NOVEMBER 7, 2025
- Senate Republicans blocked a resolution that would have prevented President Trump from launching a military strike on Venezuela without congressional approval, passing by a narrow 49-51 vote amid escalating tensions.
- The Supreme Court held a private conference on November 7 to decide whether to hear several high-profile cases, including potential challenges related to same-sex marriage protections, fueling speculation but no immediate rulings expected.
- A Newsweek investigation revealed how Chinese citizens are increasingly buying U.S. citizenship through investments, gaining footholds in strategic industries like tech and real estate.
- Discussions intensified over ending the ongoing government shutdown, with President Trump urging Senate Republicans to act swiftly as federal services remain disrupted.
- A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits for November by Friday, averting cuts that could affect millions amid partisan budget battles.
- President Trump hosted leaders from Central Asian nations at the White House to discuss rare earth minerals, aiming to reduce U.S. dependence on China for critical tech supplies.
- Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens secured reelection in a closely watched local race, highlighting Democratic resilience in urban strongholds post-national elections.
- Reports emerged of President Trump hosting a lavish "Great Gatsby"-themed party at Mar-a-Lago as food stamp programs faced potential expiration for millions, drawing criticism over priorities.
- North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile toward eastern waters, heightening regional tensions following recent U.S.-South Korea security consultations.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin's repeated nuclear threats, including orders to prepare for potential testing, were analyzed as signs of underlying military weakness in the Ukraine conflict.
- Experts warned of an impending genocide in Sudan as civil war atrocities escalate in Darfur, with global powers criticized for their silence and inaction.
- A tower collapse at a decommissioned South Korean power plant killed at least one worker and trapped six others, triggering a large-scale rescue operation.
- Ukraine's successful defenses against Russian cyber warfare provided key lessons for global allies on countering hybrid threats in modern conflicts.
- Columbia University reported an early drop in international student applications, attributed to heightened U.S. visa scrutiny and shifting global perceptions of American higher education.
- Two Wake County schools in North Carolina warned parents of impending staff shortages on Friday and Monday due to a planned teacher walkout over working conditions.
- The British Council launched its Open Day 2025 event, offering trial classes, expert consultations, and resources to support global learners.
- Gallaudet University appointed a new interim assistant dean focused on student-centered initiatives, drawing from her background in K-12 education and family advocacy.
- U.S. stock markets tumbled, with the S&P 500 down 1.1% and Nasdaq dropping 1.9%, driven by fears of widespread layoffs, hiring freezes, and an AI-fueled economic slowdown.
- China's exports experienced their worst downturn since February, hammered by U.S. tariffs and weakening global demand, signaling broader trade pressures.
- Investors awaited the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report on November 7, expected to show cooling job growth amid recent private-sector declines.
- Wall Street closed lower, dragged by tech sector concerns over inflated valuations and economic headwinds, though futures hinted at a modest rebound.
- Amazon Web Services announced a new high-speed subsea internet cable to connect the U.S. and Ireland, boosting transatlantic data transfer capacities.
- NTT developed technology for automatically evaluating remote monitoring video quality in Level 4 autonomous vehicles, advancing safety standards.
- Researchers at the Technical University of Munich pioneered precision fermentation to produce egg proteins, offering sustainable alternatives for food tech.
- Pinterest unveiled an open-source AI initiative as a competitive edge in visual search and recommendation algorithms.
- Google and Epic Games reached a settlement, ending years of antitrust battles over app store policies and fees.
- The FDA approved CAPLYTA (lumateperone) as a new treatment for major depressive disorder in adults, showing no significant weight gain, metabolic changes, or sexual side effects in trials.
- A new nanotechnology-based drug reduced amyloid-beta plaques in mice brains by 50-60%, offering potential breakthroughs for Alzheimer's treatment.
- Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide (25 mg) demonstrated up to 16.6% weight loss in a major study, matching injectable versions like Wegovy.
- Upstate startup DUB Therapeutics raised $3 million to advance a novel eye-healing therapy targeting ubiquitin pathways.
- The NFL trade deadline saw major moves, including the Raiders trading wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to the Jaguars for two draft picks, reshaping playoff contenders.
- No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers face Northern Illinois Huskies in college basketball action, with the Badgers favored in their early-season matchup.
- Arizona Wildcats volleyball team secured a four-set upset over No. 21 BYU, tallying 12 blocks in a defensive masterclass.
- No. 4 seed FIU men's soccer hosts No. 5 Missouri State in the American Athletic Conference championship first round.
- No. 5 Cal women's swimming and diving team hosts a triple distance meet, featuring key returners and newcomers in a stacked field.
