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| 11 Florida Museums To Visit For Free This November If You Love A Good Discovery |
| Posted on Wednesday, November 04 @ 00:00:41 PST (5 reads) | |
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One free museum in this state lets you climb into real cockpits and watch the blue angels practice overhead. No ticket required.
i still can’t quite believe that one is real.
the free surprises keep stacking up from there. One stop is an old capitol where florida’s government worked from 1845 into the 1970s.
another sits inside a former fire station, with a working firehouse right across the street.
i love that a free afternoon here can mean an old master painting, a swamp buggy, or a model train that seems to run forever. November weather makes the wandering even easier.
so why pay for fun when history, art, and airplanes are waiting at zero cost? Your wallet gets a break, and your curiosity gets a full workout.
national naval aviation museum
© national naval aviation museum
more than 150 restored aircraft live here, and you won’t pay a cent to see them. Even the parking is free, which feels almost suspicious in a world of fees.
the museum focuses on the history of naval aviation, and it does so on a grand scale. You can walk around a flight deck exhibit and study large models of aircraft carriers.
hands-on fun is a big part of the appeal. Kids and grown-ups can climb into cockpits and test out flight simulators.
a giant-screen theater adds another layer to the visit. It’s a nice way to rest your feet while still feeling like you’re moving at high speed.
the planes are arranged in a logical way, so the story flows as you walk. That makes it easier to follow how naval flight changed over the years.
hunger won’t cut your trip short, either. There’s a restaurant and a cafe on site, plus a gift shop for souvenir hunters.
hours run daily from 9 a.M. To 4 p.M. Sunday mornings and mondays tend to be quieter, while tuesdays draw bigger crowds.
plan for a longer stay than you expect. One hangar always seems to lead to another.
address: 1750 radford blvd, pensacola, fl 32508
florida historic capitol museum
© florida historic capitol museum
lawmakers once debated important issues inside these walls, and now you can explore the historic building for free. The old capitol served as the center of florida’s government from 1845 until 1977.
today, it has been restored to reflect its early 1900s appearance. You can step inside the former governor’s office and explore the senate and house chambers.
period furniture fills the rooms, helping you picture what a busy day of lawmaking looked like long before smartphones.
exhibits bring together political artifacts, historical photographs, and interactive displays. The combination makes florida’s political history engaging and easy to explore.
save some time for the upper floor, where you can enjoy panoramic views of downtown tallahassee.
a small theater and gift shop round out the visit. Guided tours are also available if you’d like to learn more about the building’s history.
the museum is open weekdays from 9 a.M. To 4:30 p.M., Saturdays from 10 a.M. To 4:30 p.M., And sundays from noon to 4:30 p.M.
monday mornings can be a quieter time to visit, giving you more room to explore the historic chambers.
address: 400 s monroe st, tallahassee, fl 32399
harn museum of art
© harn museum of art
art from around the globe sits on a college campus in gainesville, and the doors open without a ticket. The harn ranks among the largest university-affiliated museums in the country.
that size means you get real variety. Rotating exhibits keep the galleries changing, so a return trip can feel brand new.
getting around is simple, thanks to a scannable map. You can plan your route or just follow whatever catches your eye.
need a break between galleries? A cafe on site gives you a spot to recharge before round two.
thursday is the night owl’s best friend here. The museum stays open until 9 p.M., Though that evening also tends to be the busiest.
if you prefer quiet halls, aim for tuesday or wednesday. Those daytime hours usually see lighter crowds.
other days run from 10 a.M. To 5 p.M., With sundays opening at 1 p.M. The museum is closed on mondays, so don’t show up then.
a gift shop waits near the end of your visit. Live performances also pop up, giving the space some extra energy.
address: 3259 hull rd, gainesville, fl 32608
beaches museum
© beaches museum
an old steam train and a historic chapel share space with exhibits about the jacksonville beaches. Not bad for a museum that lets you in free.
the focus here is the story of the beaches area. Permanent and temporary displays trace how this stretch of coast grew and changed.
start with the 15-minute movie on local history. It gives you the big picture before you explore the rest.
then find the model railroad. Its black train seems to loop on and on, and it’s oddly hard to stop watching.
local artists also get their moment in the spotlight. That mix of art and history keeps the visit from feeling one-note.
guided tours of the historic buildings are available too. They’re a great way to learn the stories behind the chapel and other structures.
hours run tuesday through saturday from 10 a.M. To 4 p.M. Sunday hours start at noon, and mondays are closed.
since the beach is so close, it’s easy to pair this with a sandy stroll. Learning first, toes in the sand second.
address: 381 beach blvd, jacksonville beach, fl 32250
rollins museum of art
© rollins museum of art
centuries of art fit inside a compact space on the rollins college campus. Thousands of works make up the collection, and admission costs nothing.
the range is impressive for the size. You can move from european old masters to contemporary pieces in a single visit.
paintings, photographs, and sculptures fill the galleries. Most visitors can see the highlights in under two hours, which makes it an easy add to a winter park day.
temporary exhibitions keep things fresh. Impressionist paintings have been part of the changing lineup, and those soft colors are hard to resist.
families will find educational exhibits for kids and adults alike. The staff knows the collection well, so questions are welcome.
thursday is the late day, with doors open until 7 p.M. Other weekdays close at 4 p.M., And mondays are off.
weekend hours begin at 11 a.M. On saturday and noon on sunday. Parking options are plentiful, including a free garage and free street spots.
after your visit, the campus itself makes a lovely place to stroll. It’s a calm finish to an artsy afternoon.
address: 1000 holt ave box 2765, winter park, fl 32789
sanford museum
© sanford museum
exhibits and historical artifacts turn local history into an engaging experience at this small city museum. Kids can explore the displays, while parents enjoy a free outing.
exhibits tell the story of sanford’s past through artifacts, photographs, and historical displays. A research archive is also available, making the museum a worthwhile stop for history buffs and family history enthusiasts.
the museum offers a closer look at the people, places, and events that shaped sanford. Staff members can help visitors learn more about the city’s history.
a small theater adds another way to explore the stories behind the exhibits. Free wi-fi and on-site parking make the visit even more convenient.
timing matters here, so plan ahead. The museum opens tuesday through saturday from 9 a.M. To 5 p.M.
sundays and mondays are closed. That makes it a nice saturday stop before exploring downtown sanford.
the museum is operated by the city of sanford through its parks and recreation department. It’s a reminder that a city’s own story can be one of its best attractions.
address: 520 e 1st st, sanford, fl 32771
the ashley gibson barnett museum of art (the agb) at florida southern college
© the ashley gibson barnett museum of art (the agb) at florida southern college
rodin sculptures and highwaymen paintings have both shown up here, and neither cost visitors a dime. Free admission makes this lakeland museum easy to love.
works span from pre-columbian pieces to contemporary art. That’s a lot of history to cover in one building on a college campus.
exhibits change often, so your visit may look different from a friend’s. Checking what’s current before you go is a smart move.
young visitors have their own kid-friendly section. A children’s license plate art exhibit has been part of the fun, which is about as creative as recycling gets.
the gift shop gets plenty of love for its cute finds. Live performances also add life to the calendar.
thursday hours stretch until 8 p.M. Most other days run from 10 a.M. To 5 p.M., While sundays open at 1 p.M.
