NOVEMBER 11, 2025
- Government Shutdown Nears End: The Senate has approved a funding bill to avert a prolonged government shutdown, sending it to the House for final approval amid bipartisan efforts to restore federal operations and avoid further economic disruption.
- Wildfires Rage on Both Coasts: Firefighters are battling multiple blazes in California and the Northeast, with crews working to contain outbreaks exacerbated by dry conditions and high winds, prompting evacuations and air quality alerts.
- Relief Plane Crashes in Jamaica: A small aircraft carrying hurricane aid to Jamaica crashed into a waterway near Miami, killing two people on board; no ground injuries were reported, but the incident highlights risks in disaster response logistics.
- Roberts Faces Key Ruling on Presidential Power: Chief Justice John Roberts is confronting a pivotal Supreme Court decision on the scope of executive authority in the Trump era, potentially reshaping legal precedents on presidential immunity.
- Senate Passes Shutdown-Ending Bill: In a late-night vote, the Senate advanced legislation to fund the government through early next year, breaking a deadlock that had furloughed thousands of federal workers and delayed services.
- Trump Proclaims Veterans Day: President Trump issued a proclamation designating November 11 as Veterans Day, honoring military service members and urging national reflection on their sacrifices amid ongoing policy debates.
- Democrats Criticized for Shutdown Concession: Opinion pieces question why Democrats agreed to a funding deal despite gaining public favor during the stalemate, potentially handing Republicans a political win ahead of key votes.
- Trump Announces Pharma Deal on Weight-Loss Drugs: President Trump revealed agreements with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to reduce prices for drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, aiming to address affordability in obesity treatment.
- U.S.-India Trade Deal on Horizon: President Trump announced the U.S. is nearing a comprehensive trade agreement with India, focusing on tariffs, agriculture, and technology to boost bilateral economic ties.
- Russian Official Visits China: Sergei Shoigu, Russia's Security Council Secretary, arrived in China for talks on security and energy cooperation, amid heightened global tensions over Ukraine and trade.
- Escalating Conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan: Reports highlight intensified fighting in eastern Ukraine and Sudan's civil war, with new U.S.-China trade pacts offering temporary global economic relief but not resolving humanitarian crises.
- Nuclear Warfare Risks in Focus: Experts warn of rising dangers from nuclear escalation in ongoing geopolitical flashpoints, calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to manage proliferation threats.
- Phoenix Teens Design Custom High School Program: Students in Phoenix, Arizona, have created a personalized high school curriculum from over 500 class and career options, emphasizing flexibility and real-world skills in public education.
- COVID Relief Funds Under Scrutiny: Despite $190 billion in federal aid, experts express concerns that pandemic-era education funding has failed to fully address learning losses, with ongoing debates on long-term recovery strategies.
- India Marks National Education Day: The country observes November 11 as National Education Day to honor Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, with events promoting access to quality education and policy reforms.
- Uttar Pradesh Mandates National Anthem in Schools: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has required daily singing of "Vande Mataram" in all educational institutions to foster patriotism and cultural unity.
- Stocks Rally on Shutdown Resolution Hopes: Major indices like the Dow and S&P 500 climbed as the Senate's funding bill advanced, easing fears of prolonged fiscal uncertainty and boosting investor confidence.
- Gold Prices Surge to Two-Week High: The precious metal rose nearly 3% amid soft U.S. economic data and bets on Federal Reserve rate cuts, serving as a hedge against recession signals.
- Private Sector Recession Officially Ends: Analysts declare a three-year downturn in much of the private economy over as of April, with earnings growth hitting levels not seen since 2021.
- Pre-Market Earnings in Focus: Companies like Sea Limited and Brambles report strong quarterly results, with BWAY exceeding expectations by 175%, signaling resilience in global supply chains.
- Microsoft AI Chief Warns on Over-Spending: Mustafa Suleyman cautions that billions poured into AI by leaders like Mark Zuckerberg may not yield a "better world," urging focus on ethical development over hype.
