NOVEMBER 19, 2025
- Federal Court Strikes Down Texas Redistricting: A U.S. District Court in El Paso ruled that Republican-backed redistricting for the 2026 midterms illegally dilutes minority voting power, marking a setback for Trump's election strategy.
- Tennessee Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment in Memphis: A judge halted Trump's crime-fighting operation using the Guard but paused the ruling for five days to allow appeal, amid ongoing urban security debates.
- Judge Blocks DOJ Order in Comey Case: In a ruling tied to former FBI Director James Comey, a judge prevented the Department of Justice from releasing grand jury evidence, escalating tensions over past investigations.
- Supreme Court Pauses Full SNAP Benefits Amid Shutdown Aftermath: The Court extended a hold on Trump's administration paying complete November food assistance, as federal agencies grapple with delayed distributions post-shutdown.
- U.S. Government Reopens After 43-Day Shutdown: President Trump signed a funding bill averting default, with federal employees set to receive back pay starting November 19, though economic data delays persist.
- Trump Revokes Endorsement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: The President labeled the Georgia Republican a "traitor," intensifying GOP infighting ahead of 2026 midterms.
- Trump Lashes Out Over Khashoggi Allegations: During an Oval Office meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump berated a reporter questioning the prince's role in the journalist's killing.
- Supreme Court Ruling May Trigger More Redistricting: A decision weakening Voting Rights Act protections could prompt states to redraw maps before 2026, potentially favoring Republicans.
- Trump Admin Targets Maine Abortion Clinics: Federal cuts exclude Medicaid funding for clinics providing abortion alongside primary care, despite strong state support for reproductive rights.
- Russian Drones Strike Kharkiv Apartment Building: Attacks on Ukraine's second-largest city injured five and sparked evacuations, escalating the ongoing conflict.
- Bangladesh's Ousted PM Hasina Sentenced to Death: Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was convicted for her role in a deadly student crackdown, sending shockwaves through South Asia.
- Ecuador Rejects Foreign Military Bases: Voters overwhelmingly opposed U.S.-backed bases, thwarting Trump's regional military expansion plans.
- UK Tightens Asylum Rules Modeled on Denmark: Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced reforms shortening refugee status and ending automatic benefits to curb Channel crossings.
- Benin Approves Term Limit Extensions: The National Assembly voted to extend presidential and parliamentary terms to seven years, raising concerns over democratic backsliding.
- Trump Admin Launches Plan to Dismantle Education Department: The U.S. Department of Education announced interagency moves, shifting offices like elementary/secondary to Labor and Indian Education to Interior, fulfilling promises to devolve power to states.
- New Interagency Agreements Break Up Federal Education Bureaucracy: Six partnerships aim to redistribute programs, excluding student loans and civil rights for now, but future shifts remain possible.
- CBSE Issues Notice on Subject-Wise Marks Distribution: India's Central Board of Secondary Education clarified grading policies, impacting millions of students amid global education reforms.
- No Indian Institutions in QS Top 200 Sustainability Rankings: IIT Delhi held as India's top but slipped overall, highlighting gaps in green education initiatives.
- Government Shutdown Ends, But Data Delays Complicate Fed Decisions: Reopening allows back pay from November 19, yet jobs and inflation reports are postponed, hindering rate deliberations.
- Global Economy Faces Headwinds, U.S. Growth at 1.8% for 2025: Projections show slowdowns amid policy fragmentation; Banxico eyes rate cuts to 7.25%.
- AI Bubble Risks Unusual Recession: Markets warn of tech-driven downturn if overhyped investments burst, per Economist analysis.
- Fed Cuts Rates to 3.75-4%, But No Guarantees on More: Powell signals caution on inflation and labor slowdowns, despite recent easing.
- AI Job Cuts Surge: 17,375 Roles Eliminated in 2025 So Far: Layoffs tied to automation hit 7,000 in September alone, though broader labor market remains stable per Yale study.
- Regulators Push Audits for AI Hiring Tools: Lawmakers demand transparency to combat bias against women and minorities, creating patchwork compliance challenges.
- Jeff Bezos Co-Leads New AI Startup: The Amazon founder takes his first major operational role since leaving, focusing on cutting-edge AI development.
- UK Twitter Hacker Ordered to Repay $5.4M in Bitcoin: The Obama account breach perpetrator faces restitution, highlighting ongoing cybersecurity accountability.
