Category Archives: education

education, media, safety

Maine educators standing up to regulate firearms | Letter

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At my school, we train 12-year-olds to throw their laptops at active shooters in order to buy themselves time to run away. There is widespread awareness of school shootings, and schools take measures to address this.

My school’s budget includes $99,213 on safety, including purchasing Crisis Alert, a “wearable mobile panic button for rapid incident response.” Decisions about where we allocate resources are political, and it’s time for educators to join this conversation.

Limiting high-capacity magazines and expanding background checks would keep our children safer. My school’s mission states: “We believe in promoting a safe, caring and ethical learning environment.” This means going to bat for our children by regulating guns.

We take proactive approaches to curriculum, behavior, and academic support. Physical safety shouldn’t be any different. Violence has no place in our schools or in our democracy.

Rebecca Pruente
Portland
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/10/25/maine-educators-standing-up-to-regulate-firearms-letter/

culture, education, entertainment, media

CSU Theatre Students Present Cherryfield Toy Company: An Immersive Mystery Experience

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By North Forty News Staff | NorthFortyNews.com

An interactive, student-created theatre experience invites audiences to uncover the haunting secrets of the Cherryfield Toy Company.

FORT COLLINS — Step into a world of intrigue and imagination as Colorado State University theatre students present *Cherryfield Toy Company*, a one-of-a-kind immersive production directed by Saffron Henke.

Performances run October 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, and November 1, with matinees on October 25, 26, and November 2. All shows take place at the University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington Street in Fort Collins.

This interactive experience places audience members at the center of a mystery as the secrets of the Cherryfield Toy Company unfold through the memories of its heiress, Emily Cherryfield. Written and designed entirely by CSU theatre students, the show combines storytelling, movement, and atmosphere in a 50-minute adventure unlike any traditional play.

Guests will move through confined, ADA-compliant spaces as the narrative unravels around them. Evening performances feature limited seating, with 24 tickets available per time slot from 6:50 to 9:20 p.m. Matinee sessions run between 1:50 and 3:20 p.m.

Tickets often sell out quickly, so early purchase is encouraged.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the University Center for the Arts Box Office at 970-491-2787 (open Monday–Friday, 3:30–5:30 p.m.) or email boxoffice@universitycenterforthearts.edu.
https://northfortynews.com/category/art-lifestyle/csu-theatre-students-present-cherryfield-toy-company-an-immersive-mystery-experience/

education, government, labor

Cook County District 130 custodial workers call for superintendent’s removal

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Custodians and maintenance workers for Elementary District 130, serving Alsip, Blue Island, Crestwood, and Robbins, are calling for the removal of the district’s superintendent and assistant superintendent of human resources amid ongoing union contract negotiations.

SEIU Local 73 stated that the district has canceled two contract bargaining sessions since negotiations began this summer. However, union conflicts with Superintendent Colleen McKay and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Carrie Tisch date back to 2022.

“The administration has repeatedly retaliated against union stewards and workers, and employees have been punished for alleged violations and then terminated for those same supposed violations,” the union said in a news release Tuesday.

Field organizer Doug Taylor highlighted one of the union’s main concerns: a hostile work environment for custodians and maintenance workers that includes racial discrimination. He noted that administrative officials have prohibited workers from speaking any language other than English during disciplinary hearings and have disallowed the use of interpreters.

“Advocates are not allowed to speak Spanish in a sidebar with the people they’re representing,” Taylor said.

SEIU Local 73 represents 50 custodians and maintenance workers within District 130, with 95% of those workers being people of color, the union added. Taylor also accused district officials of demonstrating a pattern of harassing and targeting union stewards.

Requests for comment from McKay, Tisch, and district board members were not immediately returned.

Union members have publicly spoken out against what they describe as racist and retaliatory practices at recent board meetings. However, as of Tuesday, they have reportedly lost faith in McKay and Tisch, Taylor said. The union’s petition calling for the removal of the superintendent and assistant superintendent has garnered over 900 signatures.

“When we were looking at options to make progress for our members, this was the step that we chose to involve the community,” Taylor explained.