- Apple's Secret Billion-Dollar AI Pact with Google: Reports reveal Apple's undisclosed deal with Google and OpenAI to integrate advanced AI features, potentially reshaping smartphone ecosystems.
- OpenAI Expands into Healthcare: The company is advancing AI applications for medical diagnostics and patient care, partnering with providers to leverage models like GPT for personalized treatments.
- MIT Probes Human-Like AI Intelligence: Researchers at MIT are exploring how machines can mimic nuanced human thinking, aiming to integrate AI safely into society while addressing ethical biases.
- Coffee Linked to Lower AFib Risk: A new study suggests daily coffee consumption could reduce atrial fibrillation risk by up to 39%, challenging prior advice to limit caffeine for heart health.
- Vitamin D3 May Halve Second Heart Attack Risk: Supplements of vitamin D3 show potential to cut the odds of recurrent cardiac events by 50%, based on long-term trial data.
- Psychedelics Show Promise for Depression: Research indicates psychedelic compounds could "rewire" brain pathways, offering a novel treatment avenue for therapy-resistant depression.
- Wave of Healthcare Layoffs and Closures: The industry faces ongoing job cuts and facility shutdowns, with providers citing rising costs and policy shifts as key drivers.
- College Football Week 11 Delivers Chaos: Indiana's dramatic catch and Oregon's game-winning kick highlight upsets, reshaping playoff races with four teams now in contention for the Big 12 crown.
- High Point Panthers Advance in Soccer: The women's team secured an NCAA Tournament berth with a strong ACC finish, setting up a matchup against Virginia after a 12-3-4 season.
- Wichita State Women's Basketball Gears Up: The Shockers prepare for a road test at Western Kentucky, looking to rebound from an early-season loss and build momentum in non-conference play.
- Fordham Rams Host Wagner in Hoops Opener: The men's basketball team kicks off its 124th season at home, aiming for a strong start against a familiar Northeast Conference foe.
Norman Rockwell Family Protests Trump's Misuse of His Work to Promote Racist Agenda https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/10/norman-rockwell-family-protests-trumps-dhs-of-gus-work-to-promote-racist-agenda/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Norman Rockwell's family criticized the Trump administration for misusing his artwork to promote a racially exclusive agenda.
- Rockwell’s paintings, including "The Problem We All Live With," reflect his commitment to addressing racism and social injustice.
- The family believes Rockwell would be devastated by the use of his art to support discriminatory policies.
- The Trump administration has a history of appropriating cultural icons for political propaganda without authorization.
Chalkbeat: Union-Backed Candidates Sweep Denver School Board, Beating Big-Money Charter Supporters https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/10/chalkbeat-union-backed-candidates-sweep-denver-school-board-beating-big-money-charter-supporters/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Union-backed candidates won all four open seats in the Denver school board elections, maintaining the teachers union's influence.
- Reform groups supporting charter schools and education reform strategies were outspent but ultimately defeated.
- The election results signify growing public resistance to big money and corporate influence in education.
- Public sentiment appears to be shifting toward skepticism of billionaire and corporate agendas in education.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 10, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01016285417.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. Senate reached a bipartisan deal to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, restoring federal operations and SNAP benefits.
- FAA announced a 10% reduction in air traffic at busy airports to manage congestion and safety risks during the shutdown.
- Zohran Mamdani's victory as NYC mayor sparked debates about socialism's role in U.S. politics and the Democratic Party's future.
- The Democratic Party is divided between progressives advocating for transformative policies and moderates concerned about alienating voters.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal is referenced as a model for balancing socialism and capitalism to address inequality.
- MSNBC rebranded as "MS NOW," raising concerns about journalistic integrity and billionaire influence on media.
- Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure highlight global conflicts and humanitarian crises.
- Education remains a key issue, with voters rejecting conservative school board candidates and supporting public school funding.
- Federal judge orders the full restoration of SNAP benefits, addressing food insecurity during the shutdown.
- The Trump administration faced criticism for delays in SNAP funding and targeting vulnerable groups.
- AI advancements face challenges like high energy consumption, while Nvidia reports strong demand for AI chips.