- Gut Bacteria Linked to 15 Species in Coronary Artery Disease: Seoul researchers identify microbial shifts influencing heart health beyond digestion, opening new prevention avenues.
- Custom Vitamin D3 Doses Cut Heart Attack Risk by 50%: Intermountain Health trial shows tailored supplementation slashes recurrence for survivors.
- Daily Coffee May Reduce AFib Risk by 40%: New data challenges prior cautions, tying caffeine's anti-inflammatory effects to lower arrhythmia odds.
- H3N2 Flu Variant Emerges for 2025-2026 Season: Data from Canada, UK, and Japan signal potential surge, urging vaccine updates.
- Purdue Reclaims No. 1 in AP Men's Basketball Poll: The Boilermakers leapfrog Houston; UConn holds at No. 3 amid early-season shakeups.
- Michigan Upsets Top-25 Foe in Historic Win: The Wolverines notch their biggest victory over a ranked team, next facing No. 1 UConn.
- N.C. State Edges Win in First Top-25 November Game in 13 Years: Clutch free throws seal victory for the undefeated Wolfpack in ACC action.
- Panthers Climb to No. 19 in NFL Power Rankings: At 6-5, Carolina eyes prime-time readiness; Rams hold top spot narrowly.
Trump Moves to Shut Down US Department of Education https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/18/trump-moves-to-shut-down-us-departtnent-of-education/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The article criticizes former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for failing to investigate Jeffrey Epstein during her tenure, despite her public commitment to combating human trafficking and prosecuting sexual predators.
- Bondi's initiatives as AG included arresting child predators and launching a tip website for reporting abuse by Catholic priests, yet she took no public action against Epstein, who allegedly had over 1,000 victims.
- The article suggests Bondi prioritized protecting the wealthy and politically powerful over justice for victims of sex crimes, questioning her credibility as a social justice advocate.
- It also raises concerns about other officials, such as FBI Director Kash Patel, for allegedly neglecting evidence in the Epstein case.
High School Graduate Beats His Government Teacher in County Election https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/18/high-school-graduate-beats-his-civics-teacher-in-county-election/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A 19-year-old high school graduate, Cameron Drew, won a seat on the Surry County Board of Supervisors, defeating his former teacher by 10 votes.
- Both candidates shared a close relationship, with Bell expressing pride in Drew's candidacy and choosing not to campaign aggressively.
- Drew emphasized youth engagement and local issues, such as affordable housing, during his campaign.
- Drew's victory demonstrated the impact of young voices in local politics and the importance of addressing community challenges.
When Jimmy Kimmel Interviewed George W. Bush https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/18/when-jimmy-kimmel-interviewed-george-w-bush/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch discusses Jimmy Kimmel's interview with George W. Bush, focusing on Bush's book about immigrants.
- The blog critiques the Bush family's silence on Trump’s aggressive immigration measures, despite their personal connections to immigrant communities.
- The article calls for more prominent figures, like the Bush family, to advocate for humane immigration reforms.
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
### Key Points
- Writing and education face challenges amid technological and instructional crises.
- California's preschool program supports children with disabilities.
- Summer youth employment programs improve educational outcomes.
- U.S. House votes on releasing Jeffrey Epstein files; Supreme Court takes up an immigration case.
- Concerns rise over a new flu strain, H3N2 Subclade K, potentially causing a severe U.S. flu season.
- Biden administration adopts a standard for electric vehicle chargers, largely based on Tesla's model.
- U.N. Security Council approves a U.S.-drafted Gaza peace plan; Hamas rejects it.
- Saudi Crown Prince meets with President Trump, with discussions on F-35 sales.
- Penn GSE expands AI education with Google funding; WSU develops an AI roadmap for rural schools.
- Global equities decline due to AI valuation concerns, affecting tech markets.
- Medicare Part B premiums to rise by 10% in 2026; Social Security retirement age increases to 67.
- Coalition condemns forced deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia.
- The Galien Foundation announces nominees for AI and medical technology innovation awards.
- Wisconsin Governor supports tribal control of online sports betting.
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.
### Key Points
- The article critiques the U.S. presidency's historical exclusion of women and its "boys' club" culture, highlighting systemic gender biases.
- Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election is analyzed as a reflection of societal preferences for traditional, male-dominated leadership.
