's rulers rejected claims of allowing cross-border attacks, heightening diplomatic strains with Pakistan.
- Rise in Underrepresented College Applicants: Enrollment data shows growth in applications from underrepresented groups, though international numbers continue to decline.
- New York Bill Seeks AI Ban in Schools: Legislation aims to prohibit artificial intelligence tools in K-12 education to address cheating and privacy concerns.
- Teens Exploiting School Cybersecurity Flaws: Reports highlight student hackers targeting district systems, prompting calls for ethical training programs.
- School Attendance Zones Perpetuate Inequality: Analysis reveals how zoning practices reinforce segregation and limit access to quality education.
- Market Volatility Threatens Broader Stability: Analysts warn that ongoing selloffs could cascade into a full economic downturn if unchecked.
- Fed Hawks Signal No December Rate Cut: Traders are pulling back bets on a rate reduction as inflation concerns mount among central bankers.
- Trump Eases Tariffs on Key Food Imports: An executive order removes duties on beef, coffee, and tropical fruits to combat rising grocery prices.
- Delayed Jobs Report Set for Thursday Release: The government will finally publish October unemployment data, impacted by the recent shutdown.
- Tech Stocks Plunge on AI Hype Backlash: A global selloff deepened as investors question the sustainability of AI-driven valuations and Fed policy shifts.
- AI Startups Secure Massive Funding Rounds: Companies like Cursor and Thinking Machines raised hundreds of millions, fueling the ongoing investment boom.
- Experts Urge Caution on Tech Investments: Strategists advise against new positions in the sector until volatility from rate doubts subsides.
- Oracle Hit Hard in Broader Tech Rout: The software giant's shares dropped sharply, reflecting wider concerns over cloud and AI growth slowdowns.
- Worm Study Unlocks Aging Longevity Secrets: Researchers discovered genetic mechanisms in nematodes that could extend human lifespan by targeting cellular repair.
- FDA Lifts Warnings on Menopause Hormone Therapy: The agency removed black box alerts from estrogen treatments, citing low risks for most users.
- Infant Formula Recalled Over Botulism Risk: A major brand pulled products nationwide following contamination investigations.
- Merck's New Weight Loss Pill Gains Approval: The innovative drug promises fewer side effects than competitors, potentially transforming obesity treatment.
- Belichick Rules Out NFL Return: The coaching legend confirmed he won't pursue league jobs, recommitting to his role at UNC.
- 2026 World Cup Qualification Heats Up: Several nations advanced in FIFA's expanded tournament, with key matches reshaping the bracket.
- NBA Odds Favor Thunder for Wins Record: Oklahoma City emerges as a top contender to break the regular-season victory mark in 2025.
- NFL Week 11 Preview: Lamar Jackson in Spotlight: Baltimore's star QB leads headlines as divisional rivalries intensify.
Shutdown Over, But Staff at Ed Department Still Threatened https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/14/shutdown-over-but-staff-at-ed-department-still-threatened/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education staff return to work after the government shutdown but remain uncertain about their job security due to ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to reduce the department's size.
- Linda McMahon and Lindsay Burke play key roles in dismantling the department, aiming to eliminate federal responsibilities for low-income and special needs students.
- A provision in the funding bill reinstates laid-off employees, but skepticism persists about the department's compliance and long-term intentions.
- Key staff working on critical programs like Title I and IDEA grants were among those laid off, raising concerns about the future of these initiatives.
Megyn Kelly Wondered if Epstein Was Really a Pedophile Because He Liked 15-Year-Olds, Not 5-Year-Olds https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/14/megyn-kelly-wondered-if-epstein-was-a-pedophile-because-he-liked-15-year-olds-not-5-year-olds/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Megyn Kelly questioned whether Jeffrey Epstein was a pedophile, suggesting he was attracted to "barely-legal" teens rather than younger children.
- Critics argue that Kelly's remarks reflect moral relativism and downplay the exploitation of minors.
- The blog discusses broader societal issues, including patriarchal norms, double standards for women, and the ongoing problem of victim-blaming.
Trump's Decadent "Great Gatsby" Party at Mar-a-Lago While Poor People Go Hungry https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/14/trumps-decadent-great-gatsby-party-at-mar-a-lago-while-poor-people-go-hungry/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump hosted a lavish "Great Gatsby" party at Mar-a-Lago during a government shutdown, with extravagant food, drink, and entertainment.
- The event occurred while 42 million Americans faced potential cuts to food assistance (SNAP), as the administration argued against fully funding the program in court.
