OCTOBER 26, 2025
- Ongoing Government Shutdown Reaches Day 26: The U.S. federal government shutdown, triggered by budget disputes, continues into its fourth week with no resolution in sight. The Senate adjourned for the weekend without a deal, leaving millions of federal workers without paychecks and closing sites like national parks and the National Gallery of Art.
- Dramatic Raid on Chicago Apartment Building: Late on September 30, heavily armed federal agents rappelled from helicopters onto a Chicago high-rise in a high-profile operation targeting undocumented migrants and U.S. citizens, drawing widespread attention and criticism.
- Men Falling Behind in Economic and Educational Metrics: A new report highlights how American men are lagging in earnings, education attainment, and family roles, sparking discussions on masculinity, resilience, and societal shifts.
- California Governor Threatens Lawsuit Over National Guard Deployment: In an upcoming CBS interview, Gov. Gavin Newsom rejects President Trump's plan to send National Guard troops to San Francisco, vowing to sue and calling it an overreach on state authority.
- NY Attorney General Letitia James Indicted on Bank Fraud Charges: The Justice Department has charged James with bank fraud, escalating political tensions amid ongoing federal investigations.
- Trump's Authority Questioned in Venezuela Strikes: President Trump claims unilateral power for airstrikes on Venezuelan targets to combat drug cartels, but experts debate if the real aim is regime change against Nicolás Maduro.
- Trade Tensions with Canada Escalate: Ontario Premier Doug Ford withdraws a TV ad after Trump halts trade talks, citing it as provocative amid broader North American negotiations.
- Russia's Record Attacks on Ukraine's Energy Grid: In 2025, Moscow has unleashed an unprecedented number of strikes on Ukrainian power infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as winter approaches.
- BRICS Gains from U.S. Global Influence Decline: The chaos in American politics and waning U.S. dominance is boosting BRICS nations, fostering unity among the Global South, Russia, China, and India toward a new world order.
- Trump Meets Qatari Leaders on Gaza Ceasefire: During a refueling stop en route to Asia, President Trump held talks with Qatar's emir and prime minister to shore up the fragile Israel-Hamas peace deal.
- German Auto Industry in Sharp Decline: Europe's largest economy sheds over 51,000 car manufacturing jobs in the past year, signaling a broader crisis in the sector.
- Dual-Language Programs Show Promise but Face Equity Gaps: Experts highlight benefits for all students from bilingual education, yet implementation remains uneven, limiting access for underserved communities.
- Nayanta University Launches Inaugural Session in Pune: The new institution begins classes for its 2025–29 undergraduate cohort and opens admissions for 2026–30 in BA and BSc honors programs.
- India-Nigeria Partnership for IIT Campus: Plans advance for the first Indian Institute of Technology outpost in Nigeria, strengthening educational ties between the nations.
- Centurion University Ranks High Globally: The Odisha-based school secures 1501+ worldwide and 98th nationally in Times Higher Education's 2026 rankings.
- U.S. GDP Growth Accelerates to 3.8% in Q2: Real gross domestic product rebounded strongly in April–June 2025, recovering from a Q1 dip and signaling economic resilience.
- Global Trade Faces Delayed Tariff Impact: The WTO notes U.S. tariffs' effects on worldwide commerce will hit later due to 2025 stockpiling, but a sharp slowdown is still expected.
- IMF Warns of Persistent Uncertainty: Chief Kristalina Georgieva calls economic volatility the "new normal," with tariffs straining growth despite a 3% global forecast for 2025.
- U.S. Net International Investment Position Worsens: Foreign liabilities outpaced assets by $26.14 trillion at Q2 end, reflecting ongoing trade imbalances.
- China's Ambitious "Future Industries" Strategy: The National Development and Reform Commission outlines a decade-long push into quantum tech, brain-computer interfaces, and embodied AI to drive self-reliant growth.
- AMD Hits $300 Billion Market Cap Milestone: The chipmaker's valuation surges amid AI demand, spotlighting supply chain pressures and sector volatility.
- Compact Microchip Laser Breakthrough: NTNU and EPFL engineers develop a fast, precise, low-cost laser using microchip tech, enabling mass production for advanced applications.
- Beijing's Five-Year Self-Sufficiency Plan: Heavy investments target semiconductors, AI, and robotics to counter U.S. trade curbs and boost technological independence.