mondays are closed. Saturday is the busiest time, so weekday visits offer more breathing room.
free parking and free wi-fi keep things easy. Florida southern’s campus is known for its architecture, so take a look around after.
address: 800 e palmetto st, lakeland, fl 33801
tampa firefighters museum
© tampa firefighters museum
old fire stations make great museums, and tampa turned one into exactly that. The building once served as a fire station before becoming a free museum.
inside, you’ll find firefighting memorabilia, vehicles, and historic photos. Many tell the story of tampa’s original fire station 1.
the history of the city’s fire department unfolds room by room. Knowledgeable staff lead tours and share the details behind the gear.
kids get a dedicated section with activities. Fire safety tips are mixed in, so the fun comes with useful lessons.
here’s a bonus most museums can’t match. Tours can include the working firehouse right across the street.
families will appreciate the practical touches too. There’s a nursing room and changing tables on site.
hours are short, so plan carefully. The museum opens wednesday through friday from 10 a.M. To 2 p.M. Only.
that schedule makes it a perfect weekday adventure. Pair it with lunch downtown and call it a successful field trip.
the space even hosts weddings, which feels fitting for a place with so much heart. Who wouldn’t want a fire engine in the photos?
address: 720 e zack st, tampa, fl 33602
collier museum at government center
© collier museum at government center
a tank, a locomotive, a boat, and a swamp buggy walk into a museum. It sounds like a joke, but it’s naples history, and it’s free.
the exhibits focus on southwest florida’s past. You’ll learn about early settlers and american indians who called this area home.
collier county’s story gets a deep look here. Displays even cover the travels of juan ponce de leon.
for a small museum, there’s a surprising amount to see. The large vehicles alone make it worth the stop.
volunteers greet visitors and share local insights. Their knowledge helps connect the artifacts to the land outside.
the setting is quiet, which makes it easy to read and linger. A small theater adds another way to learn.
kids have activities to keep them busy. Changing tables are available for families with little ones.
hours run tuesday through saturday from 9 a.M. To 4 p.M. Sundays and mondays are closed.
parking is free, both in the lot and on the street. That leaves more budget for the naples beaches later.
it’s an easy, low-key way to meet the region’s past. Bring curiosity and comfortable shoes.
address: 3331 tamiami trl e, naples, fl 34112
institute of contemporary art, miami
© institute of contemporary art, miami
bold art from living artists fills this design district museum, and admission is free. Your mind does the heavy lifting instead of your wallet.
ica miami shows paintings, sculpture, and multimedia installations. The work changes often, so each visit can bring something unexpected.
the building itself makes a statement. Its ultramodern, three-story design looks like art before you even step inside.
outside, a large outdoor space and sculpture garden add more to explore. It’s a fun place to wander between galleries.
getting tickets in advance is recommended. Admission is free, but reserving ahead helps you avoid surprises at the door.
hours run wednesday through sunday from 11 a.M. To 6 p.M. Mondays and tuesdays are closed.
live performances also show up on the calendar. They bring another layer to the art experience.
expect exhibits that ask questions more than they give answers. That’s half the fun of contemporary art.
parking comes in many forms nearby, from free street spots to paid garages. Arrive early on weekends if you want an easy spot.
address: 61 ne 41st st, miami, fl 33137
patricia and phillip frost art museum
© patricia and phillip frost art museum
over 6,000 works call this fiu museum home, and you won’t need a ticket to see them. Not a bad deal for a college campus stop.
founded in 1977, the museum moved into its current building in 2008. That building gets plenty of attention for its striking design.
the collection leans into contemporary, american, latin american, caribbean, and pre-columbian art. Photos and prints also play a big role.
it’s an accredited museum, which says a lot about its quality. Still, the galleries rarely feel crowded.
kids have their own room for creative activities. It’s well stocked, giving young artists a chance to make something of their own.
grown-ups can look for the art lecture series. Talks like these add depth to what’s on the walls.
hours run tuesday through sunday from 11 a.M. To 5 p.M. The museum is closed on mondays.
parking on campus is paid, so plan for that. A cafe nearby helps if hunger strikes.
this makes a strong final stop for any florida art lover. It proves free can feel first-class.
address: 10975 sw 17th st, miami, fl 33199 |
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| Preparing Autistic Teens for Adulthood After Graduation: Building Skills, Confid |
| Posted on Wednesday, November 04 @ 00:00:41 PST (4 reads) | |
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Graduation is supposed to be the beginning. For an autistic teenager, however, it can also be a major disruption. For 12 or more years, life has been structured around school. There are teachers, schedules, classmates, assignments, transportation, and familiar routines. Then the diploma arrives, the school day ends, and the familiar schedule changes. Suddenly, the young adult is expected to navigate adulthood.
are we preparing them for that transition?
school teaches important academic skills, but adulthood requires another set of skills that may never appear on a report card. How do i find a job, handle money, get to work, prepare a meal, make appointments, and make decisions for myself? These aren’t optional life skills. They are part of preparing for adult life, and they shouldn’t suddenly become a teenager’s responsibility the day after graduation. The centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) recognizes the transition from high school to adulthood as a particularly challenging period for autistic young people and recommends beginning transition planning early.
develop a plan before graduation
successful projects begin with clear objectives, an understanding of available resources, and a plan for reaching the desired outcome. Preparing for adulthood involves similar principles. Families and educators can work with autistic teenagers to identify their interests, strengths, support needs, and personal goals.
does the teenager enjoy computers, animals, maps, machinery, art, or helping people? Would college, vocational training, an apprenticeship, or direct entry into employment be a good fit? What skills and accommodations would help make that path achievable? The plan should belong to the young person as much as possible. Parents and educators can provide guidance, but the teenager’s preferences deserve a central place in decisions about the future. Several activities can help teenagers explore their interests, develop confidence, and build relationships in environments that suit their needs.
social groups organized around shared interests can provide opportunities for connection without requiring constant conversation or unstructured social interaction. Lego clubs, chess groups, coding clubs, and art activities are possible examples. The right environment is one in which teenagers feel welcome rather than pressured to behave like everyone else.
swimming can offer a useful combination of individual achievement and group participation for some autistic teenagers. Swimmers can train alongside peers while working toward personal goals, and team activities such as relays can create a sense of belonging. For teenagers who enjoy the water, swimming may also provide opportunities to develop physical skills, confidence, and friendships at a comfortable pace. The important consideration is whether the individual enjoys the activity and feels comfortable in the environment.
other movement activities can offer additional opportunities to explore interests and develop skills. Martial arts may appeal to teenagers who appreciate clear rules and repetition. Track and field provide opportunities to pursue individual goals within a team setting, while supervised rock climbing may appeal to those who enjoy focused, practical challenges. Appropriate instruction, safety, and sensory needs should guide the choice.
toastmasters’ youth leadership program is another option worth exploring for teenagers interested in communication and public speaking. Toastmasters international offers an eight-session program for young people ages 14–18, providing opportunities to prepare speeches, practice impromptu speaking, and give constructive feedback. A supportive environment matters. Families should look for a program that respects individual differences, allows reasonable accommodations, and encourages participation without creating unnecessary pressure. Not every teenager will enjoy public speaking, and that is perfectly fine.