- Critics highlighted the stark contrast between the opulence of the party and the struggles of ordinary Americans, drawing parallels to the themes of "The Great Gatsby."
- The party included provocative performances, further emphasizing the insensitivity of such an event during a national crisis.
Big Education Ape: TRUMP'S WORST WEEK EVER: HOW HE SHOT HIMSELF ON FIFTH AVENUE AND SURVIVED (BUT BARELY) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/trumps-worst-week-ever-how-he-shot.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. government shutdown ended after 43 days, with bipartisan funding legislation restoring federal operations.
- Emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate implicate Donald Trump in connections to Epstein, raising questions about his involvement and lack of thorough investigation by the Department of Justice.
- Ohio voters rejected far-right "culture warrior" candidates in school board elections, signaling support for public schools and opposition to divisive agendas.
- Gina Hinojosa, a Democratic candidate for Texas governor, campaigns against school voucher programs, emphasizing public school funding and fair political representation.
- Pennsylvania implemented reforms to cyber charter school funding and accountability, addressing concerns about overfunding and spending inefficiencies.
- Chronic absenteeism in Michigan schools worsened post-pandemic, with economic disparity and lack of engagement as key factors. Indiana’s stricter policies were compared.
- Medicare for All is proposed as a solution to systemic healthcare inequities, with the article critiquing the inefficiencies of the current U.S. healthcare system.
- AI advancements, such as personalized learning tools, are reshaping education, but concerns about equity and reliance on AI persist.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the importance of risk-taking, cooperation, and play-based learning environments for children.
- Mike Feinberg, co-founder of KIPP, admits harm caused by the KIPP model, shifting his focus to vocational training programs for marginalized communities.
- The California Department of Education updated eligibility criteria for differentiated assistance under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
- The U.S. Mint discontinued penny production, citing economic inefficiency, with the article exploring cultural and economic implications through satire.
- Advanced learning programs, nepotism, and board dysfunction in Seattle Public Schools were highlighted, with criticism directed at The Stranger's endorsements.
- Public school students in Ohio are receiving $1.6 billion less in funding than 15 years ago due to prioritization of charter schools and vouchers.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 14, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-14-2025.html
### Key Points
- Education discussions include school choice limitations, teacher shortages, and links between housing evictions and student challenges.
- U.S. government operations resume after a 43-day shutdown, with ongoing economic disruptions and affordability concerns.
- Global tensions rise with Russia's attacks on Kyiv, Iran seizing an oil tanker, and Sudan's escalating civil war death toll.
- Economic uncertainty persists due to inflation, AI investment concerns, and stock market fluctuations.
- Advances in healthcare research highlight autoimmune disease treatments, anxiety insights, and chronic illness visa policies.
- Sports updates include Purdue's basketball win, Shohei Ohtani's MVP celebration, and India's archery gold medal victory.
Big Education Ape: THE LAST PENNY IN AMERICA: NO MORE COMMON CENTS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-last-penny-in-america-no-more.html
The article is a satirical and whimsical narration surrounding the discontinuation of the penny in the United States, a decision signed into action by President Donald Trump in 2025. It humorously explores the cultural, economic, and political implications of this move, weaving in fictional characters like Percy the Penny and Zelda the street performer to personify the penny’s journey and its societal impact. The story blends satire, historical references, and commentary on inflation, politics, and public sentiment, culminating in a reflection on the value of small things and the changes they signify.
### Key Points
- The penny was officially discontinued in 2025 under President Trump’s administration, citing economic inefficiency.
- The story uses a fictional penny named Percy to narrate the journey and societal reactions to the penny’s demise.
- The satire critiques inflation, political decisions, and public reactions, including protests and debates about the penny’s removal.
- The narrative highlights how businesses and society adapted to the change, with some lamenting the loss and others seeing it as progress.
- The article mixes humor, political satire, and reflections on economic policies and their cultural impact.
Improving Everyday Life With Small Levers – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/14/improving-everyday-life-with-small-levers/
### Key Points
- Archimedes’ principle of leverage highlights how small, deliberate actions in the right place can create significant change in both physical and social systems.
- Systems thinking involves identifying where small actions can have the greatest impact, such as listening, offering encouragement, or changing habits.
- Real transformation is achieved through consistent influence and small nudges, rather than dramatic control or force.
- Influence grows through empathy, trust, and shared networks, allowing people to collaborate and create collective change.
- Leadership is redefined as initiative combined with empathy, and it can be practiced by anyone in their immediate circles to effect meaningful change.