- Stem Cell Immune Therapy Reverses Alzheimer's in Mice: Cedars-Sinai scientists engineer "young" immune cells from stem cells, improving memory and cognition in animal models of the disease.
- New Iron Supplement Boosts Gut Health: A "three-in-one" formula combines iron with probiotics and prebiotics, restoring levels without causing inflammation.
- Targeted Cancer Therapy Halts Tumors Safely: Researchers develop a method to stop malignant growth without harming healthy cells, marking a potential treatment advance.
- Health Insurance Premiums Rise for Families: A 2025 employer survey shows increased costs for family coverage, burdening workers and companies alike.
- 2025 World Series Opener: Blue Jays Crush Dodgers: Toronto's Addison Barger hits the first pinch-hit grand slam in Series history, powering a blowout win over defending champions L.A.
- F1 Mexican Grand Prix Takes Center Stage: The high-speed showdown at Autódromo Hermanos RodrÃguez headlines the weekend's motorsport action.
- NASCAR Xfinity 500 at Martinsville: The playoff push intensifies on the short track, with drivers vying for championship spots.
- NFL Updates: Giants Activate Gano, Jets Turn to Fields: New York kicker Graham Gano returns from IR for the Eagles clash; Jets' Justin Fields starts with Tyrod Taylor sidelined.
Ann Telnaes: Another Monument to Trump's Megalomania (Magalomania) https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/25/ann-telnaes-another-monument-to-trumps-megalomania-magalomania/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump is constructing a 90,000-square-foot gold-plated ballroom, named the "President Donald J. Trump Ballroom," after demolishing the East Wing of the White House during a government shutdown.
- Critics argue that Trump prioritizes personal vanity over national welfare, with comparisons to authoritarian figures and concerns about the cost of his projects.
- Comments from readers highlight anger at Trump's actions and their implications for democracy, public spending, and the nation’s values.
Join NPE President Diane Ravitch as she discusses her new memoir - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/join-npe-president-diane-ravitch-as-she-discusses-her-memoir/
Book Review :: An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else by Diane Ravitch - NewPages.com https://www.newpages.com/blog/books/book-reviews/an-education-by-diane-ravitch/
An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else: Ravitch, Diane: 9780231220293: Amazon.com: Books https://www.amazon.com/Education-Changed-Schools-Almost-Everything/dp/0231220294?
Big Education Ape: WHY THE FOUNDING FATHERS THOUGHT THE UNITARY EXECUTIVE THEORY WAS TOTAL BULLSHIT: A TIME-TRAVELING DEBATE WITH CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN ROBERTS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/why-founding-fathers-thought-unitary.html
### Key Points
- Chief Justice John Roberts defends the Unitary Executive Theory, arguing for a strong, centralized presidential authority based on Article II of the Constitution.
- The Founding Fathers, including Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, Franklin, Jay, and Madison, reject UET as contrary to the Constitution's intent, emphasizing the need for checks and balances.
- Historical examples like Humphrey’s Executor and Federalist Papers are used to counter Roberts' claims of broad presidential removal powers.
- The Founders argue that UET risks creating a dictatorship-like presidency and undermines democratic accountability.
- The article concludes with a critique of UET as a modern misinterpretation of the Constitution, warning of its potential to erode liberty and governance balance.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 10-18-25 TO 10-25-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-top-news-stories-this-week-10-18-25.html
### Key Points
- Trump administration shifts military focus to Latin America, deploying a carrier strike group amid intensified strikes on drug vessels.
- Extreme heat negatively impacts student math scores, highlighting challenges for schools.
- Millions participate in the "No Kings" anti-Trump protests on October 18, opposing authoritarianism and government shutdown policies.
- Federal government shutdown enters Day 25, causing widespread disruptions, including missed paychecks and halted services.
- U.S. sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro exacerbate tensions over the drug trade.
- U.S.-Canada trade talks stall due to a political dispute, creating economic uncertainty.
- New sanctions imposed on Russia by the U.S. and EU, intensifying global pressure over Ukraine.
- Education groups oppose Trump's "Compact for Academic Excellence," which ties federal funding to reforms.
- Government shutdown halts civil rights investigations and furloughs staff, impacting education and minority-serving institutions.
- IMF projects slower global economic growth for 2025-2026, citing protectionism and fiscal vulnerabilities.