the planning process also has a legal dimension. Under the federal individuals with disabilities education act (idea), an eligible student’s individualized education program (iep) must include measurable postsecondary goals and the transition services needed to achieve them, beginning no later than the first iep in effect when the student turns 16, or earlier if the iep team determines that it is appropriate. The plan must be updated annually. State requirements may call for earlier planning. An iep may also provide individualized school supports, such as extra time, sensory breaks, visual schedules, or modified assignments, depending on the student’s needs. These supports complement transition planning, which should address the teenager’s goals for life after school.
teach practical life skills
academic achievement is important, but it isn’t the only preparation teenagers need for adulthood. Consider the everyday activities many adults manage: preparing meals, shopping, handling money, maintaining a schedule, arranging transportation, making appointments, and keeping track of personal responsibilities.
some autistic teenagers will master these skills easily. Others may need more time, structured instruction, or ongoing assistance. The answer is to provide opportunities to practice rather than assume these abilities will develop automatically. For example, a teenager who wants to visit the library independently might begin by learning the route with a parent or mentor. Over time, the teenager could practice navigating the route, checking the schedule, and responding to an unexpected change.
each successful experience can build familiarity and confidence.
independence, however, shouldn’t become an all-or-nothing test. An adult can lead a meaningful, fulfilling life while continuing to receive help with particular tasks. The goal is to develop practical independence while providing appropriate support where needed.
healthcare is another area in which preparation matters. Instead of a parent answering every question at a doctor’s appointment, the teenager can gradually learn to describe symptoms, ask questions, manage appointments, and participate in healthcare decisions. The american academy of pediatrics recommends beginning healthcare transition planning during adolescence and helping young people develop these skills. These may seem like small steps, but they are rehearsals for adulthood.
prepare for employment or further education
not every autistic teenager will follow the same educational or employment path. Some will pursue college degrees. Others may thrive in technical training, apprenticeships, or jobs that emphasize practical skills. Some may benefit from supported employment or a more structured transition into the workplace.
families can help teenagers explore these options before graduation rather than waiting until school ends. Work experiences, volunteering, internships, and career exploration can help young people discover what they enjoy and which environments suit them. For teenagers considering employment, preparation should include more than learning job-specific tasks. It may also involve practicing workplace communication, asking for clarification, managing schedule changes, and understanding when and how to request accommodations.
autism speaks’ transition to adulthood tool kit provides resources covering self-advocacy, employment, post-secondary education, housing, community living, and healthcare. These topics can help families and young people organize their planning and identify questions that need attention before graduation. The underlying principle is straightforward: help young people explore their options, recognize their strengths, and find opportunities in which they can develop their abilities.
prepare for changes in healthcare and support services
this subject deserves attention because it can be overlooked while families concentrate on education and employment. The transition to adulthood may involve changing healthcare providers, understanding insurance, managing appointments, and learning about adult disability services and available benefits. Families also need to investigate which services may change when school-based eligibility or support ends.
the cdc emphasizes the importance of planning for the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, while the autism speaks transition resources address healthcare alongside housing, employment, education, and community participation.
families shouldn’t wait until graduation to investigate what comes next. Finding out about eligibility requirements, applications, waiting lists, and available programs early can make the transition less disruptive. A good plan should identify not only what support a young person needs, but also where that support will come from after school.
independence doesn’t look the same for everyone
there is no single definition of a successful adult life. For one autistic young adult, independence may mean living alone and working full time. For another, it may mean living with parents while holding a job. For someone else, it may mean supported living or part-time employment. College isn’t the only successful destination. Neither is a traditional career.
the goal should be to help each young person discover what they can do, what they enjoy, what support they need, and how they want to participate in their community. Families and educators should measure progress against the individual’s goals rather than comparing one young person with another.
success isn’t about forcing every autistic person into the same mold. It’s about helping them build a life that works for them. The diploma may mark the end of school. But for an autistic young adult, it should also mark the beginning of a life they have been prepared to navigate.
author’s note : although this article focuses on autistic teenagers, many of these principles also apply to non-autistic teenagers. Planning ahead, learning practical skills, exploring career options, and developing confidence can help any young person prepare for adulthood. Autistic teenagers may face additional barriers or need individualized support, making thoughtful preparation especially important.
ronald b. Smith, mba, pmp
ronald smith has over four decades of experience as a senior pm/program manager. He retired from ibm having written four books and over one hundred articles on project management and the systems development life cycle (sdlc). He’s been a member of the project management institute (pmi) since 1998, which has a membership of about 3 million professionals worldwide. From 2011 to 2017, ronald was an adjunct professor for a master of science in technology and taught pm courses at the university of houston’s college of technology. Teaching from his own book, project management tools and techniques – a practical guide, ronald offers a unique perspective on project management that reflects his many years of experience. Besides writing, he swims five times a week to keep in shape. Lastly, in the houston area, he has started up two toastmasters clubs and does voluntary work at various food banks to help people facing hunger.
references and resources
american academy of pediatrics, healthychildren.Org. Kristin sohl, md, faap. Helping autistic teens transition to adulthood: tips for parents & caregivers. Discusses early planning, healthcare transitions, and developing self-advocacy.
autism speaks. Transition to adulthood tool kit. Provides resources about employment, postsecondary education, independent living, self-advocacy, healthcare, and housing.
centers for disease control and prevention (cdc). Living with autism spectrum disorder. Updated april 15, 2025. Discusses transition planning, adult healthcare, and resources for people with autism and their families.
toastmasters international. Youth leadership program. Describes the eight-session communication and leadership program for participants ages 14–18.
u.S. Department of education. Individuals with disabilities education act (idea), 34 cfr § 300.320(b): transition services. The federal regulation describes transition goals and services in eligible students’ ieps. |
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| 2026 CFP Bracket Projection: Miami Leads First Committee Rankings |
| Posted on Wednesday, November 04 @ 00:00:41 PST (6 reads) | |
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2026 cfp bracket projection: miami leads first committee rankings
the college football playoff’s first 2026 rankings put miami at no. 1 and sketch out a 12-team bracket, with boise state, byu, notre dame and ole miss currently claiming the last four spots. It’s only a snapshot: the committee will issue four more rankings before unveiling the official field on dec. 6.
- miami,
utah,uclaand boise state are undefeated or have one loss. - The projected field includes 12 teams, with the top four receiving first-round byes.
- the committee will release four more in-season rankings before the final selections on dec. 6.
the bracket is not official, and the rankings—and projected matchups—can change as teams play out the season. Automatic bids also depend on conference results and the cfp’s qualification rules.
state of play- projected first-round games: boise state at
alabama; byu at ucla; notre dame atkentucky; and ole miss attexas. - The winners would face miami,
georgia, utah orindianain the quarterfinals. - Ohio state is the first team out, just behind notre dame in the initial rankings.
the committee’s next rankings will track how results reshape the field. The final bracket is scheduled for dec. 6, with first-round games set for dec. 18-19.
bottom linemiami leads the opening projection, but no team has secured its place yet: the rankings are an early guide, not a playoff verdict.
read more at ncaa.Com
the summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from openai |
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| Vietnam veteran turns military service into a mission to help others |
| Posted on Wednesday, November 04 @ 00:00:41 PST (5 reads) | |
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Video: faith, duty and service shaped vietnam veteran joan furey’s life
sayville — growing up in flatbush, brooklyn, joan furey admired the men and women in uniform who marched in the neighborhood’s memorial day and veterans day parades. Years later, that admiration would inspire her to serve her country as an army nurse during the vietnam war.
furey said her sense of duty was shaped by both her upbringing and her catholic faith. Her family attended mass every sunday at holy cross church in brooklyn, where she said the values instilled by her parents and religion helped guide her decisions.
at just 22 years old, shortly after graduating from college, furey joined the u.S. Army. As a nurse, she was determined to serve in vietnam.
