Apple News Today: What Dismantling the Education Department Means for Students Release Date: March 24, 2025

1. Deportation of Venezuelan Migrants to El Salvador

The episode opens with a critical examination of the United States' decision to deport Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador without due process. CBS News uncovered an internal government list naming 238 individuals, over half of whom were accused by the Trump administration of being affiliated with the "Trend Gang," labeled as a foreign terrorist group and wartime enemy. This action was facilitated under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, bypassing traditional court defenses and igniting legal disputes.

Key Insights:

• Personal Impact: The story of Jersey Reyes Barrios, a Venezuelan soccer player awaiting asylum, illustrates the flawed criteria used for gang affiliation. His tattoo, representing his favorite team, Real Madrid, was misconstrued as gang-related.

  "He was suspected of being part of a gang because of his tattoo... not to any gang."
  — Sylvia Foster Frau, Washington Post Immigration Reporter [00:05]

• Humanitarian Concerns: Mervinha Marte's experience highlights the abrupt and traumatic nature of the deportations. After building a life in Dallas, his sudden removal and placement in El Salvador's notorious mega prison sparked outrage among his family and community.

  "We don't know that uncertainty is terrifying... which is drawing away from what really matters here, which is the education of our youth and our future Americans."
  — Sylvia Foster Frau [01:49]

• Lack of Transparency: The administration has not provided substantial evidence linking the deportees to any gang activities. Legal challenges continue as judges express skepticism over the justification of invoking the Alien Enemies Act.

  "The administration has so far provided no evidence supporting their claim that everyone on that plane had gang affiliations."
  — Shemitah Basu [04:35]

2. Dismantling the Department of Education: Implications for Low-Income Districts

A significant portion of the episode delves into the Trump administration's move to eliminate the Department of Education (DOE), a decision pending Congressional approval. The discussion centers on the potential ramifications for students, especially those in low-income areas.

Key Points:

• Funding Dependencies: Although only about 8% of public school funding originates federally, programs like Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are crucial for low-income communities. The administration pledges to maintain funding for these programs, but experts fear the elimination of the DOE could disrupt financial allocations.

  "The DOE isn't in charge of curricula. That's up to the states."
  — Shemitah Basu [04:35]

• Staff Reductions: The National Center for Education Statistics, vital for tracking educational metrics and allocating grants, faces a drastic reduction from over 100 staff members to just three. This could severely impact the distribution of funds essential for teacher salaries, technology, and transportation in underserved schools.

• State-Level Challenges: States like Mississippi, which rely heavily on federal funding for public schools, may struggle to compensate for the loss of DOE support. Education officials from Republican-led states express skepticism about the administration's claims that dismantling the DOE will enhance educational outcomes.

  "I think the whole thing is based on a false premise that somehow federal bureaucracy is the barrier and the reason why kids aren't learning more."
  — Kevin Huffman, Tennessee's Education Department [08:18]

• Teacher Reactions: Educators express frustration over budget uncertainties. Chloe Ireman, a third-grade teacher from Denver, voiced concerns at a recent rally, emphasizing the detrimental effects of funding cuts on student education.

  "We don't know that uncertainty is terrifying... which is drawing away from what really matters here, which is the education of our youth and our future Americans."
  — Chloe Ireman [07:33]

3. Surge in Egg Prices and Comparative Analysis with Canada

The podcast shifts focus to the escalating egg prices in the United States, a consequence of avian influenza outbreaks severely impacting American chicken farms. In contrast, Canadian egg farms remain relatively unaffected, maintaining stable prices.

Insights:

• Economic Impact: Egg prices in the U.S. have surged, with establishments like Waffle House imposing additional surcharges to cope with supply shortages. Consumers feel the pinch as eggs become a luxury item.

  "Like the price of anything... It feels like people are eating gold now."
  — Shemitah Basu [09:24]

• Comparative Farming Practices: Canadian farms operate on a smaller scale, typically housing around 25,000 hens, which reduces the impact of disease outbreaks. Additionally, Canada's federal production quotas and sealed barn designs mitigate the spread of bird flu.

  "Since the 1990s, the average farm in the US has quadrupled in size... Dairy farmers in Canada don't have the same incentive to produce more because they're protected by a federal system that sets production quotas."
  — Mike von Massow, Food Economist [10:34]

• Policy Responses: The Department of Agriculture anticipates a decrease in egg prices as wholesale costs drop. Concurrently, a bipartisan House bill seeks to alleviate egg prices by easing regulations that currently result in significant egg wastage due to strict duration requirements.

  "Supporters of this bill say that rule has led to hundreds of millions of eggs each year being thrown away."
  — Shemitah Basu [10:55]

4. Additional Stories

The episode also touches on several other noteworthy news items:

• Canadian Snap Elections: Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for early elections amidst a growing trade war with the United States. The Liberal Party is gaining traction against Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives, who seek to distance themselves from Trump-era policies.

• Pope Francis' Health Update: After a five-week hospitalization due to a microbial infection and double pneumonia, Pope Francis has been discharged and is continuing his recovery at the Vatican. He made a brief public appearance to thank the public and offer blessings.

• Idaho Teacher's Stand Against Policy Restrictions: Sarah Enama, a world civilizations teacher in Idaho, refuses to remove classroom decorations advocating inclusivity, challenging district policies. Her stance has inspired local advocacy groups to support her, promoting messages of welcome and diversity in educational settings.

  "I would do anything to protect my students... to protect them from being affected by racist sentiments affecting their classroom."
  — Sarah Enama [13:30]

Conclusion

This episode of Apple News Today provides a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, from immigration and education policy to economic challenges and social justice in classrooms. Through in-depth discussions and firsthand accounts, host Shemitah Basu offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the complexities shaping today's world.

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