- Inflation remains a concern in the U.S. despite projections of a decline.
- Apple unveils the M5 chip with advanced AI capabilities, while other companies announce new AI innovations.
- The FCC enforces measures to block robocalls, reportedly stopping over 1.2 billion calls in 24 hours.
- Senate debates health care cost transparency, with discussions on lowering costs and improving consumer choice.
- Preliminary research suggests mRNA COVID vaccines may aid cancer immunotherapy.
- Tropical Storm Melissa threatens the Caribbean, expected to cause catastrophic flooding.
- Israel breaks a ceasefire with Gaza, dimming peace prospects.
- Major sporting events, including the World Series, NBA opening night, and UFC 321, dominate sports news.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 25, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/morning-news-update-october-25-2025.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. government shutdown enters its second week, delaying Social Security COLA announcements and disrupting services.
- The Trump administration escalates military presence in Latin America and ends Canada trade talks, amid sanctions and regional tensions.
- Sanctions are imposed on Colombia's president and Russian oil companies, affecting global diplomacy and energy markets.
- Côte d'Ivoire holds its presidential election, while Italy faces protests and a deadly explosion.
- U.S.-China trade talks aim to prevent tariff escalation, while Japan's new PM debuts in ASEAN meetings.
- Educational initiatives include scholarships at the University of Exeter, Nayanta University's admissions, and India-Nigeria IIT campus collaboration.
- The IMF upgrades global growth forecasts, and the Fed plans rate cuts amid inflation concerns.
- Technological advancements include AWS Graviton4 processors, Google's AI chip deal with Anthropic, and Apple's M5 chip launch.
- Health breakthroughs include a cancer therapy, stem-cell-derived Alzheimer's treatment, and FDA-approved eye drops as a glasses alternative.
- India wins an ODI series against Australia, while major boxing and UFC events dominate sports headlines.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 25, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01864287773.html
### Key Points
- President Trump shifted military focus from Asia to Latin America, marking a strategic change.
- Extreme heat is linked to lower math scores, posing challenges for schools.
- Trump administration faces criticism for undermining special education services by firing IDEA staff, threatening support for 7.5 million disabled children, and risking misuse of funds.
- Texas state takeovers of public school districts are criticized for undermining local governance and relying on flawed standardized testing metrics.
- Glenn Kessler draws parallels between Trump’s governance style and his past actions, such as destroying the Bonwit Teller sculptures, emphasizing broken promises and disregard for cultural value.
- Microsoft and OpenAI’s partnership faces challenges, including competition, regulatory scrutiny, and diverging strategies, as OpenAI moves toward profitability and IPO.
- U.S. government shutdown impacts federal workers, delays Social Security announcements, and sparks debates over essential worker pay.
- Gaza conflict escalates, with significant casualties and humanitarian challenges.
- Sudan crisis worsens as Rapid Support Forces advance, exacerbating humanitarian disasters.
- Nigeria and India collaborate on establishing an Indian Institute of Technology campus in Nigeria to enhance STEM education.
- IMF predicts global economic growth will slow to 3.2% in 2025, with AI investments cushioning impacts in the U.S.
- Amazon’s new Graviton4 processor improves AI efficiency, while Google partners with Anthropic on AI chips.
- FDA approves eye drops for presbyopia, potentially replacing reading glasses.
- AI integration aids healthcare systems, improving care management and reducing documentation burdens.
- Florida’s School Choice scholarship program causes funding issues for public and private schools due to rapid expansion and administrative challenges.
- Tennessee’s voucher and charter school expansion raises concerns about transparency and privatization in education.
- Diane Ravitch critiques the Trump administration’s actions targeting diversity and inclusion programs in schools, defending educators’ free speech rights.
- Risky play among children fosters courage, resilience, and self-confidence, according to Teacher Tom.
- Grassroots activism is essential for union reforms, as highlighted by the Fix Para Pay movement.
- Jesse Hagopian’s poem critiques societal contradictions and urges questioning of mainstream narratives.