- Small, intentional actions by ordinary individuals accumulate over time, creating ripples of change in personal, relational, and societal contexts.
- Large-scale problems can be addressed by focusing on smaller systems and leveraging opportunities within immediate surroundings.
- Julian Vasquez Heilig, the author, emphasizes equity and justice through his scholarly and advocacy work.
Teacher Tom: The Vital Power of "Followership" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-vital-power-of-followership.html
### Key Points
- Followership is a crucial skill, as most people spend more time following than leading.
- Being inspired by others and making thoughtful decisions about whom to follow is foundational for meaningful human activity.
- Teachers play a leadership role but often succeed when children follow each other, not just the teacher.
- Derek Sivers' video illustrates how a "first follower" transforms a lone individual into a leader, emphasizing the power of followership in creating movements.
- Empowering children to choose when and whom to follow helps them develop critical thinking and prevents blind obedience.
glen brown: “What kind of Democrat are you?” https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/what-kind-of-democrat-are-you.html
### Key Points
- The article criticizes "moderate Democrats" for caving on important issues, arguing that their actions undermine the fight for democracy and embolden MAGA autocrats.
- It calls for Democrats to define themselves as fighters for democracy, focusing on bold reforms like eliminating the filibuster and addressing critical issues like voting rights and healthcare.
- The article highlights the importance of authenticity, grassroots organizing, and a focus on affordability to connect with voters and win elections.
- It reflects on the failures of Democratic leadership, particularly Chuck Schumer, and suggests the need for stronger, more determined leaders.
- The piece underscores the urgency of resisting Republican cruelty and corruption while emphasizing unity within the Democratic Party to sustain victories.
What Really Really Limits School Choice PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/what-really-really-limits-school
### Key Points
- EdChoice explores the barriers to school choice but fails to address the root causes effectively.
- Bureaucratic friction, unclear rules, and poor communication hinder participation in school choice programs, but many barriers are deliberately created by schools themselves.
- Schools may use administrative hurdles, like complex applications or narrow enrollment windows, to exclude certain families.
- Voucher school tuition inflation and lack of marketing awareness also limit access to choice programs.
- Proposed solutions include better outreach, choice navigators, and clearer program guidelines, but these don’t address the systemic issues.
- The real barriers to school choice are created by private and charter schools, as well as legislators who prioritize their interests over equitable access.
- True school choice would require schools accepting public funds to admit all students, provide sufficient funding, and ensure accountability, but current systems favor business interests over families.
Absence Makes the Smart go Wander Thinking about why kids miss school NANCY FLANAGAN https://flanagann.substack.com/p/absence-makes-the-smart-go-wander
F*CK ANTISEMITISM: IF YOU’RE NOT P*SSED OFF, YOU’RE NOT PAYING ATTENTION https://ru4people.substack.com/p/fck-antisemitism-if-youre-not-pssed
### Key Points
- The penny was abolished in 2025 due to its economic inefficiency, costing more to produce than its face value.
- Trump's administration justified the move with bold declarations, sparking both support from economists and outrage from sentimentalists.
- The absence of the penny disrupted idiomatic expressions and caused linguistic adjustments, such as replacing “a penny saved is a penny earned” with “a nickel saved.”
- Retailers faced chaos with rounding policies, leading to customer complaints and creative bargain-hunting strategies.
- Americans began hoarding pennies, treating them as collectible items, while Coinstar machines saw increased activity.
- Wishing wells and fountains saw a decline in activity, with some adopting digital alternatives like QR codes for wishes.
- The nickel’s production cost raised concerns about its future, while the move saved the U.S. $56 million annually.
- The penny’s abolition was portrayed as a symbolic shift towards practicality, despite its minimal financial impact on the federal budget.
WHY WE NEED UNIVERSAL ON-DEMAND FREE EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE AGE OF AI OR, HOW TO OUTRUN OUR AI ROBOT OVERLORDS AND WIN THE FUTURE https://ru4people.substack.com/p/why-we-need-universal-on-demand-free
The article argues for universal, on-demand, free education and training as a necessary response to the rapid advancements in AI technology. It emphasizes the need for lifelong learning to adapt to the evolving job market, proposing education reform as a societal, economic, and moral imperative to prepare workers for the AI-driven future.
### Key Points
- AI is rapidly replacing jobs at unprecedented speeds, necessitating universal, on-demand, free education and training to keep the workforce relevant.
- Technological revolutions have historically created new jobs, but these new roles require skills that the current education system is not equipped to provide.