Other issues raised by the union include the administrators’ rejection of proposals to provide custodians and maintenance workers with clear guidance during lockdowns or law enforcement incidents.

“Currently, they don’t know what their role would be in the school,” Taylor said. “So they just want training, that’s all.”

The union has also gained support from elected officials. State Rep. Bob Rita called for an investigation into “allegations of racism, retaliation and anti-union practices” in a union news release dated October 6.

State Sen. Willie Preston, who began his career as a union janitor, stated, “I know what it feels like to go to work, work hard, and have no respect at the end of the day.”

“Let me be clear to District 130: These workers do their jobs, but you need to clean up your act today,” Preston said.

In addition, union members voiced their concerns at a recent Blue Island City Council meeting. Mayor Fred Bilotto said in the union news release that the issues raised about District 130 leadership “deserve immediate attention.”

“As a union member, educator, and school administrator, I urge the District 130 administration and board to address these allegations and enter into serious negotiations with the union,” Bilotto said.

Meanwhile, Taylor emphasized that the union will continue to raise these concerns publicly until the school board is compelled to take action.

“We’ll continue to raise the issues until we are satisfied that we’re making good progress,” he said.

For further information, contact ostevens@chicagotribune.com.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/district-130-custodial-union-superintendents-removal/

crime, education, immigration, law, politics

Public Schoolteacher Faces DOJ Probe Over ‘Unhinged’ Threat Toward ICE

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The Department of Homeland Security history teacher Ron Gochez stated during a Tuesday press conference denouncing ICE raids that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents “are not the only ones with guns” and that “people have every right to defend themselves” against them.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin responded to Gochez’s comments, telling the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) that such remarks endanger agents’ lives and “look criminal.”

“Calling for violence against law enforcement is un-American and beneath the conduct of someone teaching the next generation of Americans,” McLaughlin said. She added that the DHS will refer Gochez to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Our law enforcement officers are already facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them including terrorist attacks, cars being used as weapons, and rocks thrown at them,” McLaughlin continued. “Words have consequences and this type of rhetoric is going to get one of our officers killed.”

Neither LAUSD, Gochez, nor the DOJ responded to DCNF’s requests for comment.

Gochez led the press conference on behalf of activist group Unión del Barrio (UDB), which also did not respond to a request for comment.

In his remarks, Gochez maintained that he was not “calling for violence” by suggesting that anti-ICE agitators carry guns, though he praised rioters who threw bricks at federal agents.

“This is South Central Los Angeles. They are not the only ones with guns in this city. They’re not the only ones and don’t forget that,” Gochez told his audience.

“And I don’t say that because we’re calling for violence, I’m saying that because the people have every right to defend themselves against masked, unidentified gunmen with AR-15s and other military rifles.”

“The people have every right to defend themselves,” he continued. “That’s not violent, that’s intelligent.”

Gochez also boasted that rioters had effectively reduced ICE raids in California, mentioning those who threw hard objects at federal agents in Paramount after mass protests began in June.

“They caught some bricks. Y’all remember Paramount? They caught those bricks,” Gochez said. “This is Los Angeles and this is South Central. The people will fight back.”

Earlier this year, UDB received a letter from Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism Chair Josh Hawley of Missouri announcing an investigation into the group’s possible ties to California’s anti-ICE riots.

In response, UDB stated that it “has not organized, aided, abetted, financed, or engaged in any illegal activity.”

The DCNF previously reported that Gochez was seen telling an audience at a UDB-led press conference to resist ICE “by any means necessary” just one day after riots broke out.

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*All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline, and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.*
https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/23/public-schoolteacher-faces-doj-probe-over-unhinged-threat-toward-ice/

competition, education, entertainment, high_school, sports

High school girls volleyball rankings, Oct. 21, 2025: Bay Area News Group Top 15

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WCAL Results Shake Up Standings as Regular Season Approaches Home Stretch

The West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) volleyball competition is heating up as recent match results have shuffled the team standings. With the regular season winding down, every game becomes crucial for squads aiming to secure favorable positions heading into the postseason.