Big Education Ape: MICROSOFT AND OPENAI: FROM FIRST DATE TO FOREVER? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/microsoft-and-openai-from-first-date-to.html
In 2025, the evolving partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI is likened to a tumultuous relationship, marked by collaboration, competition, and strategic alliances. Initially fueled by Microsoft's financial backing and Azure's computing power, the partnership enabled OpenAI to develop groundbreaking AI models like ChatGPT. However, as OpenAI gained prominence and diversified its partnerships with companies like Oracle and Nvidia, tensions emerged. Microsoft, in turn, invested in its own AI capabilities, signaling a shift from dependence to rivalry. The relationship remains complex, with both parties balancing mutual benefits, regulatory scrutiny, and market competition.
### Key Points
- Microsoft and OpenAI's partnership began in 2019 with a $1 billion investment, enabling OpenAI to leverage Azure's computing power.
- OpenAI remains independent, with Microsoft securing profit-sharing rights and exclusive early access to OpenAI's innovations.
- OpenAI has expanded partnerships with Oracle, Nvidia, and others, reducing reliance on Microsoft.
- Microsoft is developing in-house AI capabilities, including custom chips, to reduce dependency on external partners.
- The partnership faces challenges, including regulatory scrutiny, competition, and diverging business strategies.
- OpenAI's pursuit of profitability and an IPO hints at a shift from its nonprofit origins, raising questions about sustainability.
- Industry observers speculate on the future of the partnership, with some predicting a fragile truce or eventual separation.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 24, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/morning-news-update-october-24-2025.html
Echoes of Hitler's Germany in Stephen Miller's attack on Art. It's about more than a ballroom. https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/echoes-of-hitlers-germany-in-stephen
What the History of Supermarkets Teaches Us About AI in Schools (Andrew Cantarutti) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/10/25/what-the-history-of-supermarkets-teaches-us-about-ai-in-schools-andrew-cantarutti/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- The modern supermarket, starting with Piggly Wiggly in 1916, revolutionized shopping by introducing self-service, refrigeration, and global supply chains, which brought convenience but also significant environmental and societal costs.
- The supermarket model created dependencies on energy-intensive infrastructure and centralized logistics, which led to environmental issues, exploitative labor practices, and health problems due to the promotion of processed foods.
- AI in schools is likened to supermarkets, offering short-term conveniences like automated grading and personalized learning, but it poses risks such as high energy consumption, market entrenchment, and delayed negative impacts on cognitive practices and fairness.
- Schools should adopt AI cautiously, treating it as both an environmental and pedagogical decision. Transparency, rigorous impact assessments, and delaying adoption to evaluate evidence are recommended.
- The article advocates for responsible stewardship in education, emphasizing that convenience-driven decisions should not compromise learners' development, privacy, or the environment.
October’s Parent Engagement Resources | Engaging Parents In School... https://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2025/10/25/octobers-parent-engagement-resources-2/
### Key Points
- Monthly updates on “The Best…” lists and educational resources.
- Regular features on research studies and their applications in education.
- Resources for teaching about Daylight Savings and other timely topics.
- Weekly round-ups of useful posts and articles on education policy and classroom tools.
- Study findings on student learning preferences, including videos versus reading.
- Focus on motivational strategies for students, including critiques of certain approaches.
- Introduction of a monthly feature on educational terms like "Agency."
- Books and resources offering instructional strategies across multiple subjects and for English Language Learners (ELL).
- Various teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and self-motivation.
- Additional content includes blog posts, videos, and Q&A responses on classroom management and teaching practices.
Where Did the Money Go? – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/where-did-the-money-go/
### Key Points
- Florida’s school funding system experienced a shortfall in 2024-25 due to mismanagement of universal vouchers, leading to underfunded public schools.
- The Fourth Calculation, which adjusts funding based on February counts, was never released, leaving the system reliant on outdated October data.
- Over 27,000 students were misreported as receiving both vouchers and public school funding, causing funding deficits.
- Challenges in verifying student enrollment, including outdated systems and lack of student IDs for voucher recipients, exacerbated the problem.
- Proposed reforms include separating voucher funding from the FEFP and improving transparency in financial calculations.
- The Florida Senate passed SB 7030 to improve funding transparency, but it was blocked in the House, leaving systemic issues unresolved.
“Bull-feathers and Bunkum!”: Why the Founders Knew the Unitary Executive Theory Was a Load of Colonial Codswallop A Séance in the Supreme Court: The Great Vesting Clause Throwdown https://ru4people.substack.com/p/bull-feathers-and-bunkum-why-the
This satirical article imagines a posthumous debate in the Supreme Court chamber where the Founding Fathers strongly oppose the Unitary Executive Theory (UET). They argue against the idea that the President has absolute, unchecked authority over the executive branch, emphasizing the Constitution’s design for checks and balances to prevent tyranny and ensure accountability.