- Kamala Harris’s defeat in 2024 underscores the challenges faced by women in politics, including societal biases and the "likability penalty."
- Michelle Obama discusses America’s unpreparedness for a female president, citing cultural immaturity and lingering sexism.
- The article reflects on historical female political trailblazers, such as Hillary Clinton, Shirley Chisholm, and Victoria Woodhull, and their struggles against systemic barriers.
- The Jeffrey Epstein scandal is used as a metaphor for unchecked male entitlement and the flaws in patriarchal systems.
- The article advocates for systemic change, promoting more women in leadership roles to challenge the status quo.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 17, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0700131299.html
The article is a compilation of recent news and developments across various domains, including politics, education, economy, technology, healthcare, global affairs, and sports. It highlights systemic issues, policy changes, and societal impacts shaping the U.S. and the world in November 2025. Topics range from government shutdowns and political controversies to advancements in AI, education reforms, and health breakthroughs.
How the Trump Administration Manipulates Power and Undermines Core Principles that Protect Public Schools and Students' Rights---Part 1 https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/11/18/how-the-trump-administration-manipulates-power-and-undermines-core-principles-that-protect-public-schools-and-students-rights-part-1/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The Trump administration violated democratic principles, including the constitutional "power of the purse," by refusing to spend allocated funds, spending unallocated funds, and overturning Congress's spending decisions.
- Massive staff cuts during the government shutdown targeted key offices in the Department of Education, undermining civil rights enforcement and the administration of vital programs like Title I and IDEA.
- The Supreme Court's use of the "shadow docket" has enabled temporary rulings that allow the administration to continue controversial actions, such as layoffs, while delaying full hearings and decisions.
- The Trump administration's actions particularly threaten vulnerable populations, including low-income students and those with disabilities, by reducing protections and resources.
The Myth of Racial Purity and the Truth of Our Shared Humanity – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/18/the-myth-of-racial-purity-and-the-truth-of-our-shared-humanity/
The article explores the myth of racial purity and emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity, using personal experiences, historical context, and scientific discoveries to argue for the recognition and celebration of diversity. It highlights the importance of embracing plural identities and challenges the fear-driven ideologies that perpetuate racial boundaries.
### Key Points
- The author's experience as a delegate to the 2000 Democratic National Convention revealed enduring societal perceptions of identity and the complexities of being both Black and Latino.
- Race and ethnicity connect individuals to history and community, but in the U.S., racial boundaries have historically been used to maintain power and justify exclusion.
- The U.S. Census only began allowing people to identify as multiracial in 2000, reflecting a broader acknowledgment of plural identities.
- The Genographic Project demonstrated humanity's shared genetic heritage, debunking the myth of racial purity and showing that identity is enriched by diversity.
- Fear of mixing and diversity underpins supremacist ideologies, which rely on separation to sustain power. The collapse of racial boundaries represents progress, not loss.
- The author views identity as a source of connection rather than division, emphasizing that diversity strengthens humanity and that uniqueness should be celebrated, not erased.
- The article concludes by affirming that shared humanity and interconnectedness are the foundations of democracy and societal progress.
Advice On Handling Disagreements Over The Holidays (& All The Time!) Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- Advice on handling family disagreements during the holidays and resources for Geography Awareness Week.
- Educational resources and discussions on active learning, culturally responsive teaching, and identity activities for students.
- Infographics and tools for comparing countries by land area and other teaching materials.
- Insights into instructional strategies for Social Studies, English, Math, Science, and ELL classrooms, along with motivational techniques for students.
- Additional resources such as Q&A responses for classroom management, original lessons for ELL students, and strategies for engaging parents in schools.
- Highlights of the author’s other work, including videos, blog posts, and contributions to various educational platforms.
Teacher Tom: Reality Isn't Always as it Seems, Especially When it Comes to Classroom Management https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/reality-isnt-always-as-it-seems.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom uses an AI-generated image to illustrate the feeling of "controlled chaos" in play-based education.
- Despite adult perceptions of chaos, photos of children at play often depict calm, focused, and self-directed behavior.
- Classroom management in play-based learning involves trusting children and allowing them freedom, rather than exerting control.
- Adult emotional responses to children's actions can distort reality, which is often more peaceful and organized than it feels in the moment.
- Teacher Tom shares a specific example of children joyfully complimenting one another, which felt chaotic but appeared calm and positive in retrospect.