- New health studies reveal promising treatments for depression, heart conditions, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Climate change inaction is linked to rising global health costs, prompting calls for policy shifts.
- The article discusses the Nordic social democracy model as a successful balance between market mechanisms and public welfare.
- The Democratic Party must adopt bold, universal policies to remain relevant, focusing on healthcare, education, and inequality.
- Public goods like healthcare and education should remain public services rather than profit-driven industries.
- The article critiques the use of cruelty as a political strategy under the Trump administration, emphasizing resistance through activism and kindness.
- Teachers emphasize the importance of teaching patriotism and constitutional values, challenging accusations of indoctrination in schools.
- Legal and educational controversies include book bans, voucher programs, and state takeovers of struggling school districts.
- Global issues like typhoon impacts in the Philippines, Chinese fishing boat capsizing, and Ecuador prison riots are highlighted.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 10, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-10-2025.html
### Key Points
- The Senate advanced a funding bill to end the longest U.S. government shutdown in history, with bipartisan support but unresolved issues around ACA tax credits.
- President Trump issued pardons to allies tied to 2020 election challenges, causing backlash and raising accountability concerns.
- Typhoon Fung-wong devastated the Philippines, displacing nearly 1 million people and causing infrastructure damage.
- U.S.-China trade relations showed signs of easing, with mutual reductions in fees and duties.
- World leaders gathered at COP30 in Brazil to discuss climate action and funding for vulnerable nations.
- Education advocates raised alarms over risks to higher education data and funding due to the government shutdown.
- The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics emphasized the role of Medical Nutrition Therapy in managing chronic diseases.
- MLB pitchers were indicted for involvement in a sports betting scandal.
- The International Olympic Committee proposed banning transgender athletes from competing in female events, citing physical advantages.
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/looking-back-week-in-review-sunday_0292757070.html
Various educational and political topics dominate the discussion across multiple blogs. These include reflections on public education, political strategies, inequality, and notable speeches. Highlights also feature updates on significant news stories, advocacy for public education, and commentary on current events.
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT DEMOCRATIC TENT DEBATE: HOW ZOHRAN MAMDANI'S VICTORY REVEALS AMERICA'S UNFINISHED CONVERSATION WITH ITSELF https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-great-tent-debate-how-zohran.html
The Effect of Video Watching on Children's Skills Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
- Immigrant students in U.S. colleges are more likely to work in large multinational firms or small firms/self-employment. Their degree fields predict placements, and they earn more than native peers, indicating productive sorting rather than blocked opportunities.
- Video watching negatively impacts children’s noncognitive skills but has a slight positive effect on math skills. For Hispanic children, it supports both cognitive and noncognitive skills, aiding cultural assimilation.
- Faculty sexual misconduct reduces degree completion in affected academic fields, particularly after 2015, with a 7% decline in completion rates. Students tend to leave male-dominated fields, but there is little impact on earnings due to shifts in major.
- Increased immigration enforcement in 2025 negatively affected academic performance and reduced disciplinary incidents among Spanish-speaking students, especially in middle and high schools.
- Mental health issues among international students in the U.S. have risen sharply, with anxiety increasing from 20% to 36% and depression from 20% to 35% between 2015 and 2024. Access to counseling remains limited, and universities are urged to expand culturally competent mental health services.
- Students focused on self-improvement and mastering material perform better academically, as deeper learning strategies are linked to higher grades. Reflection and problem-solving tasks can enhance learning.
- Women in college, particularly those living on campus, face a significantly higher risk of sexual violence compared to non-college women, with a 74% increased risk between 2015 and 2022. Social factors and campus environments contribute to this vulnerability.
Local Voters in Arizona Show Support for Schools Lots of local bond measures earn support at the ballot box ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/local-voters-in-arizona-show-support
Local Voters in Arizona Show Support for Schools
### Key Points
- 65% of bond and override measures for school funding passed in Arizona, benefiting 36 school districts.
- Efforts by volunteers, such as door-knocking and voter outreach, contributed to the success of these measures.
- The approved funding will improve education quality through updated technology, safer buildings, better-paid teachers, and preserved programs like art, music, and sports.