“i said, well, i’m a nurse and i want to go to vietnam,” furey recalled.
she said she never questioned whether military service was her responsibility.
“i always thought that i have as much of a duty to serve this country as any man does,” she said.
furey was deployed to vietnam in january 1969, where she cared for wounded service members amid the dangers of war. The experience exposed her to traumatic scenes, including attacks that forced medical staff to take extraordinary measures to protect their patients.
“when there was an attack, we’d put on a flak vest and helmets, and we’d run around and put the mattresses over the patients,” she said.
furey returned home in 1970, but adjusting to life after the war was difficult.
“it was difficult, the transition,” she said.
rather than leave those experiences behind, furey channeled them into a lifelong commitment to helping fellow veterans.
she helped pioneer veterans’ health care initiatives, including training medical staff to recognize signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, or ptsd. She also helped establish programs specifically designed to address the needs of women veterans.
her work helped bring greater attention to the experiences and challenges faced by those who served, particularly women whose contributions were not always recognized.
looking back, furey said she has no regrets about choosing a career in military service. She continues to believe in the importance of honoring veterans and supporting those who have sacrificed for their country.
“it’s been a very, very rewarding life and experience,” she said. |
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| Sharon ambulance captain carries on family tradition of service | The Lakeville |
| Posted on Wednesday, November 04 @ 00:00:41 PST (4 reads) | |
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Sharon — whether it’s in her professional work or her community volunteerism, thalia macmillan strives to advocate for others. She developed that instinct from her many family members who also have the same calling.
many in the region know her dad, stanley macmillan, who served for decades as a building inspector and fire marshal. Her mother, grace kandefer, was a longtime nurse at sharon hospital. Both were active volunteer first responders. Her brother stanley macmillan, jr., Is a member of the sharon fire department.
macmillan, who is currently captain of the sharon ambulance squad, was raised in sharon, attended sharon center and then oliver wolcott technical school with the intent of studying nursing.
“i wanted to help others, but realized not in that way,” she said during an interview saturday. “I decided to take the social work path.”
after receiving a bachelor’s degree from mt. St. Mary’s college in newburgh, she went on to earn a master’s in social work from fordham university. She then took a position with lighthouse for the blind, while also working as a teaching assistant. Later she earned a phd in social welfare from fordham.
as a teaching assistant, she found she really enjoyed working with students. That led to her current position as full professor at empire state university, which is part of the state of new york system. Her courses include human services, addiction, disability and policy. Her teaching is now online and through independent study.
most of her students are 30 and over who are coming back to school to get a degree. “As one who did that, i get it; i understand where they’re coming from,” she said.
macmillan’s sense of caring and compassion comes through very clearly when she talks about preparing her students to work with individuals with disabilities, older adults, housing communities, those living in housing projects and people suffering from addiction.
for someone who loves to have fun and display a quirky sense of humor, macmillan takes on a serious tone when talking about her students. “Things have gotten worse in the past few years. They are seeing some horrible things.”
she is also the author of several books dealing with topics related to her profession, including “an introduction to psychoactive drugs and medication,” “the abcs of cpl: a guide to credit for prior learning” and “new directions in treatment, education, and outreach for mental health and addiction.”
while working in new york, she met her husband, andy tam. They made the decision to move to sharon in 2009. Both continued to commute to new york city before her teaching went online and he has transferred to danbury, where he’s a purchasing manager.
“i wanted to come back and see what i could do for my community,” she said.
she joined the ambulance corps and when jamie casey retired in 2023, she took over the helm. She credits those whom she originally served with, including casey, jack murtagh, david chase, betsy hall and tom casey, with sharing their expertise to help her learn what she needed to know. “They gave me a lot of wisdom,” she said.
speaking about the ambulance corps, she said the pool of volunteers has dwindled since the pandemic, with only about 14 to 15 members now. The hours required for certification and recertification are steep. Similar to other departments, sharon has had to hire paramedics to cover certain hours. “Financially, it’s a struggle,” she said. “The burdens of the squad weigh heavily on me.”
but she went on to emphasize that the volunteers who are serving are phenomenal. They are very dedicated “and above all else, are very good people.”
one of the group’s big fundraisers is on the horizon for the fifth year, for which macmillan is now preparing. Luminara, small bags filled with sand and tea-lights, are sold for $10 each. They are marked with names in honor or memory of someone. On dec. 5 they will be put out all around the green creating a magical glow to start off the holiday season. Last year a total of 2,200, including donations from a large number of businesses, were sold. Ambulance member patricia chamberlain came up with the idea. So far, 900 have been ordered for this year.
the ambulance squad also hosts monthly pancake breakfasts from march to september, in addition to raising some money, she likes that they bring the community together in an informal way.
for relaxation, macmillan and tam enjoy attending comic-cons, dressing up in wild costumes that depict some of their favorite characters.
“i love it just as much as kids,” she said. Among her favorites are the witch from “snow white,” ursula and “super girl.”
she said her favorite is snow white because their backyard is a haven for stray animals and snow white loves animals.
she is also a voracious reader, focusing mainly on stories about witches and vampires. “I like light reading; not heavy. My friend calls my favorites ‘fairy porn,’” she said with a laugh. |
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| Batesville High School to honor Charlie Strong as Hometown Hero on Friday |
| Posted on Wednesday, November 04 @ 00:00:41 PST (4 reads) | |
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Batesville — batesville high school graduate and longtime college and nfl coach charlie strong will return to his hometown friday for recognition as a hometown hero during the pioneers’ football game against valley view.
strong, a 1978 batesville high graduate, began his football career as a pioneer. He went on to play defensive back at the university of central arkansas, where he earned all-conference honors.
after college, strong launched a coaching career that spanned more than four decades. He started as a graduate assistant at florida and texas a&m before holding assistant positions at southern illinois, ole miss, notre dame and south carolina. He later served as defensive coordinator at south carolina and florida, contributing to national championship teams at florida in 2006 and 2008 and at alabama in 2020.
strong became a head coach at louisville from 2010 to 2013, compiling a 37-15 record. He guided the cardinals to four consecutive bowl appearances, including a sugar bowl victory over florida, and was named big east coach of the year twice. He then served as head coach at texas from 2014 to 2016 and at south florida from 2017 to 2019.
in the nfl, strong worked as assistant head coach and inside linebackers coach for the jacksonville jaguars in 2021. He later coached at miami and alabama before joining the tampa bay buccaneers as defensive line coach.
the batesville school district will host a free public meet-and-greet with strong from 5 to 6 p.M. In the pac cafeteria, where food and drinks will be provided. Mayor rick elumbaugh is scheduled to introduce strong at 6 p.M. In the cafeteria.
senior night recognition is set for 6:20 p.M. Before the game, strong will be recognized at midfield as a hometown hero and will participate in the honorary captain coin toss.
kickoff against valley view is scheduled for 7 p.M. At pioneer stadium. The evening also will honor senior football players, band members and golfers.
the district invited the community to join the welcome for strong and the celebration of the seniors. |
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| South King County Fine Arts Roundup: November brings concerts, theater and art s |
| Posted on Wednesday, November 04 @ 00:00:41 PST (4 reads) | |
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Featured image: streamside, a public domain landscape painting by american artist edward mitchell bannister (1828–1901).
want to get out and do something interesting? There’s something for everyone in our south king county fine arts roundup column by
[amy robinson].
music
“ritmo y sabor: a latin night at the postmark”
duende libre
postmark center for the arts, auburn
saturday, nov. 7, 6:30 p.M.