Summer youth employment programs improve youth educational outcomes Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Summer youth employment programs (SYEPs) improve youth educational outcomes, reduce crime, and enhance social connections and community engagement. They offer work experience, skill development, and reduced barriers for participation.
- Child firearm injuries peak during afterschool hours (2-6 pm), particularly immediately after school dismissal, highlighting the need for community-based interventions like Safe Passage programs to ensure safer commutes.
- International student enrollment in U.S. higher education increased by 5% in 2024/2025, contributing $55 billion to the economy, with STEM fields being the most popular. India remains the top-sending country, while China saw a decline.
- Small group counseling programs in schools improve emotional regulation, social skills, and students’ sense of belonging, fostering stronger, more resilient learning communities.
- Generative AI in education necessitates curriculum reforms to prepare students for an AI-driven world, focusing on interdisciplinary AI literacy, problem-solving skills, and ethical considerations.
- Aggregate test scores in education obscure valuable item-level data that could optimize educational decisions and outcomes.
- Exposure to violent peers negatively affects academic performance, disrupts learning environments, and increases behavioral issues, with more pronounced effects on girls.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s stated plan to redistributing major responsibilities of the United States Department of Education (ED). https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel50.asp
### Key Points
- CSPP contractors must reserve 5% of their funded enrollment for children with disabilities, with the percentage increasing in future fiscal years.
- Contractors unable to meet the set-aside requirement can apply for waivers starting in FY 2026–27.
- Federal and state laws require children with disabilities to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE) alongside nondisabled peers unless their needs cannot be met satisfactorily in such settings.
- CSPP contractors should ensure proportional enrollment of children with disabilities across all counties, sites, and classrooms.
- The Exceptional Needs Funded Enrollment Calculator helps contractors determine the number of children associated with the set-aside requirement.
- Annual surveys will collect data on meeting the set-aside requirement and outreach efforts. Late submissions may result in withheld apportionments.
- Contractors must report enrollment data for children with disabilities monthly through CDMIS or CAPSDAC systems.
- Reimbursement includes a 2.40 adjustment factor for children with disabilities, reflecting additional expenses.
- Contractors can use unearned service-level exemption credits as deferred revenue for future fiscal years.
- Funds set aside for children with disabilities can be used for both one-time and ongoing costs, such as adaptive equipment, accessibility renovations, staffing, and professional development.
- Legislative changes have extended and clarified the set-aside requirements, with updated regulations emphasizing inclusion and high-quality early childhood programs.
- Resources such as Family Empowerment Centers, SELPAs, and Early Start programs are available to support contractors in serving children with disabilities.
- Contractors must follow updated fiscal reporting procedures, including documenting expenses related to serving children with disabilities.
FL: No, Not That Kind Of Religious Freedom PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/fl-no-not-that-kind-of-religious
### Key Points
- Writing and writing instruction face a crisis due to AI tools like ChatGPT, which highlight the fragility of current educational practices.
- AI's impact on writing reflects a broader issue: writing instruction has devalued authentic human communication by focusing on performative tasks.
- Writing is a profound human activity aimed at bridging the gap between individuals, yet schools often reduce it to mechanical exercises.
- Performative writing tasks, driven by standardized tests and rigid rubrics, prioritize format and compliance over creativity and genuine expression.
- ChatGPT and similar tools expose the emptiness of algorithmic writing instruction, as they can replicate performative essays but lack human insight.
- Teaching students to write authentically requires focusing on communication and meaning rather than algorithms and compliance.
- Writing should be taught as a real, human endeavor that connects individuals and fosters understanding, rather than as a skill for standardized assessments.
- The author advocates for a culture of authentic writing in classrooms, emphasizing its value beyond educational settings.
David Labaree on Schooling, History, and Writing: Teach for America and Teacher Ed: Heads You Win, Tails We Lose | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/teach-america-ed
### Key Points
- Teach For America (TFA) markets itself as a win-win option for elite college graduates, allowing them to contribute to social causes while advancing their careers.
- TFA's exclusivity and prestige make it more appealing than traditional teacher education (TE) programs, which are often seen as less selective and less glamorous.
- TFA offers a streamlined path to teaching, requiring only a summer training program, while TE programs demand extensive time and financial investment.
- TFA alumni benefit from career networking opportunities and partnerships with prestigious employers and graduate schools, enhancing their post-TFA prospects.