- Local bonds are seen as a temporary solution due to inadequate state funding, with Arizona ranking 49th in the nation for public school funding.
- Arizona's legislature is $7 billion behind in funding school facilities since 2000, forcing districts to rely on local taxpayers.
"Good" Doctors and Teachers (Part 1) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/11/10/good-doctors-and-teachers-part-1-2/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- The definition of a "good" doctor has shifted over time from doctor-centered to patient-centered practice.
- "Goodness" in doctors is subjective and varies based on traits such as communication, expertise, or even logistical factors like office management.
- Different types of doctors (e.g., surgeons vs. primary care physicians) may be judged differently based on patient priorities.
- Competence and caring are consistently valued qualities in doctors, but they rely on patient cooperation for success in treatment.
- The challenges and evolving definitions of "goodness" in doctors raise parallels with teaching, to be explored in Part 2.
The Uppity Minority: Harassment Ideology Targets Those Who Refuse to Bow – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/10/the-uppity-minority-harassment-ideology-targets-those-who-refuse-to-bow/
### Key Points
- Harassment ideology is a systematic approach to political retaliation, starting with rhetorical critiques and escalating to legal and financial accusations.
- The strategy is designed to appear lawful and fair while serving to exhaust and discredit its targets.
- Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, and Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve Board member, are examples of harassment ideology targeting Black women leaders.
- Legal and financial accusations are weaponized to undermine their credibility and careers, despite insufficient evidence.
- The process serves to punish dissent, reinforce hierarchy, and discourage independent leadership, particularly among leaders of color.
- True accountability should be transparent, equitable, and evidence-based, unlike the selective enforcement seen in these cases.
Schools Matter: The Senate Surrender WILL Have Repercussions http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/the-senate-surrender-will-have.html
We want to celebrate a Democratic Party that fights back. But after this latest surrender, the next step is
primaries and new leadership. We get the party we demand, and we
intend to demand one that fights.
INDIVISIBLE
Schools Matter: Mark Elias on 8 Ways Republicans Will Subvert The 2026 Election http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/mark-elias-on-8-ways-republicans-will.html
Detailed Summary for [URGENT: Trump's Plan To Steal The 2026 Election Revealed](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PXQfDHr9Aw) by [Monica](https://monica.im)
[00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PXQfDHr9Aw&t=0) The video discusses Donald Trump's alleged plans to undermine the 2026 election, emphasizing the importance of voting rights and how Trump aims to make it more difficult for citizens to vote while facilitating cheating by his allies.
- Introduction to Trump's actions regarding the 2026 election and the speaker's background in defending voting rights.}
- Overview of how Trump and Republicans intend to undermine free and fair elections.}
- Detailed explanation of the strategies Trump may use to restrict voting access and facilitate electoral cheating.}
- Emphasis on the significance of voting rules and their direct impact on election outcomes.}
[04:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PXQfDHr9Aw&t=262.469) The video discusses the critical issue of voter registration in the context of Donald Trump's strategies to influence the electoral process for the 2026 elections. It highlights the challenges and changes in voter registration laws that could impact the ability of citizens to vote, particularly focusing on the implications of proof of citizenship requirements.
- Introduction to the importance of voter registration in the American voting experience.}
- Discussion on how Donald Trump is attempting to make voter registration more difficult, which could prevent people from voting.}
- Explanation of the proposed proof of citizenship requirements and how they may not effectively prevent non-citizen voting but rather suppress votes against Trump.}
[08:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PXQfDHr9Aw&t=527.03) The video discusses the implications of proposed voting restrictions and how they may disproportionately affect citizens' ability to vote, particularly in light of Donald Trump's past actions and statements regarding proof of citizenship.