Bay Area High School Volleyball Playoffs on the Horizon

As the WCAL regular season nears its conclusion, the focus shifts toward the upcoming North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs. Bay Area high school volleyball teams are gearing up for intense postseason battles, with playoff berths and seeding at stake.

Fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the final weeks of the season, where determination and resilience will be key to making a deep playoff run.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/21/high-school-girls-volleyball-rankings-oct-21-2025-bay-area-news-group-top-15/

education, health, healthcare, medicine, mental_health

New WakeMed health campus aims to transform mental health care

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WakeMed is preparing to break ground on a new mental health campus in Garner. This development marks a significant step forward in expanding and improving behavioral health care services in the region.

Several physicians have shared with WRAL that these changes are expected to help transform the way behavioral health care is delivered. The new campus aims to provide enhanced resources and support for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Reporter: Grace Hayba
Web Editor: Sydney Ross
https://www.wral.com/video/new-wakemed-health-campus-aims-to-transform-mental-health-care/22207299/

architecture, community, education, local government, schools

Alumni, community fight to preserve Ligon school ahead of $141M renovation: ‘Part of our legacy’

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Several Ligon alumni are currently fighting to preserve this historically Black school. They say students not only earned diplomas there but also learned trades that helped build up the Capitol City.

Bruce Kennedy attended Ligon 54 years ago. “I left in our senior year during the integration,” he said. The lifelong Raleigh resident was part of the last high school class to attend Ligon before it was integrated and converted into a middle school. Kennedy was then sent to Sanderson High to graduate.

“I hated it,” Kennedy admitted. “I wanted to graduate from there (Ligon) all my life because all my parents, everyone in our family, had graduated from there.”

Now, decades later, the school is facing another major change. Ligon is scheduled for a $141 million renovation. However, there have also been discussions about potentially demolishing the building and rebuilding.

The school’s future sparked a tense exchange at last week’s Wake County School Board meeting. Board Member Toshiba Rice expressed frustration, saying, “It is disrespectful that I don’t know, to be honest. It is disrespectful to the people that I serve,” during the October 14th meeting. She pressed for an update on the renovation plans.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor explained that an architect was selected some time ago and that he plans to hold conversations with community members about the next steps for the project.

“We want to do our due diligence to make sure we talk to the public,” said Taylor. “If there is going to be a change or a recommendation, it is my responsibility to make sure I go and talk to them.”

Alumnus Daniel Coleman supports moving forward with the renovation, emphasizing that Ligon represents more than just a school.

“This symbolizes what Wake County is today,” Coleman said. “Everybody came out here. A lot of kids couldn’t get jobs anyplace else. So they were trained. They were plumbers or brick masons. It filled a whole gamut of educational needs for the community.”

For Kennedy, preserving the building is about honoring a legacy.

“It’s part of our legacy,” he said.
https://abc11.com/post/ligon-magnet-school-alumni-fight-preserve-historically-black-raleigh/18045599/

celebrity, crime, education, entertainment, family

John Stamos blasts ‘saint’ Lori Loughlin’s ‘terrible narcissist’ ex Mossimo Giannulli for masterminding college admissions scandal

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John Stamos has publicly criticized Lori Loughlin’s estranged husband, Mossimo Giannulli, calling him a “narcissist” who orchestrated the couple’s infamous 2019 college admissions scandal.

Speaking on the “Good Guys” podcast Monday, Stamos shared, “Forty years I’ve known her,” referring to his “Full House” co-star. “You can see through people after a few years. This woman’s a saint. I’m just heartbroken for her right now.”

He added, “I really tried to be there for her during [the divorce] and also with the college scandal. I’m not going to debate whether she had much to do with it or not. I know she didn’t. She goes to f-king prison for this asshole for three months.”

The 62-year-old “General Hospital” alum also expressed his hopes that Giannulli, also 62, would find help for his issues. “I prayed that he would get help with whatever hole he’s trying to fill,” Stamos said. “Whatever negativity or hardships that you’ve been through in your life is connected to this guy. You know? I mean.”