- TFA has successfully positioned itself as a high-status program, drawing comparisons to the "Harvard of teacher preparation," while TE programs struggle with low status and historical stigmas.
- Critics argue that TFA undermines the teaching profession by promoting short-term service over long-term commitment and by suggesting that natural talent trumps professional preparation.
- TFA’s focus on recruiting elite college graduates perpetuates a missionary-like approach to education, raising concerns about its implications for equity and cultural competence.
- Despite its flaws, TFA has brought attention to the importance of teaching as a profession and has inspired some alumni to pursue careers in education reform and policy.
- TFA alumni often leave teaching after their two-year commitment, but their experience is framed as a success rather than a failure, contrasting with the stigma faced by TE graduates who leave the profession.
Turns Out, Trump Wasn't Joking About Killing the Dept. of Education McMahon body slams department, decimates functional effectiveness ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/turns-out-trump-wasnt-joking-about
### Key Points
- The Trump administration has initiated efforts to dismantle the Department of Education by outsourcing key functions to other federal agencies.
- Programs worth billions, such as grants for K-12 schools and college assistance, have been outsourced, while some key offices like Civil Rights and Federal Student Aid remain but may face similar actions.
- Thousands of department employees, including lawyers protecting student civil rights and managing programs for low-income and disabled students, have been laid off.
- The dismantling of the department mirrors similar actions taken by the Trump administration against other federal agencies, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
- The long-term consequences include the difficulty of rebuilding the department's infrastructure, potentially harming education systems and protections for years.
Schools Matter: The Felon-in-Chief Calls a Female Reporter “Piggy" http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/the-felon-in-chief-calls-female.html
### Key Points
- A political figure referred to a female reporter as "Piggy," sparking controversy.
- The blog emphasizes poverty as a more significant factor in education than teacher quality.
- Criticism is directed at the "No Excuses" teaching model and corporate influence in education reform.
- Broader political issues, including corruption and the undermining of civil rights, are discussed.
- Historical and ongoing critiques of standardized testing and its implications are explored.
glen brown: "As of November 5th, it estimated that U.S.A.I.D.’s dismantling has already caused the deaths of six hundred thousand people, two-thirds of them children" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/as-of-november-5th-it-estimated-that.html
- The article discusses the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D., highlighting its devastating impact, including the estimated deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children, due to halted aid programs.
- Historical parallels are drawn, comparing the lack of mortality data during Mao Zedong’s Great Leap Forward to the current administration's efforts to obscure the scale of harm caused by aid withdrawal.
- The blog reflects on various societal and political issues, including corruption, social justice, education reform, adjunct faculty struggles, and healthcare challenges.
- Commentary on the influence of Donald Trump’s policies, including clemency for allies, immigration controversies, and authoritarian tendencies.
- Insights into broader topics such as economic predictions, environmental concerns, cultural commentary, and U.S. political dynamics.
Crazy-Pants Makes Crazy Predictions | tultican https://tultican.com/2025/11/19/crazy-pants-makes-crazy-predictions/
### Key Points
- The article critiques Eric Hanushek's claim that learning loss from COVID-19 and declining NAEP scores will result in $90 trillion in future economic losses, labeling it as hyperbolic and unsupported.
- Hanushek's past assertions, such as the lack of a relationship between educational spending and student achievement, are contrasted with his current recommendations for investing in effective teaching personnel.
- The author argues that standardized testing and A–F school rating systems primarily reflect family income rather than true educational quality, challenging their use as benchmarks.
- Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee are criticized as being held up as exemplary states despite their low NAEP scores and family income levels.
- The article dismisses the concept of "learning loss," asserting that students continuously learn, even if not meeting state-defined targets.
Choosing Democracy: Protect Public Education - Stop Trump et al https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/11/protect-public-education-stop-trump-et.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump announced plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, which was created by Congress to ensure equal educational access for all students.
- The Trump administration’s actions could lead to larger class sizes and reduced access to higher education and job programs, undermining critical student support systems.
- Advocates, including the National Education Association (NEA), call for citizens to contact Congress to stop this unilateral and illegal move, emphasizing that only Congress has the authority to dismantle the department.
- The NEA president, Becky Pringle, accuses the administration of prioritizing tax cuts for billionaires over the needs of students and communities, urging resistance from educators and parents.