- The discussion begins with the assertion that certain measures are designed to suppress voting rights, making it more difficult for individuals to participate in elections.}
- The speaker points out the irony in the requirement for birth certificates, referencing Trump's previous claims about Barack Obama's citizenship and suggesting that similar tactics will be used to challenge voters' legitimacy.}
- The video highlights Trump's attempts to eliminate birthright citizenship, which could undermine the validity of birth certificates as proof of citizenship and further complicate voting rights.}
- The final points emphasize the urgent need to pay attention to these developments, as they could create a system where proving U.S. citizenship becomes increasingly difficult for certain individuals.}
[13:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PXQfDHr9Aw&t=793.19) The video discusses legal challenges related to ballot counting and voting rights, highlighting efforts to undermine the electoral process, particularly targeting mail-in ballots and signature verification processes that disproportionately affect younger voters and women.
- The speaker emphasizes the illegality of discarding ballots due to postal delays, stressing the importance of protecting lawful votes.}
- The Republican National Committee is involved in litigation aimed at validating a controversial rule that could invalidate numerous legitimate votes across the country.}
- Concerns are raised about signature matching processes that could lead to the rejection of ballots, particularly affecting younger voters and women.}
- Statistics from Florida illustrate the higher rejection rates of mail-in ballots among younger voters, indicating a systematic bias that favors older demographics.}
[17:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PXQfDHr9Aw&t=1055.83) The video discusses tactics allegedly used by Donald Trump to manipulate voter turnout and slow down the voting process, particularly targeting Democratic constituencies.
- Discussion on long lines at polling places affecting Democratic voters, highlighting the inconvenience caused by lengthy waits.}
- Emphasis on voter intimidation as a crime, while pointing out that the real strategy is to create delays rather than direct intimidation.}
- Analysis of Republican tactics to slow down voting in areas with high concentrations of Democratic voters, especially among African-Americans and college students.}
- Insight into voters' limited patience for waiting in line, questioning how long individuals would endure to cast their vote.}
[22:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PXQfDHr9Aw&t=1322.549) The video discusses various tactics allegedly used to suppress voter turnout and manipulate election outcomes, particularly focusing on the 2026 election. It highlights how certain strategies create barriers for voters, especially those from marginalized communities.
- Voter suppression tactics create long lines and inconvenience for voters, particularly in areas like Atlanta.}
- Cutting off essential resources like food and water during voting is seen as a deliberate strategy to discourage participation.}
- Efforts to purge voter rolls aim to create confusion and discourage eligible voters from participating in elections.}
- All these tactics are designed to make voting more difficult and facilitate electoral manipulation.}
[26:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PXQfDHr9Aw&t=1587.51) The video discusses Donald Trump's controversial claims about the role of states in the vote counting process for the 2026 election, asserting that states must follow federal directives. It emphasizes the potential implications of these claims on the integrity of the election and counters them with constitutional arguments about state sovereignty.
- Trump suggests that states are merely agents of the federal government in vote counting, implying they must comply with federal directives.}
- The speaker highlights Trump's clear plan to influence the 2026 election outcome and criticizes media coverage for not addressing this issue directly.}
- The speaker refutes Trump's claims by stating that states are independent sovereigns with their own constitutional rights and responsibilities, which contradicts Trump's assertions.}
- The video stresses that the Constitution grants states the authority to determine the time, place, and manner of elections, not the federal government.}
[30:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PXQfDHr9Aw&t=1851.029) The video discusses Donald Trump's strategies for manipulating the 2026 election, focusing on voter suppression tactics and the influence of key allies within the government.
- The FBI director's loyalty to Trump is emphasized, indicating the importance of having allies in key positions.}
- Trump's appointment of election deniers to powerful positions is highlighted as part of his strategy to influence election outcomes.}
- The video outlines various tactics Trump plans to employ to make voting more difficult, including voter registration and ballot casting challenges.}
- It is stated that Trump aims to control which votes are counted, further consolidating his power over the electoral process.}
- The speaker encourages viewers not to lose hope and challenges the narrative that Trump's power is insurmountable, referencing past election outcomes.}
glen brown: "We're in this together" - Joyce Vance https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/were-in-this-together-joyce-vance.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump advocated for scrapping the filibuster to ensure permanent Republican control, raising concerns about democracy.
- The Senate discussed a deal to end the government shutdown, with mixed reactions from Democrats and concerns about healthcare funding.