### Key Points
- The Unitary Executive Theory claims the President holds absolute control over the executive branch, but the Founding Fathers refute this interpretation.
- George Washington argues that the Constitution was designed to prevent monarchical power and emphasizes accountability through laws and Congress.
- Thomas Jefferson criticizes the UET as a misinterpretation of the Vesting Clause, warning it leads to despotism.
- John Adams highlights the ambiguity of early Congressional debates on removal powers and rejects the idea of presidential supremacy.
- Benjamin Franklin dismisses the UET as impractical, emphasizing the need for expertise and independence in governance.
- Alexander Hamilton clarifies that his advocacy for a strong executive was about decisiveness, not unchecked power.
- John Jay warns that the UET undermines the rule of law by removing impartiality from the justice system.
- James Madison concludes that the UET contradicts the Constitution’s intent of balancing powers, calling it a dangerous misreading.
From Flirty DMs to Prenuptial Agreements: The Scintillating Saga of Microsoft and OpenAI https://ru4people.substack.com/p/from-flirty-dms-to-prenuptial-agreements
### Key Points
- Microsoft initially invested $1 billion in OpenAI, later increasing its investment to $13 billion, forming a strategic partnership that has raised questions about monopolistic practices.
- OpenAI relies on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform for computing power but has also partnered with Oracle, signaling a shift away from exclusivity.
- Microsoft is exploring partnerships with Anthropic, while OpenAI is restructuring into a for-profit entity, potentially paving the way for an IPO.
- Industry players like Google and AWS criticize the Microsoft-OpenAI partnership, citing anti-competitive concerns and questioning its sustainability.
- Microsoft’s Copilot, built on OpenAI models, is a successful product of their collaboration, but disagreements on ethical issues, such as AI use in adult content, highlight their differing values.
- Despite tensions, the partnership persists as both companies aim for technological dominance in the competitive AI landscape.
Disrupted sleep in teens identified as suicide risk factor Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Extreme heat negatively impacts math scores, particularly in high-poverty schools, while reading scores remain unaffected. Systemic inequities and geographic factors exacerbate these effects.
- Disrupted sleep in teens is linked to an increased risk of suicide, with poor sleep being a significant risk factor. Addressing sleep issues could be a vital part of suicide prevention strategies.
- Targeted interventions for repeating students in programming courses improve engagement and perseverance, though pass rates remain unchanged. Personalized approaches and adaptive learning are recommended.
- Nicotine pouches are increasingly popular among college students, especially in fraternities, raising concerns about addiction and health risks.
- Social support during adverse childhood experiences reduces long-term health risks and premature death, emphasizing the need for nurturing environments in schools and communities.
- Early-care teachers improve significantly over three years, with childcare and Head Start teachers showing steeper growth than school-based pre-K teachers.
- Practice-based teacher education pedagogies enhance responsiveness in teaching, offering evidence for their effectiveness in developing teaching practices.
Schools Matter: Still Room for Hope http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/10/still-room-for-hope.html
### Key Points
- Garrett Graff's historical perspective and three reasons for hope in American democracy: the resilience of people, historical progress, and the belief that "Trumpism" will eventually fade.
- Discussion on the importance of civic engagement, early voting, and grassroots efforts to mobilize voters and counter political suppression.
- Calls for action against authoritarian policies, including resolutions of condemnation and advocacy for a four-part agenda addressing democracy, science, healthcare, and international alliances.
- Highlighting community efforts, such as canvassing, phone banking, and fundraising for Democratic candidates in the 2025 and 2026 elections.
- Emphasis on the role of public officials' character and the need for vigilance in upholding democratic values.
It's the Monroe Doctrine on Crack. Trump moves his carrier force from Asia to Latin America. It marks a strategic shift. https://klonsky.substack.com/p/its-the-monroe-doctrine-on-crack
### Key Points
- Trump redirects military focus from Asia to Latin America, deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford and other assets under the pretext of counter-narcotics operations.
- The strategy marks a shift from countering China and Russia to prioritizing the Western Hemisphere, stirring internal divisions in U.S. defense and political circles.