While Stamos declined to comment on Giannulli’s alleged infidelity, he acknowledged that Loughlin, 61, “put up with a lot over the years.” He was blunt about his feelings toward Giannulli, stating, “Look, he’s a very successful dude. I will never talk to him again. He’s a terrible narcissist and I don’t think you ever get out of that.”

The college admissions scandal came to light in April 2019, when the Department of Justice revealed that several parents, including Loughlin and Giannulli, participated in a cheating scheme to get their children admitted into elite colleges.

Loughlin served two months in a federal prison in Dublin, California, and was released in December 2020. Giannulli completed a five-month prison sentence in Lompoc, California, in April 2021.

Earlier this month, a representative for the “Fuller House” actress confirmed to Page Six that Loughlin and Giannulli have separated after nearly 28 years of marriage. “Lori and Mossimo are living apart now,” the rep stated on October 2, adding, “There are no legal proceedings underway.”

Page Six also exclusively reported that Loughlin discovered “incriminating” texts and emails on her husband’s phone. A friend of the actress told us, “Mossimo had used Lori for years. She was hoping maybe he would change when he got out of prison, but he got worse.”

Now, the mother of two “wants to have nothing to do with” Giannulli and “wants to get her life back.”
https://pagesix.com/2025/10/20/celebrity-news/john-stamos-blasts-lori-loughlins-ex-mossimo-giannulli-for-masterminding-college-admissions-scandal/

arts, biography, death, education, literature

Obituary: Baron Wormser

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MONTPELIER, Vt. — Baron Wormser, poet, essayist, novelist, and teacher, passed away from brain cancer at his home in Montpelier, Vermont, surrounded by his family on October 7, 2025.

He wished to be remembered for his extensive body of writing, which includes ten books of poetry. Among these is a posthumous volume, *James Baldwin Smoking a Cigarette and Other Poems*, scheduled for release in January. In addition to his poetry collections, Wormser co-authored two books on teaching the art of poetry and wrote a memoir titled *The Road Washes Out in Spring*, which recounts his 23 years living off the grid with his family.

Baron also leaves behind four novels, a book of short stories, and numerous essays published on his Substack, *The Exciting Nightmare*, as well as in the online journal *Vox Populi*, among other outlets.

Throughout his career, Wormser received significant recognition for his work, including grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the John Guggenheim Foundation. He served as the Poet Laureate of Maine from 2001 to 2005 and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of Maine at Augusta in 2005.

In addition to his writing, Baron spent much of his life as a high school librarian. He also taught writing at the Stonecoast MFA Program, Fairfield University, and Western Connecticut State University’s MFA program, as well as at the Frost Place. He was widely respected as an inspiring teacher, mentor, and editor to many writers.
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/10/17/obituarybaron-wormser-2/

culture, education, fundraising, lawsuit, politics

This Colorado school district was sued for removing library books. Now it’s fundraising for legal fees.

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The Elizabeth School District’s website greets visitors with an unusual pop-up: an invitation to help cover legal fees for a lawsuit related to library book removals.

Located southeast of Denver and serving about 2,700 students, the district is raising funds as part of a broader campaign supported by at least three conservative groups — including one led by former Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl — to defend against the lawsuit.

### The Lawsuit Over Library Book Removals

In December, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado filed suit against the district. The lawsuit alleges that the Elizabeth school board’s decision to remove 19 books from school libraries violates both federal and state free speech protections.

These books, now back on shelves due to a court order, primarily feature authors or subjects related to LGBTQ people, people of color, or both.

### An Unusual Fundraising Approach

While school districts commonly fundraise for supplies or field trips, soliciting donations to pay legal fees is uncommon. The donation page — hosted by Ganahl’s group — features a heading that reads “Save Elizabeth School District,” with suggested donation amounts ranging from $250 to $10,000.

Publicly available school district financial records do not clarify how much the district has spent on this lawsuit. District officials declined to comment on the expenses.

### Who Is Involved in the Case?

Plaintiffs include two students from the district, a chapter of the NAACP, and the Authors Guild, a professional writers’ organization. Their attorneys argue that book removals violate free speech protections.