- The Supreme Court may decide whether to hear a case challenging same-sex marriage rights, sparking fears of overturning existing precedents.
- A federal judge blocked the deployment of the National Guard in Portland, citing a lack of legal justification.
- The Trump administration faced legal challenges for reducing SNAP benefits, with courts ordering full funding.
- Trump’s actions and rhetoric, such as hosting an extravagant event amidst social welfare cuts, highlight a disconnect with struggling Americans.
Kids on the Ballot: What the 2025 Elections Said About America’s Priorities for Children They can’t vote, but kids gained ground at the ballot box this year. Still, there were some disturbing losses. BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/kids-on-the-ballot-what-the-2025
Kids on the Ballot: What the 2025 Elections Said About America’s Priorities for Children
### Key Points
- Voters approved measures supporting children, such as universal school meals in Colorado and expanded preschool funding in Seattle and Cincinnati.
- Culture-war candidates, including Moms for Liberty-backed figures, faced overwhelming defeats, signaling a rejection of divisive politics in schools.
- Abigail Spanberger’s child-focused campaign in Virginia demonstrated that prioritizing children’s needs can be politically effective.
- Texas’s Proposition 15 raises concerns about parental rights overshadowing child protections, with possible implications for censorship and health care access.
- Tax cuts in Texas may undermine public education funding, risking equitable services for children.
- The article emphasizes the need for ballot initiatives to focus on children’s needs and warns against harmful measures disguised as beneficial policies.
MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 10, 2025 - by MIKE SIMPSON https://ru4people.substack.com/p/morning-news-update-november-10-2025
Morning News Update: November 10, 2025
### Key Points
- The Senate advanced a funding bill to end the longest U.S. government shutdown in history, now in its 40th day, with bipartisan support.
- President Trump issued pardons to 77 allies tied to 2020 election challenges, including Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, drawing widespread criticism.
- The ongoing government shutdown disrupted flights, threatened holiday travel, and impacted federal programs like SNAP benefits and education funding.
- China suspended special port fees on U.S. vessels, signaling eased trade relations, while Super Typhoon Fung-wong displaced nearly 1 million in the Philippines.
- The U.S. Department of Education emphasized equity and innovation in funding priorities, while higher education advocates raised concerns over risks to data.
- Global stock markets rallied on optimism about the shutdown's resolution, with AI-focused tech stocks rebounding strongly.
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) was reinforced as essential for chronic disease care, while oral immunotherapy showed promise for food allergy treatments.
- Sports highlights included NFL comebacks, MLB bribery allegations, and a new Antarctic ultramarathon record.
- The IOC is reportedly set to ban transgender athletes and those with DSD from competing in female events.
THE GREAT DEMOCRATIC TENT DEBATE: WHAT FDR KNEW... ZOHRAN MAMDANI’S VICTORY AND AMERICA’S UNFINISHED CONVERSATION WITH ITSELF https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-great-democratic-tent-debate
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani’s victory as New York City mayor has raised questions about the Democratic Party's future and the ongoing debate over socialism in American politics.
- The article draws parallels between the current Second Gilded Age and the original Gilded Age, emphasizing extreme wealth concentration and the rise of labor movements.
- FDR adopted socialist ideas, such as Social Security, unemployment insurance, and labor rights, to save capitalism during the Great Depression, demonstrating the potential of bold reforms.
- The New Deal created a mixed economy, balancing government intervention with capitalism, leading to decades of prosperity in post-war America.
- Today’s wealth inequality and systemic issues mirror the past, with democratic socialists advocating for policies like Medicare for All, tuition-free college, and a Green New Deal.
- The article distinguishes between social democracy, democratic socialism, and authoritarian state socialism, criticizing right-wing rhetoric for conflating these terms.
- The Democratic Party is divided between progressives advocating for transformative policies and moderates fearing electoral backlash from socialist labels.
- The debate should focus on policies and results rather than ideological labels, highlighting areas where Americans broadly agree, like public goods and services.
- Universal programs like Medicare for All and affordable housing would benefit all Americans and are politically durable once implemented.