“experience an unforgettable evening at the postmark center for the arts as the award-winning jazz trio duende libre brings their vibrant blend of latin jazz to the stage. Inspired by the rhythms of cuba, brazil, and the mediterranean, their exhilarating sound fuses global traditions with the energy and freedom of american jazz. Paired with the bold and flavorful cuisine of paparepas, this one-of-a-kind night also offers a delicious taste of venezuela’s rich culinary heritage, featuring savory and sweet flavors influenced by indigenous, african, and european traditions. Great music, incredible food, and an atmosphere full of rhythm and culture make this an experience you won’t want to miss.”
calendar listing.
tickets available online. Regular: $60, student/senior: $55.
“fall concert”
orchestra of flight
st. Elizabeth’s episcopal church, burien
saturday, nov. 14, 2 p.M.
band program includes – veteran’s day favorites orchestra program includes an american in paris suite and the commissioned world premiere of “on silver skies” by caleb gomes.
admission is free.
“through the nebula – kosmix 5th anniversary showcase”
kosmix
highline performing arts center, burien
saturday, nov. 14, 7 p.M.
“step beyond the stars and journey through the nebula!
celebrate kosmix’s 5-year anniversary with an exciting night of dance, community, and performances on november 14, 2026 at the highline performing art center ?
whether you’re a longtime supporter or are simply looking for a fun night out, “through the nebula” is your chance to dance, cheer, and explore the k-pop universe with us. All aboard the kosmix express”
image and text taken from their eventbrite.
tickets available online for $28.52 in advance, $33.85 day of show.
“the nexxus quartet”
saltwater music series
des moines united methodist church, des moines
saturday, nov. 14, 7:00 p.M.
“the nexus quartet will enchant audiences at the saltwater music series with an evening of music for string quartet from america and scandinavia.”
image and text taken from their website.
admission is free but donations are welcome.
“alan hovhaness celebration concert“
northwest symphony orchestra
the roadhouse, seatac
thursday, nov. 19, 7:00 p.M.
“celebrating the music of long time city of seatac resident alan hovhaness, this will be an evening of chamber music by alan hovhaness. There will also be a conversation and discussion with william holst- hovhaness’s stepson and hovhaness-fujihara music company president.
this free concert will be in the intimate setting of the roadhouse in the city of seatac and will include pieces such as processional and fugue, sonata for harp, dawn on mount tahoma, nocturne for harp and psalm and fugue. As well as the strings of the northwest symphony orchestra, the concert will feature nwso harpist tamara dobranic and nwso principal clarinet brian schappals.”
image and text taken from their website – click for more info.
“a perfect memory”
rainier symphony orchestra
foster (high school) performing arts center, tukwila
saturday, nov. 21, 6:30 p.M. & Sunday, nov. 22, 3:00 p.M.
“lili boulanger d’un matin de printemps (on a spring morning)
ottorino respighi fountains of rome
claude debussy la mer“
image and program taken from their website.
adults/general admission: $25 students & seniors 62+: $18 children 12 and under: free.
tickets available online or at the door.
“sounds of the sound“
josephine howell productions
highline performing arts center, burien
saturday, nov. 28, 7:30 p.M.
“join us for sounds of the sound, a vibrant celebration of community, culture and creativity in seattle’s music scene. Don’t miss this!
join us for sounds of the sound, a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and creativity in seattle’s music scene. Now in its 9th year, this annual concert showcases an electrifying lineup of gifted local artists who reflect the diversity and spirit of the puget sound region.
more than just a concert, sounds of the sound is a movement that uplifts local talent and gives back to the community—offering a night full of powerful melodies, rhythm, and inspiration.
don’t miss this unforgettable musical experience!”
image and text taken from their eventbrite.
general admission tickets start at $55.06 online.
“lynyrd skynyrd tribute”
whiskey river
green river college student affairs building, auburn
saturday, nov. 21, 7:30 p.M.
“for nearly four decades, whiskey river has thrilled audiences across america with their powerhouse tribute to the legendary southern rock band lynyrd skynyrd. Known as “america’s #1 lynyrd skynyrd tribute band,” they bring the music, energy, and spirit of the ronnie van zant era to life with incredible authenticity. Featuring classics like “sweet home alabama,” “gimme three steps,” “what’s your name,” and an epic note-for-note performance of “freebird,” whiskey river delivers a high-energy concert experience that takes audiences back to the golden age of southern rock.”
image and text taken from their calendar listing.
tickets available online. Regular: $27, student/senior: $24
“cozy concert series & holiday pop-up art show“
kora
ayo yoga, burien
saturday, nov. 28, 6:00 p.M.
“join us for an intimate evening of live music, dance, art, and community in the attic loft at aya yoga oasis.
featuring the soothing music of the kora – a west-african stringed instrument with a similar sound to a lute or guitar – performed by musician chet corpt, accompanied by dancer janelle bel isle.
music begins at 6:30 pm and will feature two sets with an intermission to enjoy refreshments, connect with friends, and shop our holiday pop-up art show in the downstairs studio lobby and on the upstairs walls, with most pieces priced under $100.
bring your comfy socks and a low concert chair or blanket and get cozy!”
image and text taken from their event listing.
tickets: $40 adults | $20 for guests under 18 | $5 for lap babies
pop up art show: art under $100
click here for more info or to book tickets.
theatre and storytelling
“movie musical karaoke”
burien actors theatre
tin room theatre, burien
tuesday, nov. 10, 6 p.M.
“bat movie musical and karaoke fans, join us in singing along to your favorite film musical soundtracks!!! Costumes and choreography are encouraged but not required. Bring along your favorite movie musical dvds for possible inclusion in the lineup. Event is for 21 and older.”
image and text taken from their website.
admission is $10.
“the gift of dance 2026”
seattle civic dance
highline (high school) performing arts center, burien
sunday, nov. 22, 1:30 p.M.
“seattle civic dance theatre invites you to their annual performance, the gift of dance! This fundraising event features a youth showcase with dancers from all around the puget sound area. Scdt strives to build community and connection through dance by highlighting various studios and styles in their act i showcase. Act ii presents the thirty-seventh production of the magical doll maker, an scdt original story ballet and beloved tradition. Through this performance, seattle civic dance theatre raises funds for free youth performances, tuition assistance, and scholarships.”
text and image from their website.
general admission tickets available online for $30.