Podcaster Debra Shushan Interviews Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum About Her Support for Zohran Mamdani https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/06/podcaster-debra-shushan-interviews-rabbi-sharon-kleinbaum-sbout-her-support-for-zohran-mamdani/ via @dianeravitch
- Diane Ravitch expresses admiration for Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, highlighting her wisdom, leadership in the LGBT community, and advocacy for justice and kindness.
- Recent posts on the blog include an interview with Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum about her support for Zohran Mamdani and coverage of Democrats' success in Pennsylvania school board races.
- Other topics discussed include Zohran Mamdani's victory speech, reflections on Trump’s actions, and various issues related to education reform, democracy, and ethics.
- Diane Ravitch’s blog archives contain extensive posts spanning years, covering diverse topics such as education, politics, and social justice.
Pennsylvania: Democrats Sweep School Board Races, Ousting Extremists https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/06/pennsylvania-democrats-sweep-school-board-races-ousting-extremists/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Democratic candidates won school board races in Pennsylvania, defeating conservatives who emphasized culture war issues.
- The "Together for PR" slate promoted educational excellence and non-partisanship, resonating with voters.
- Republican-led boards had enacted controversial policies, including book challenges and LGBTQ content restrictions, sparking backlash.
- Teachers and communities expressed frustration with the divisive atmosphere, favoring a return to collaborative governance.
Zohran Mamdani's Inspiring Victory Speech https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/06/zohran-mamdanis-inspiring-victory-speech/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani, at 34, becomes the youngest Mayor of New York City in over a century, emphasizing inclusivity and hope in his victory speech.
- Mamdani’s speech highlights the struggles of working-class New Yorkers and promises transformative policies, including affordable housing and universal childcare.
- He vows to address systemic issues like corruption, cost-of-living crises, and inequality while fostering unity across diverse communities.
- Mamdani criticizes the influence of wealth in politics and pledges to build a government that helps everyone, especially marginalized groups.
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/
An Education | Columbia University Press https://cup.columbia.edu/book/an-education/9780231563161/
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?
Education, politics, global affairs, health, sports, and technology are covered in this article. It highlights menstrual health education gaps, political shifts in the U.S., international developments like Typhoon Kalmaegi and the Russo-Ukrainian War, health advancements, and innovations in AI and transportation.
Zohran Mamdani's victory as New York City's first immigrant mayor reflects a bold vision for unity, inclusivity, and transformative leadership. His campaign emphasized community engagement, affordable living, education, public safety, and a renewed sense of democracy. His victory speech celebrated the diverse coalition that supported him and outlined his plans for a better future for all New Yorkers.
Rigid Federal Rules May Block Efforts by Dem. States to Redirect New Federal Vouchers for Pro-Public School Uses https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/11/06/rigid-federal-rules-may-block-efforts-by-dem-states-to-redirect-new-federal-vouchers-for-pro-public-school-uses/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The OBBB voucher program allows federal tax credits for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which can fund various educational services, including private education and some public school support programs.
- Critics, such as Kevin Welner, argue that the program lacks flexibility and risks becoming a rigid, federally controlled system that prioritizes unregulated voucher programs over public schools.
- Governors face challenges in ensuring accountability, non-discrimination, and quality control in the use of these funds, as federal regulations may limit state-level oversight.
- Research highlights significant issues with voucher programs, including low academic achievement, civil rights concerns, and the diversion of funds to private schools for wealthy families.
- Experts suggest waiting for further guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department before states decide to opt into the program.
Thanksgiving Is In A Few Weeks – Here Are Teaching & Learning Resources Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog provides teaching and learning resources for Thanksgiving and end-of-year educational reflections.
- It highlights posts on changes in English learner education over the past 20 years and shares resources on classroom instruction and educational policy.
- The author republishes older posts, such as successful lesson elements and student motivation handouts, to provide valuable resources for educators.
- Research studies and infographics on topics like global life expectancy and U.S. population growth are shared as classroom tools.
- The author’s books offer practical, research-based strategies for teaching Social Studies, Math, Science, and English, with a focus on ELL students and student motivation.
- Additional resources include posts from the New York Times Learning Network, videos, and contributions to Education Week Teacher.
Unity Digs a Deeper Hole And manages to make themselves look even worse. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/unity-digs-a-deeper-hole
### Key Points
- Unity's health plan has faced cri
ticism for being pushed through without transparency, as members were not allowed to view the contract before voting, and even the Health Committee voted on it without seeing the full plan.
- Critics argue that Unity's actions, including redacting parts of the plan, undermine trust and accountability, especially since it contradicts Administrative Code 12-126.
- The article highlights the failure of Unity leadership to anticipate and address legal challenges, blaming external forces instead of taking responsibility for their missteps.