Among the removed titles were notable works such as *The Bluest Eye* by Toni Morrison, *The Kite Runner* by Khaled Hosseini, and *It’s Your World If You Don’t Like It, Change It* by Mikki Halpin.

District lawyers counter that the books were removed due to concerns about age-appropriateness, lack of educational value, and sensitive content including graphic violence, explicit sexual references, extreme substance use, and themes of self-harm.

### District Leadership Responds

Elizabeth Superintendent Dan Snowberger declined a phone interview but sent a text message emphasizing the district’s financial stability. He described the lawsuit’s origin as “unusual,” writing:

> “It’s unusual for a behemoth organization like the ACLU with a major financial war chest to come after a small rural district. We will not allow them to impact the educational opportunities for our children in the district, and will do everything necessary to mobilize outside forces to protect our children.”

The district has framed the legal battle against the ACLU as a David versus Goliath story. On social media and at board meetings, some community members have voiced support for both the book removals and the legal fight.

### Community Divisions Over the Issue

Supporters of the removals often cite graphic content—such as descriptions of sexual assault—as inappropriate for students.

However, other community members oppose both the book bans and the fundraising efforts. Jessica Capsel, an Elizabeth resident whose son previously attended district schools, criticized the time and money spent on the lawsuit.

“That pop-up [window] begging for money pops up every time you change a page,” Capsel said. She added that a previous lawsuit she won against the district related to open meeting violations was more straightforward, suggesting the current priorities are misplaced.

### The ACLU’s Position

Tim Macdonald, legal director of the ACLU of Colorado, said the organization did not “come after” Elizabeth. Rather, district students and families asked for compliance with the Constitution to stop banning books that contain viewpoints or content opposed by board members.

He stated:

> “Fighting for the constitutional rights of students in Colorado is how we protect children; violating their constitutional rights is not protecting children.”

### Financial Transparency Questioned

It remains unclear how much the Elizabeth School District has spent on its legal defense since the lawsuit’s filing 10 months ago.

District financial records suggest modest payments to the two main law firms involved. From January through June 2025, the district paid about $6,500 to First and Fourteenth (based in Colorado Springs), none to Mitchell Law (Austin, Texas), and approximately $57,000 to Miller, Farmer, Carlson Law. The latter firm usually handles routine district matters but is also involved in this case.

### Fundraising Details Remain Opaque

The amount raised through the legal defense fundraiser and how those funds are allocated is not publicly clear.

Heidi Ganahl’s conservative news outlet Rocky Mountain Voice operates the online donation page “Save Elizabeth School District” but did not respond to questions about fundraising totals or fund distribution. Ganahl provided a statement saying:

> “Our fundraising assistance supports the board in exercising its authority to curate age-appropriate library content, responding to parental concerns about sensitive themes like explicit content or divisive topics.”

Julian Ellis, one of the district’s lawyers from First and Fourteenth Law, did not respond to inquiries about donations collected. The district website lists Ellis as the recipient for paper checks made payable to the Article III Foundation, an Alexandria, Virginia-based group supporting the district’s legal expenses.

Similarly, Lori Gimelshteyn, executive director of the parents’ rights group Parents United America — another fundraiser host — did not provide information about funds raised or their destinations.

### Additional Fundraising Efforts

Citizens Defending Freedom, based in Mulberry, Florida, is a fourth partner in fundraising efforts for Elizabeth’s legal costs. Last Thursday, they held a “Protect Our Children” fundraiser at a Colorado Springs church, with ticket sales supporting Ganahl’s group.

Tickets ranged from $100 for a single entry to $2,000 for a “platinum” package that included 10 tickets, VIP seating, and a private reception with speakers.

When asked about fundraising totals, a spokesperson for Citizens Defending Freedom referred Chalkbeat to Bonnie Wallace, a legislative liaison for Recovering America — an organization promoting Biblical values — and one of the event speakers. Wallace did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

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*This story was originally published by Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. To receive newsletters, visit ckbe.at/newsletters.*

*For more Colorado news, sign up for The Denver Post’s Mile High Roundup email newsletter.*
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/16/elizabeth-school-district-book-ban-legal-fees/