“the night shift before christmas”
burien actors theatre
kennedy catholic high school, burien
friday, nov. 27 – sunday, dec. 20 7:30 p.M. Fridays & saturdays, 2:00 p.M. Sundays
“meet margot, a 30-something tejana whose personal tradition is to work the christmas eve overnight shift at a beloved texas burger joint. But when her dead best friend jackie marley drops by to warn her of impending late-night visits by spirits, margot has to confront the very scrooge she’s become. It’s a christmas eve like none other in this one-woman tour de force filled with humor and heart.”
image and text taken from their website.
general admission $27, seniors $22, industry $10, student $5 for most performances. All tickets for nov 28 are $10. All tickets for nov 29 are $7.
visual arts
“public art dedication”
centennial viewpoint park, auburn
monday, nov. 2, 4 p.M.
“we invite you to visit centennial viewpoint park on monday, november 2, 2026 at 4pm for a dedication of our new public art piece “guardians of the view” by artists ben dye and sharon agnor! Celebrate the installation of this new public artwork at our landmark park with stunning views of the valley and mt. Rainier.
limited parking is available at the centennial viewpoint park parking lot. Parking is also available at the mountainview cemetery near cemetery offices. Carpooling is encouraged.”
image and text taken from their calendar listing.
admission is free.
“fall cove show”
artists united
normandy park community club, normandy park
saturday, nov. 7 – sunday, nov. 8, 10 a.M.– 5 p.M.
art from 30+ local artists
win an original art work in the raffle
free admission.
“rat city art walk
various artists & locations, white center
thursday, nov. 19, 5:00 p.M.
“join us for the rat city artwalk every third thursday of each month from 5pm-8pm. The rat city artwalk is self-guided, all ages & pet friendly!”
image and text taken from their website.
admission is free.
“on release of loss”
judith rayl
highline heritage museum, burien
thursday – sunday, 1 – 5 p.M. Through dec. 2026
admission is free for gallery exhibit only.
“auction for kent arts fund”
online
nov. 2 – dec. 31, 2026
“the kent arts commission will offer selected artworks for the city’s portable collection for purchase through an online auction starting november 2 and running through the end of the year. Approximately 150 artworks spanning a broad range of sizes and artistic mediums will be available. All proceeds will go into the kent arts commission’s city art account to support future art projects in kent.”
text and image taken from their website.
burien temporary public art exhibits
burien community center
merrill gardens
admission to all exhibits is free.
click here for more information.
submit an event
do you have something you want included in our fine arts roundup? Please email amy at
[budget.Arts.In.King.County@gmail.Com]with details to get into future roundups!Looking to stretch your entertainment budget, and willing to go a little further afield? Budget arts in king county,
[https://budget-arts.Blogspot.Com], for listings of theatre, dance, and classical music under $15 throughout the greater seattle area. |
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| Google will cut Search for K-12 students in schools that keep AI off |
| Posted on Wednesday, November 04 @ 00:00:41 PST (4 reads) | |
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Google said on november 3, 2026 that gemini, gemini notebook, gemini in classroom and google search will be switched off for k-12 student accounts until school administrators explicitly turn them on. Schools can switch the products back on one at a time, but the search on offer will not come without ai. Chris phillips, googles vice president for education, told the new york times that search and a.I. Are deeply integrated, and that in a school that has banned ai, students will not have access to search, and theyll see a message from their school that indicates its not available.
the announcement, published on googles blog under phillips name, also brings googles guided learning tutoring mode into search for student accounts through a pilot in selected us schools later in november, and made it available in google classroom worldwide from november 3. Within hours, new york city mayor zohran mamdani responded on x that google is trying to use its monopoly power to force ai into our public schools. Google followed with a post of its own on x that todays announcements give schools more choice, not less, and that the ai features in its search for schools will offer step-by-step guided learning through problems.
in short
google is changing the settings schools use for student accounts so that its ai tools, and google search itself, start out switched off, and a school can switch each one back on separately. The search a school can switch on still contains googles ai answers, now set up to coach students step by step instead of handing over answers. So a school that wants no ai at all for its students also gives up google search for them, which is the part critics such as new york citys mayor object to.
what google changed
in the post, titled designing responsible ai for learning, the section on controls runs to three short paragraphs. We believe schools should have control over ai in their classrooms and in providing administrators with controls to help them manage their approach, phillips wrote. After listening to schools, teachers, leading researchers, and policymakers, we are now updating our approach to controls for gemini, gemini notebook, gemini in classroom, and google search. Access to these products will be entirely off for k-12 student accounts until school administrators explicitly turn them on.
the post gives no effective date. Well share more specifics with schools in the coming months ahead of the changes rolling out so they have time to prepare and enable a smooth transition, according to google. The new york times, in a story by natasha singer, reported that google would make the switch early next year. Executives, according to the newspaper, said they wanted to be responsive to educators and parents who have asked for more control over how children interact with ai.
the change reverses the current position. Googles administrator documentation for workspace states that the gemini app, offered as a core service, is available to google workspace for education users of all ages. Under the new approach, a student account will have none of the products until an administrator acts. Google set out its aim in one line: our goal is simple: provide school leaders the control and confidence to use ai products in classrooms as they see fit.
barry schwartz at search engine roundtable, who reported the news at 9:44 a.M. On november 3, noted that google released a 29-page report on ai in education alongside the post. The report, titled ai in education: from potential to practice and dated november 2026, lists phillips among its authors together with yossi matias and ben gomes. It states that googles core workspace for education services do not sell student data, use it for advertising or use it to train generative ai models. It does not describe the new controls.
googles clarification
by the afternoon, google had issued a second statement. At about 3:25 p.M. New york time, googles news from google account posted on x: we want to clarify what we announced today about our education services. Todays announcements give schools more choice, not less. It set out three points. Gemini, gemini notebook, and search will be off by default. This is based on k-12 schools asking for more control over student use of ai services. Then: schools are in control: they can choose to turn on one, two, or all of these services individually. And: we are also updating search for schools to make it better for learning. Specifically, ai mode and ai overviews will offer step-by-step guided learning through problems, so that students dont get quick answers to schoolwork.
the post closed on the reason. We know theres concern about students using ai to shortcut schoolwork, and schools have told us they want control. Thats exactly why we are making these changes today to address the feedback weve heard from educators in recent months, google wrote. About an hour after it went up, the post showed 76.4k views.
two details differ from the blog. The x post names three products and leaves out gemini in classroom, which the blog includes. And it confirms that the switches are separate, so a school can turn on search while keeping the gemini app and gemini notebook off.
search on its own still means ai
separate switches do not separate search from ai. Googles clarification describes ai mode and ai overviews as part of the search it will offer schools, and it does not mention a version of search without them. Phillips made the same point to the new york times. A.I. Features are now a standard part of googles commercially available search engine, the newspaper wrote, before quoting phillips on the integration. The papers own reading was blunt: if school leaders want continued student access to search within the companys ecosystem, they will be forced to embrace googles a.I.
replies to googles post went straight to that gap. But if they turn on search, they get ai mode in search, right? In other words, they cant turn off ai without losing search, wrote ed newton-rex, adding that this was exactly what the press has been reporting. Googles post does not answer the question.
the integration phillips described has been built up in steps. Ai overviews sit above the links on many results pages, and ai mode is a separate conversational tab. At i/o on may 19, 2026, google replaced the search box with what it called its biggest upgrade in over 25 years and routed follow-up questions from ai overviews into ai mode. When the summaries first spread in may 2024, the only workaround was the web filter, which shows links alone. Neither googles post nor the new york times account says whether a links-only version of search would be offered to schools that keep ai off.