- Retirees and union members feel betrayed by Unity's lack of due diligence and disregard for member input, leading to costly consequences for members.
- The writer emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes and adhering to rules to avoid repeating failures.
When Loan Forgiveness Meets Partisan Politics – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/06/when-loan-forgiveness-meets-partisan-politics/
### Key Points
- Student loan forgiveness in the U.S. reflects national politics, defining who deserves relief, public service, and presidential authority.
- The Supreme Court blocked Biden’s sweeping debt cancellation plan in Biden v. Nebraska (2023), citing the “major questions doctrine,” limiting presidential authority.
- The Department of Education shifted focus to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) but introduced new rules potentially politicizing eligibility.
- Critics argue the new PSLF rule could exclude workers based on ideological or political alignment, turning forgiveness into a partisan tool.
- Loan forgiveness now reflects political identity, with eligibility influenced by political and administrative priorities.
- The politicization of PSLF could discourage young professionals from entering public service, worsening workforce shortages.
- The debate over forgiveness highlights deeper moral questions about fairness, grace, and political bias in policy decisions.
“I have never seen an American president so desperate to force children and seniors to go hungry” https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/i-have-never-seen-american-president-so.html
### Key Points
- The article discusses Trump’s transformation of the White House with a $330 million ballroom, symbolizing corruption and private greed.
- It highlights the involvement of anonymous donors and corporations benefiting from government contracts and regulatory leniency under Trump’s administration.
- The article suggests Democrats use this issue to expose corruption, demand transparency, and propose anti-corruption legislation.
- Broader reforms are proposed, including stricter regulations on lobbying, crypto, and foreign emoluments, alongside public campaigns and boycotts to hold corporations accountable.
MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - by MIKE SIMPSON https://ru4people.substack.com/p/morning-news-update-november-6-2025
### Key Points
- A UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, resulted in 12 deaths and nearly 20 injuries.
- Democrats achieved major election victories in Virginia and New Jersey, weakening Republican coalitions.
- The U.S. Supreme Court expressed skepticism over the Trump administration's tariff authority.
- The federal government shutdown has become the longest in U.S. history, affecting air traffic and schools reliant on federal aid.
- A listeriosis outbreak linked to pasta products has caused deaths and hospitalizations across 18 states.
- Typhoon Kalmaegi caused over 114 deaths in the Philippines as Vietnam braces for its impact.
- Hamas returned the body of an Israeli American hostage, though other remains are still unaccounted for.
- Colorado voters approved funding for universal school meals through higher taxes on the wealthy.
- The IRS announced a $1,390 relief payment to counter inflation and support the economy.
- Advances in health include FDA approval of CAPLYTA for depression and a gel that regrows tooth enamel.
- Researchers identified a source of dementia and developed compounds to slow brain damage in mice.
- Kyle Larson won his second NASCAR Cup Series championship, and India claimed victory in the Women's Cricket World Cup.
Teacher Tom: The Way Democracy is Supposed to Work https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-way-democracy-is-supposed-to-work.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom describes how preschoolers learn self-regulation through a system of "open" and "closed" shelves, using curtains to signify access.
- Despite a recurring issue with a curtain that frequently falls, children consistently take it upon themselves to fix it without being instructed, demonstrating responsibility and teamwork.
- Teacher Tom reflects on how this behavior mirrors the principles of democracy, where individuals voluntarily contribute to the common good.
Schools Matter: Early Voting in TN 7th Starts Nov. 12 http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/early-voting-in-tn-7th-starts-nov-12.html
### Key Points
- The blog emphasizes the role of classmates in a child's learning, quoting James Coleman.
- Critiques corporate-driven education reforms, including "No Excuses" teaching and excessive testing.
- Highlights poverty as a major factor affecting education, rather than teacher quality.
- Lists political and systemic issues in education, urging voters to focus on affordability and equity over partisan agendas.
- Features a wide archive of posts discussing various education topics and critiques of testing culture and policy reforms.
Schools Matter: Where In the World Is Matt Van Epps? http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/where-in-world-is-matt-van-epps.html
### Key Points
- The article emphasizes that a child's learning is influenced more by classmates' characteristics than by the teacher's qualities, quoting James Coleman, 1972.
- Highlights various posts and topics, including "No Excuses" teaching, the impact of poverty on education, and critiques of corporate education reform.
- Discusses the role of poverty in education, arguing that it has a greater impact than teacher quality.
- Mentions significant events and articles, such as early voting in Tennessee and political commentary on affordability and governance.
- Reviews books and essays addressing education reform, testing policies, and public school challenges.
- Critiques excessive testing and its implications for students and educators.
