NOVEMBER 14, 2025
- Government Shutdown Ends After Six Weeks: President Trump signed a bill late Wednesday to reopen the federal government, averting further economic strain, though recovery efforts for delayed services will take time.
- Epstein Emails Spark Renewed Scrutiny of Trump Ties: Newly released emails have intensified calls for full disclosure of Jeffrey Epstein's files, with reports suggesting Trump was aware of Epstein's activities involving underage girls.
- Education Department Staff Restoration Begins: A bipartisan deal will briefly reinstate laid-off personnel at the U.S. Education Department, addressing disruptions from the shutdown.
- Parents Sue Over School Safety Issues: Families across states are filing lawsuits against districts for failing to prevent recent incidents, highlighting gaps in campus security protocols.
- Trump Signs Shutdown-Ending Bill: The president approved legislation to resume government operations, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history and easing partisan tensions.
- Push for Complete Epstein File Release: Democratic leaders and advocates demand unredacted documents following email revelations linking Trump to Epstein's network.
- Rep. Adelita Grijalva Addresses Epstein Fallout: The newly sworn-in congresswoman, delayed by the shutdown, spoke out on the files and broader accountability measures.
- Sen. Whitehouse Leads U.S. Delegation to COP30: As the sole federal representative, the Rhode Island Democrat heads to Brazil amid climate talks, focusing on international emissions pacts.
- Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack on Kyiv: Ukrainian forces repelled a large-scale assault early Friday, with air defenses active and reports of civilian impacts in the ongoing war.
- Ukraine Rocked by High-Level Corruption Probe: A sweeping investigation into officials has led to arrests, threatening President Zelenskyy's administration stability.
- Turkey Grounds C-130 Fleet After Deadly Crash: Twenty military personnel died in the incident, prompting a nationwide halt on similar aircraft operations for safety reviews.
- Serbian Protesters Vow to Block Infrastructure Projects: Demonstrations escalated against government plans, with crowds demanding environmental protections and transparency.
- Kazakhstan Joins Abraham Accords: The Central Asian nation's entry expands the Middle East peace framework, signaling broader diplomatic shifts.
- Special Education Teacher Shortage Worsens: Research shows schools are losing specialized staff to general education roles due to better pay and conditions.
- Cornell Secures Deal to Restore Federal Research Funds: The university reached an agreement with the Trump administration to reinstate grants cut during the shutdown.
- Executive Order Targets Child Welfare Gaps: The new policy aims to bolster education, healthcare, and employment access for American families.
- 2024 School Finance Data Released: The U.S. Census Bureau's report reveals spending trends, with some states seeing declines amid inflation pressures.
- College Accreditation Faces Political Overhaul: Southern states propose a new model under Trump influence, raising concerns about federal oversight.
- Stocks Plunge as Tech Sector Tumbles: The Dow dropped 800 points amid fading Fed rate-cut hopes, with investors dumping shares in a sharp reversal from recent highs.
- Shutdown's Lingering Drag on Growth: The six-week closure is expected to shave points off GDP, compounding existing inflation and labor challenges.
- Delayed Economic Data Catch-Up Underway: Federal agencies resume reporting key metrics like jobs and inflation, but backlogs could skew near-term forecasts.
- Oil Prices Surge on Geopolitical Tensions: Brent crude jumped as Middle East unrest offset demand worries from the U.S. shutdown.
- Microsoft Adopts OpenAI's Custom Chip Designs: The tech giant is leveraging partner innovations to accelerate its AI infrastructure and data center expansions.
- EU Probes Google for Search Bias: Regulators investigate claims that content from rivals is unfairly demoted in results, potentially leading to hefty fines.
- Maryland Partners with Anthropic on AI Services: Governor Moore announced a deal to integrate safe AI tools into state operations, focusing on public service efficiency.
- ChatGPT's Language Patterns Exposed: Analysis of 330,000 interactions reveals the AI's emoji preferences and stylistic quirks, offering insights into its "personality."
- U.S. Cities Struggle with Rising Traffic Fatalities: Despite initiatives, pedestrian and driver deaths continue unabated, with experts blaming poor infrastructure.
- FDA Clears HRT for Menopause Without Warnings: The agency removed black box alerts, affirming hormone replacement therapy's safety for symptom relief.
- Breakthrough 'Smart Drug' Targets Cancer RNA: Researchers developed a therapy that selectively destroys tumor-dependent molecules, showing promise in trials.
- Post-Shutdown Health Negotiations Stalled: Republicans push for reforms, but Democrats express skepticism over funding cuts to Medicaid and research.
- Giants Fire Head Coach Brian Daboll: The NFL team dismissed the coach after a dismal 2-8 start, sparking a search for new leadership.
- Antonio Brown Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charge: The former NFL star denied allegations in court, with the case drawing widespread media attention.
- Olivier Rioux Debuts as Tallest Pro Basketball Player: The 7-foot-5 teen signed with a G League team, breaking records in height and hype.
- Haeran Ryu Leads Annika Tournament with 64: The golfer's stellar round puts her ahead in the LPGA event, eyeing a major title.
- Raptors Edge Cavaliers in Thriller: Toronto secured a narrow NBA win, highlighted by key plays from both sides in a high-scoring affair.
Josh Cowen Interviews Gina Hinojosa, Who Is Running for Governor of Texas https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/13/josh-cowen-interviews-gina-hinojosa-who-is-running-for-governor-of-texas/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Josh Cowen, an education policy scholar, interviews Texas gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, focusing on her campaign and opposition to school vouchers.
- Hinojosa reflects on her political journey, starting with her activism to save local schools from closure and her subsequent fight for increased school funding.
- She criticizes Governor Abbott’s reliance on billionaire donors and his policies favoring privatization over public welfare.
- Hinojosa highlights bipartisan alliances formed during her fight against school vouchers and redistricting, emphasizing the need to focus on shared priorities.
- She stresses the national significance of flipping Texas blue by 2030 to ensure fair political representation and Democratic control of Congress and the presidency.
- Hinojosa calls on voters and donors to prioritize the Texas governor's race, emphasizing its impact on the country’s political future.
- She encourages collective action and optimism, urging Americans to unite for the greater good.
Ohio: Voters Oust Culture Warriors in Many School Board Elections https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/13/ohio-voters-oust-culture-warriors-in-many-school-board-elections/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Ohio voters rejected right-wing "culture warrior" candidates in school board elections.
- All 31 candidates supported by Moms for Liberty were defeated.
- Conservative incumbents and outside candidates with culture war agendas struggled in elections.
- The results signify increased support for public schools and a decline in divisive political agendas.
Randy Rainbow Interviews Trump https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/13/randy-rainbow-interviews-trump-2/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Randy Rainbow releases a parody interview with Donald Trump, featuring the song "Big Phony Schmuck."
- The parody reflects Randy’s frustration with the administration and incorporates clever humor and satire.
- The blog includes references to trending topics in education, politics, and humor.