google has bundled gemini into existing products before. In june 2025, workspace customers found gemini features added to their subscriptions without an opt-out, and price increases tied to the ai features followed. The school change differs in one respect: administrators can refuse the gemini app and still have search, but they cannot have search without ai overviews and ai mode.
guided learning moves into search and classroom
the rest of the post is about guided learning, the mode google introduced inside gemini on august 6, 2025, when it also offered free ai pro plans to college students in five countries. Google describes the philosophy behind it as productive struggle - enabling students to be actively challenged without getting so overwhelmed that they give up. In gemini, according to the post, the mode coaches students through open-ended questions and step-by-step breakdowns.
in search, the feature will apply to student accounts, and googles x post said it runs through ai mode and ai overviews. When our systems understand a student is looking for certain types of homework help, search will walk them through the topic or problem step by step, the post says. For example, if a student pastes a complex physics problem or asks for help writing a book report in search, theyll see prompts to help them think critically and work through the concepts, without going directly to the answer. Google is starting with a pilot in select u.S. Schools later this month to gather and incorporate educator feedback before expanding to other school districts in the coming months.
search engine roundtable published an example of how it looks. A query beginning a 35-gram toy car starts from rest at the top of a 0.5-meter frictionless track produces an ai overview carrying a learning beta label. Instead of solving the problem, it explains that the cars speed can be found by looking at how energy changes along the track, and asks: what fundamental physics principle or conservation law relates the cars energy at the very start to its energy at the top of the loop? A feeling stuck? Link sits underneath, followed by the notice ai can make mistakes, so double-check responses and an ask anything box. The first organic result below is a studocu page for a roller coaster physics exercise.
classroom gets it first
the classroom version is live now. Starting today, guided learning is globally available in google classroom, according to google. When a student starts a guided learning activity assigned by their teacher, it acts like a 1-1 study tool, anchored in class material to help them stay on task. It also gives teachers real-time insights to spot where the class might need extra support. Google said it tested the feature with schools and educators before launch. The post carries endorsements from teachers identified by first name and initial, among them a high school math teacher in colombia who wrote that it encouraged critical thinking rather than simply providing immediate answers.
a tension runs through the timing. Guided learning in classroom has been available to students since november 3, while gemini in classroom will start switched off for k-12 student accounts once the new controls arrive, according to the blog post. Neither the blog nor googles x post, which does not list gemini in classroom at all, says whether teacher-assigned guided learning activities count as gemini in classroom for the purposes of the switch.
what googles research claims
our research shows that guided learning leads to measurable learning gains for students, the post says. The research is googles own. A may 19, 2026 post by phillips and lila ibrahim of google deepmind described an eight-week, pre-registered randomized controlled trial in sierra leone with the partner fab ai, covering 48 math classrooms and nearly 1,800 students in grades 7 and 8. Students using guided learning gained 0.26 standard deviations on math assessments, which google equates to roughly 1.2 to 1.7 years of typical learning progress in low- and middle-income countries. Some 69% of those students reached the intended 12 hours of use, and those at the recommended usage gained 0.38 standard deviations, according to google. The november report adds a study of japanese undergraduates who used guided learning for a 4.5-hour independent session and improved by 0.14 standard deviations.
not every google study points the same way. An october 29, 2026 post on a separate 10-week trial in the uk, in which more than 1,100 students aged 12 to 15 used an ai tutor built on gemini through the eedi platform, said the students performed similarly to those paired with human tutors on in-platform tasks. Google also wrote that the gains did not show up on star standardized test scores over the same period. The november report refers to nearly 1,200 uk students, a different figure from the post. None of these studies tested guided learning inside search, which is what the pilot due to start in november will do.
new york citys mayor objects
mamdanis post, published shortly before 2 p.M. New york time and sharing the new york times story, ran to three lines: google is trying to use its monopoly power to force ai into our public schools. No corporation should have the power to dictate how we teach our children. Our public schools exist to serve students, not to grow the profit margins of big tech. By mid-afternoon it showed 215.8k views, about 16k likes and 2.5k reposts.
the post does not say what new york citys public schools, the largest school system in the united states, will do when the controls arrive. It does not say whether the city will switch the products on, keep them off, or turn to other search engines.
the phrase monopoly power has a legal history behind it. Judge amit mehta ruled on august 5, 2024 that google holds a monopoly in general search. His remedies decision of september 2, 2025 rejected a forced divestiture, and the final judgment entered on december 5, 2025 set a six-year enforcement period and barred exclusive contracts for search, chrome, assistant and gemini. Google filed its appeal on january 16, 2026. Neither mamdanis post nor googles announcement refers to the case, and googles clarification on x did not mention the mayor.
the new york times set out why googles choices carry weight in schools. Googles education apps, including gmail, docs and classroom, are ubiquitous, the newspaper reported, and chromebooks are the most widely issued student devices in u.S. Schools. The companys new strategy underscores googles powerful role in american education, the paper wrote.
what it means for advertisers and publishers
for the marketing community, the change touches both paid and organic search, though google has published no figures on the size of either.
ads come first. Googles workspace for education privacy notice, last modified on august 13, 2026, classifies google search as an additional service - one of the consumer services, alongside maps and youtube, that google makes generally available. Some additional services show ads. For k-12 accounts, google does not show personalized ads, according to the notice, but may show ads based on general factors such as the search query, the time of day or the content of the page. Core services, a list that includes gemini for education and gemini notebook, show no ads. In practice, signed-in student searches on school accounts can currently carry contextual ads. In schools that leave search switched off, those signed-in google searches will stop. In schools that switch search on, students will get the guided version of ai overviews and ai mode.
that sits alongside other limits google already places on younger users. Since 2025, google has used a machine-learning model to estimate whether signed-in us users are adults, turning off ad personalization and restricting sensitive ad categories for those it judges to be under 18. Advertisers who reach teenagers through search are therefore already dealing with a narrower system. A school decision to keep google search off would remove the student account sessions entirely.
organic traffic is the second issue, and guided learning makes it sharper. The feature is designed to hold back the answer, but it still sits at the top of the page, above the links. The effect of ai summaries on clicks is documented. A randomized field study found that ai overviews cut outbound organic clicks by 39.8% and raised zero-click searches by 34.5% among 1,065 us chrome users. Homework help sites were already exposed: onelittleweb estimated that chegg lost 61.45% of its web visits in the twelve months to april 2026, while chatbot visits nearly doubled. Whether a tutoring prompt keeps students on the results page longer, or sends more of them to sources like the studocu page in googles example, is not something google has measured publicly.
the change also feeds a regulatory pattern ppc land has followed. In august 2025, attorneys general from 44 jurisdictions wrote to ai companies including google about child safety, and the federal trade commissions 2026-2030 strategic plan, published on april 3, 2026, treats childrens online safety as a priority, with coppa as its main legal tool for children under 13. A default-off setting for k-12 accounts places the decision, and the responsibility, with schools. It also means that any student who uses googles ai at school will do so because an administrator chose to allow it.