- The article criticizes the privatization of public goods, arguing for democratic control of essential services like healthcare, education, and housing.
- Public investment has historically driven major innovations, countering claims that government involvement stifles progress.
- The Nordic model offers a successful example of a mixed economy balancing market mechanisms with robust public welfare.
- Mamdani’s victory demonstrates that running on popular, practical policies rather than ideological purity can lead to electoral success.
- The article calls for the Democratic Party to embrace bold, universal policies to address systemic crises and improve lives, drawing lessons from FDR’s approach.
THE PEACOCK HAS LEFT THE BUILDING: A WITTY DISSECTION OF MSNBC’S REBRAND TO MS NOW https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-peacock-has-left-the-building
### Key Points
- MSNBC has rebranded to "MS NOW," aiming for a fresh identity, but the new name and logo are criticized as uninspired and awkward.
- The rebrand includes dropping the iconic peacock logo, signaling a departure from its NBC heritage, possibly to distance itself from its liberal roots and adapt to shifting political pressures.
- The timing aligns with Trump’s return to the presidency and his threats against media outlets, suggesting the rebrand may be a strategic move to avoid conflict or scrutiny.
- Speculation surrounds billionaire Larry Ellison potentially acquiring MS NOW, reflecting a broader trend of wealthy individuals buying media outlets to influence public opinion.
- MS NOW is part of Comcast’s spin-off into a new company called Versant, which consolidates various cable networks under a new corporate structure.
- The article critiques the growing monetization of journalism and the risks of media being controlled by billionaires, raising concerns about journalistic integrity and public trust.
- The rebrand is seen as an attempt to stay relevant in a media landscape dominated by social media and streaming, but its success remains uncertain.
Teacher Tom: To Get Close to Things https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/to-get-close-to-things.html
### Key Points
- Language's primary purpose is to create connections, not just to convey information.
- Children's play is a way of relating to the world, weaving connections rather than focusing solely on learning outcomes.
- Adults should engage with children by joining their playful exploration rather than steering or shaping their activities.
- The blog also promotes resources for play-based education and offers opportunities to support Teacher Tom's work.
Tuesday’s Close Election: Proposal One | JD2718 https://jd2718.org/2025/11/10/tuesdays-close-election-proposal-one/
### Key Points
- Proposal One addressed constitutional violations in Adirondack Park by reallocating land for sports infrastructure and compensating with additional park acreage.
- Adirondack Park is uniquely protected by the NY State Constitution but faces challenges in enforcing regulations.
- The proposal sparked debate over environmental preservation versus development, with environmental groups supporting it and NYC voters largely opposing it.
- NYC's low-information voters and political leanings contributed to the opposition, while upstate counties and college towns drove support for the measure.
- The amendment ensures no precedent for broader development in the park, focusing solely on the affected parcels.
Weekend Quotables And the War Prize goes to… MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-e4b
- Trump hosted an extravagant party at Mar-a-Lago despite a government shutdown causing food insecurity for 42 million Americans.
- U.S. airlines faced significant disruptions, with over 2,000 daily cancellations and thousands of delays due to the shutdown.
- Trump threatened military intervention in Nigeria over violence against Christians, drawing international backlash and concerns over regional destabilization.
- Trump proposed renaming the nation’s capital or its football stadium to "Trumpington, D.C." in recognition of his contributions.
- Various political and social figures criticized Trump’s actions, including comments on healthcare, air traffic control issues, and ICE enforcement policies.
- The article also briefly mentions incarcerated firefighters, Cory Booker’s political decisions, and controversy surrounding The New York Times’ ad policies.
Call for Flexibility with Federal School Meals - Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel48.asp
### Key Points
- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond called for federal flexibility in school meal programs due to SNAP benefit uncertainties.
- Waivers were filed to allow grab-and-go meal services on non-school days and during short school breaks like Thanksgiving.
- 27% of California households with children face food insecurity, and SNAP reductions could exacerbate the issue.
- Partnerships with organizations like SupplyBank.org help support local food banks and communities in need.