- Societal investment in retraining displaced workers is a moral obligation and a practical necessity to avoid economic and social instability.
- Education is an investment with high economic returns, as it leads to increased productivity, innovation, and reduced reliance on social services.
- AI can make education cheaper and more accessible through personalized learning, adaptive curricula, and virtual reality training.
- The concept of education must shift to lifelong, on-demand learning with flexible formats, micro-credentials, and recognition of prior experience.
- Free education alone is insufficient; additional support like living stipends, career counseling, mental health services, and childcare is essential.
- AI itself can be a tool to deliver personalized, scalable education while creating new job opportunities in AI-related fields.
- Without action, the future could see a divided society with AI-enabled elites and widespread unemployment and inequality.
- Success requires federal legislation, public-private partnerships, infrastructure investment, and a cultural shift toward lifelong education.
WELL, THERE YOU GO AGAIN THE NEVER-ENDING SAGA OF AMERICAN HEALTHCARE https://ru4people.substack.com/p/well-there-you-go-again
### Key Points
- The debate over healthcare in the U.S. remains a contentious and unresolved issue, often compared to a never-ending soap opera.
- The core question in the healthcare debate is whether healthcare should be considered a right or a privilege, with the current U.S. system being a fragmented mix of public and private interests.
- Historical attempts at healthcare reform, from Teddy Roosevelt to Barack Obama, highlight repeated failures due to political opposition, ideological divides, and powerful industry stakeholders.
- Medicare for All is proposed as a potential solution, promising universal coverage and cost savings, but faces resistance from industries and politicians benefiting from the current system.
- Critics argue over the cost of Medicare for All, despite evidence that universal healthcare systems in other countries are more cost-effective and lead to better health outcomes.
- The article advocates for phasing in Medicare for All, starting with vulnerable groups, to address systemic issues and make healthcare accessible to all Americans.
Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Performance: Have the Common Core Standards Changed How Teachers Teach? | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/have-common
### Key Points
- The article discusses the historical focus of education reforms on changing teaching practices to improve student learning outcomes.
- It highlights the introduction of the Common Core standards, adopted by most U.S. states since 2010, and the expectation that these would lead to improved academic performance.
- The article emphasizes that teachers are the key agents in implementing these standards and that merely mandating changes is insufficient.
- It criticizes the reliance on test scores to measure the success of the reforms, arguing that these do not reveal how teachers teach.
- Surveys and studies, such as the RAND survey, indicate little change in teaching practices despite the adoption of the standards.
- The article concludes that there is no clear evidence of significant changes or improvements in teaching practices due to the Common Core standards as of 2025.
Known Doesn’t Mean Protected https://norinrad10.com/2025/11/14/known-doesnt-mean-protected/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points
- The slogan "Every child known" by MNPS is criticized for not equating to "every child valued," highlighting leadership failures in protecting students despite knowing warning signs.
- The Antioch High School shooting revealed systemic neglect, with the district failing to act on prior violent behavior by the shooter. Efforts like the EVOLVE system were implemented too late.
- A lawsuit filed by the victim's family resulted in a $300,000 settlement, less than half the maximum allowable, raising questions about the district's accountability and valuation of life.
- MNPS leadership's response to safety measures and the lawsuit reflects a lack of ownership and responsibility for failures.
- Free speech issues were highlighted through the suspension and reinstatement of teachers following controversial social media posts, showcasing the tension between protected speech and community backlash.
- MNPS's graduation rates show stagnation, with Hispanic students experiencing a significant decline, despite other groups showing improvement. Leadership blamed state policies rather than addressing internal shortcomings.
Baristas on Strike on the Front Page. Starbucks’ “Here’s to Baristas” Holiday Ad on the Back — Anything to Avoid a Union Contract. The struggle baristas are brewing is part of a larger fight for worker's power. JESSE HAGOPIAN https://jessehagopian.substack.com/p/baristas-on-strike-on-the-front-page
### Key Points
- Striking Starbucks baristas are demanding better hours, higher take-home pay, and accountability for union-busting practices.
- Starbucks’ holiday ad campaign claims to celebrate baristas but ignores their demands, instead serving as corporate PR.
- The Seattle Times article inadequately covers the union’s demands, favoring Starbucks’ narrative.
- Starbucks has a history of labor law violations and recently imposed restrictive policies without bargaining.
- The broader labor struggle reflects growing inequality and the fight for workers’ dignity and power.
- Suggestions for supporting baristas include boycotting Starbucks, joining picket lines, and supporting the union’s efforts.