- Trump frames Venezuela as a narco-terrorist haven, authorizing covert CIA operations and threatening land-based actions, while dismissing the need for congressional approval.
- Critics, including China hawks and defense analysts, warn against deprioritizing the Indo-Pacific, citing strategic risks.
glen brown: Trump’s $230 Million Heist Is Unconstitutional https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/trumps-230-million-heist-is.html
- The article critiques former President Donald Trump's attempt to claim $230 million from the U.S. Treasury, arguing it violates the Domestic Emoluments Clause and ethics rules.
- It highlights the ethical conflicts of Justice Department officials who previously served as Trump’s personal lawyers and their obligations to recuse themselves from related matters.
- The article emphasizes that no other presidents, despite undergoing special counsel investigations, have sought compensation for legal costs from the government.
- The piece discusses the broader implications of government ethics and the potential harm of setting a precedent for such claims.
- The blog is part of a larger platform called "The Contrarian," which aims to critique political issues and promote opposition to perceived government abuses.
glen brown: Why Don't They Stop Him? https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/why-dont-they-stop-him.html
### Key Points
- The article criticizes Donald Trump for unconstitutional actions, including alleged misuse of public funds and overreach of presidential powers.
- It emphasizes the failure of institutional checks, such as Congress and the judiciary, in curbing lawlessness and holding leaders accountable.
- The piece argues that a small group of people, beyond Trump, bear responsibility for enabling such behavior and need to be held accountable.
- Broader societal issues such as education reform, healthcare, social justice, environmental concerns, and systemic racism are touched upon.
- The author reflects on the role of writers and intellectuals in resisting oppression and maintaining integrity in challenging times.
Choosing Democracy: No Kings: Timothy Snyder https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/10/no-kings-timothy-snyder.html
### Key Points
- Timothy Snyder opened the "No Kings" rally in Cincinnati, urging collective action and community engagement to defend democracy.
- The phrase "No Kings" symbolizes the rejection of tyranny, oligarchy, violence, lies, and submission, advocating instead for freedom, dignity, and equality.
- Snyder encouraged attendees to connect with one another, emphasizing that democracy requires collaboration and shared effort.
- The speech criticized authoritarian figures who prioritize personal rule, wealth concentration, and fear-driven governance over democratic principles.
- Snyder's interactive approach, including call-and-response and moments of connection, empowered the audience to feel involved and inspired.
- The rally reflected a broader movement resisting authoritarianism and promoting democratic values.
I Am Fearless, Therefore Powerful: Why Tron Ares Resonates in a World Afraid of Change ★★★★☆ – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/25/i-am-fearless-therefore-powerful-why-tron-ares-resonates-in-a-world-afraid-of-change-%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%86/
### Key Points
- *Tron: Ares* is set in a near-future where the boundary between the digital and physical worlds dissolves, with an AI program, Ares, rebelling against its creators to assert autonomy.
- The movie reflects on themes of moral philosophy, technological evolution, and humanity's fear of transformation, drawing parallels to real-world struggles for equity and justice.
- Ares' rebellion symbolizes the disruption caused by questioning entrenched systems, challenging society's fear of change and autonomy.
- The film's stunning visuals and bold thematic ambition stand out, though critics noted flaws in pacing and character arcs, contributing to its commercial underperformance.
- The reviewer connects the film's themes to broader societal issues, emphasizing the courage required to confront injustice and push for transformation.
John Kowalko Passed Away. The Champion Of Opt-Out. A Delaware Hero. – Exceptional Delaware https://exceptionaldelaware.wordpress.com/2025/10/26/john-kowalko-passed-away-the-champion-of-opt-out-a-delaware-hero-2/
### Key Points
- John Kowalko, a progressive Delaware State Representative, passed away at 80 and was remembered for his dedication to equity and truth in government.
- Kowalko's notable work included his advocacy for House Bill 50, which supported parents' rights to opt out of standardized testing, though the bill was ultimately vetoed.
- He brought together Democrats and Republicans to support HB50, demonstrating his ability to unite people for common causes.
- Kowalko championed transparency and fairness, addressing issues like the charter school transportation fund and advocating for a Delaware Inspector General, which was established after his retirement.
- The article reflects on Kowalko's personal and professional impact, emphasizing his love for his family, Delaware, and justice.