Menstrual health education and programs must reach all young adolescents Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
This Is What Democracy Looks Like - redqueeninla https://redqueeninla.com/2025/11/06/this-is-what-democracy-looks-like/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-is-what-democracy-looks-like
### Key Points
- Proposition 50 aimed to counteract gerrymandering and opened polls with significant voter turnout under a full moon.
- Voters demonstrated patience and determination, standing in line for hours to ensure their voices were heard.
- Instances of procedural challenges and attempts to undermine voting were addressed by poll workers and oversight mechanisms.
- The role of poll watchers was emphasized as critical to maintaining democratic integrity and addressing issues in real time.
Critical Studies of Education & Technology: Thinking Differently – Rather Than Dismissively – About AI and Education | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/thinking-differently
### Key Points
- The adoption of AI in education often reduces complex educational processes into quantifiable data, undermining the nuanced and creative aspects of teaching and learning.
- AI technologies are criticized for their inherent flaws, including biases, surveillance, environmental impact, and exploitation of labor in impoverished regions.
- The push for AI in education risks devaluing traditional educational practices and reducing education to a formulaic, robotic process.
- Good education is portrayed as a dynamic, joyful, and unpredictable process that AI fails to replicate or understand.
- The book argues for a balanced perspective, acknowledging that while AI has potential, it must be developed in ways that respect and enhance educational values rather than harm them.
- The author calls for reimagining AI in education to focus on empowering students and improving experiences without perpetuating existing issues.
In Pennsylvania, The Blue Wave Sweeps A Once-Conservative School Board From Forbes.com PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/in-pennsylvania-the-blue-wave-sweeps
### Key Points
- The Central Bucks School District, previously known for its conservative culture war policies, faced a significant shift as a "blue wave" overturned the conservative majority on the school board.
- The district had gained national attention for controversial policies, including book bans, banning pride flags, and requiring schools to disclose students' LGBTQ identities, leading to accusations of fostering a hostile environment for LGBTQ students.
- The conservative board faced scrutiny for hiring an anti-LGBTQ lawyer for an internal investigation and for its high administrative and legal costs.
- The 2023 election marked a turning point, with Democrats winning the majority despite significant conservative campaign spending. The conservative superintendent resigned, and two conservative board members quit, allowing Democrats to fill those vacancies.
- Voters appeared dissatisfied with the conservative board's secrecy, restrictive policies, and financial management, leading to a shift in leadership.
CURMUDGUCATION: Arne Duncan Is Now Betsy DeVos https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/11/arne-duncan-is-now-betsy-devos.html
### Key Points
- Arne Duncan's recent advocacy for federal tax credit voucher programs aligns with Betsy DeVos's policies, which redirect public funds to private education.
- Critics argue these policies replicate failed education reforms, such as test-and-punish and school choice, which have not improved educational outcomes.
- The federal tax credit voucher program is misleadingly framed as cost-free to taxpayers, despite redirecting tax dollars away from public services.
- The author criticizes Duncan's rhetoric, framing opposition to these policies as a "moral failure," and highlights the erosion of Democratic values in education policy.
Arne Duncan Is Now Betsy DeVos PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/arne-duncan-is-now-betsy-devos
### Key Points
- Arne Duncan, a former Secretary of Education, aligns closely with his Republican successor Betsy DeVos in advocating for policies like federal tax credit voucher programs, which redirect public funds to private education initiatives.
- Duncan and Jorge Elorza argue for a return to failed education reform policies from the past, such as test-and-punish systems and school choice, despite their historical ineffectiveness.
- The federal tax credit scholarship program is criticized for redirecting tax dollars from public education to private institutions, under the guise of supporting both public and nonpublic education.
- The program claims to generate significant funding for states but is accused of misleadingly presenting redirected tax revenue as new money. Critics argue this approach could reduce federal funds for public education.
- Duncan's support for these policies is presented as a betrayal of Democratic values, with critics accusing him of pushing Republican-like policies that undermine public education.
- The article critiques Duncan’s approach as ineffective and calls for a reevaluation of what Democratic values in education should represent.
The Ism Schism. Trump sums up '1,000 years of communism'. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/the-ism-schism
### Key Points
- Trump incorrectly stated that communism has failed for 1,000 years, showing a lack of historical understanding. Primitive communism, as described by Engels, existed in early societies but differs from modern communism.
- The U.S. government shutdown has caused significant disruptions in air travel, with over 7,000 delays and 1,200 cancellations reported in one day.
- Air traffic controllers, classified as essential workers, are working without pay since October 1, leading to financial strain and some resorting to second jobs.
- Some air traffic controllers have staged "sick-outs," exacerbating travel disruptions.