what the announcement leaves open
several questions remain unanswered. Google has not given a date beyond the coming months, while the new york times reported early next year. Google has not said whether ai overviews and ai mode can be turned off inside search for schools, or whether gemini in classroom, missing from its x post, is still part of the change. The blog post does not say whether existing schools that already use gemini will have their settings carried over or reset to off. It does not say whether the restriction applies only to signed-in school accounts or also to school-managed chromebooks and browsers. Nor does it explain how search will tell that a student is looking for certain types of homework help, or which school districts are in the pilot.
gemini notebook, the product included in the switch, is itself new under that name. Google renamed notebooklm as gemini notebook on july 16, 2026, when it counted more than 30 million users and over 600,000 organizations. The company first opened gemini to students using school accounts in over 100 countries in june 2024. Two and a half years later, the default for the youngest of those users is moving the other way, and search, with its ai attached, is moving with it.
well continue to listen to feedback and evolve our approach as we work in partnership with schools, teachers, pedagogical experts, and parents on helping the next generation learn and thrive, phillips wrote.
timeline
- may 20, 2024 -
google offers no built-in way to switch off ai overviews; the web filter is the only route to links-only results. - June 2024 -
google opens gemini to students using school accounts in over 100 countries. - August 5, 2024 -
judge amit mehta rules that google holds a monopoly in general search. - June 2025 -
workspace customers report gemini added to their subscriptions without an opt-out. - July 30, 2025 -
google announces machine-learning age estimation for signed-in us users. - August 6, 2025 -
google introduces guided learning in gemini and free ai pro plans for college students. - August 25, 2025 -
attorneys general from 44 jurisdictions write to ai companies, including google, on child safety. - September 2, 2025 -
mehta issues his search remedies decision, rejecting divestiture. - December 5, 2025 -
final judgment sets a six-year enforcement period and bars exclusive contracts for search, chrome, assistant and gemini. - January 16, 2026 -
google files its appeal. - April 3, 2026 -
the ftc publishes its 2026-2030 strategic plan, naming childrens online safety as a priority. - May 19, 2026 -
google unveils a new search box at i/o and routes ai overviews follow-ups into ai mode; the same day, google publishes its sierra leone guided learning trial results. - July 16, 2026 -
notebooklm is renamed gemini notebook. - August 13, 2026 - google last modifies its workspace for education privacy notice, which lists search as an additional service.
- october 29, 2026 - google publishes uk and italy classroom studies, including a uk trial whose gains did not appear on star test scores.
- november 3, 2026 - google announces that gemini, gemini notebook, gemini in classroom and google search will be off for k-12 student accounts until administrators turn them on; guided learning becomes globally available in google classroom; phillips tells the new york times that students in schools that ban ai will lose search; mayor zohran mamdani responds on x; google posts a clarification on x saying schools can turn on gemini, gemini notebook and search individually and that ai mode and ai overviews in search for schools will offer guided learning.
- later in november 2026 - guided learning pilot in search begins in selected us schools.
- early 2027 - default-off controls take effect, according to the new york times; google says only the coming months.
summary
who: google, through chris phillips, its vice president and general manager for education; school administrators who manage google workspace for education accounts; k-12 students; and new york city mayor zohran mamdani, who criticized the change. Googles news from google account issued the clarification on x. The new york times and search engine roundtable reported it.
what: gemini, gemini notebook, gemini in classroom and google search will be off for k-12 student accounts until administrators explicitly turn them on. Google later clarified on x that schools can switch the products on individually, but the search it offers schools includes ai mode and ai overviews, so schools that ban ai will lose search for students, as phillips told the new york times. Google is also adding guided learning to search through a pilot and has made it available in google classroom worldwide.
when: announced on november 3, 2026. Guided learning in classroom is available from november 3, the search pilot begins later in november, and the default-off controls are due early next year according to the new york times, or in the coming months according to google.
where: the controls apply to k-12 student accounts on googles education products. The search pilot covers selected us schools, and the classroom feature is global. Mamdanis objection concerns new york citys public schools.
why: google says schools, teachers, researchers and policymakers asked for more control over ai, and that the changes give schools more choice, not less. Because google now treats search and ai as one product, schools that want to keep ai from students also give up google search for them. That affects the contextual ads that can currently appear in k-12 searches, and the organic traffic that student searches send to education publishers. |
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| Four for FSU: Top coaching candidates to know |
| Posted on Wednesday, November 04 @ 00:00:41 PST (4 reads) | |
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Field level media
04 nov 2026, 03:49 gmt+10
(photo credit: alicia devine)
texas and southern california would be higher on the marquee, but its quite possible florida state will be the best available job in the college football carousel.
the seminoles fired coach mike norvell on sunday, nearly three years removed from a 13-1 acc championship season. Since being stunningly shunned by the college football playoff, florida state has gone 10-22 since with an atlantic coast conference-worst 4-17 record.
florida state remains one of the higher-upside jobs outside of the southeastern conference and big ten. While the financial gap is growing larger each passing year, florida state has the backing to be among the highest-funded acc programs, even after paying norvells hefty buyout.
these are the names to know as the search in tallahassee gets underway.
--jake dickert, wake forest head coach
few coaches have done more with less over the last few years than dickert. He guided washington state to three bowl games in four seasons from 2021-24 before leaving for wake forest, where hes made one of the lowest-funded acc football programs one of its most competitive.
the demon deacons won nine games in dickerts first season -- the second-most at the school since 2007 -- and are poised for an even better record this season at 7-1 (5-1 acc) entering november.
hes proven as an evaluator finding diamonds in the rough. That could make him a strong candidate to have great success with a larger budget at fsu.
--manny diaz, duke head coach
diaz is florida through and through. The florida state alumnus and the son of former miami mayor manny diaz has experience at a large program. He went 21-15 at miami from 2019-21 before he was chased off in favor of mario cristobal.
perhaps some lessons learned from that stop have served him well at duke, where hes 24-11 in three seasons. Last years blue devils team brought home the programs first acc title since 1989, and duke is squarely in contention to return to the conference championship in 2026 at 6-2 (3-2).
the question is whether diaz wants another shot at a big-time job. There is nothing like going home. But the miami experience might loom as a reminder to relish a place like duke where expectations are lower. Press conference comments are always to be taken with a grain of salt on such matters, but diaz told reporters monday that hes really, really happy at duke.
--glenn schumann, georgia defensive coordinator
florida state would be a huge job for someone stepping into a head coach position for the first time. With someone like schumann, though, who has worked under nick saban and kirby smarts tutelage, the risk may be worth the reward.
smart, after all, was a first-time head coach when georgia brought him on in 2016 after nearly a decade working under saban. He rewarded that belief with back-to-back national titles. Schumann similarly has been on smarts staff for his entire georgia tenure, working his way up from inside linebackers coach (2016-18) to co-defensive coordinator (2019-23) to sole defensive coordinator (2024-present).
hes proven to be an ace recruiter -- one of the main complaints surrounding norvell -- and developed some incredible linebackers. The question, though, is how much credit he deserves for the bulldogs consistently stellar defense or if more of that goes to smarts involvement.
--jimbo fisher, former florida state/texas a&m head coach
a decade ago, it would have been stunning that some florida state fans would be in favor of giving fisher another chance. He deserted the seminoles in 2017 to take the texas a&m job, with the aggies near-limitless resources, less than four years removed from leading florida state to its third national championship in 2013.
and yet, theres a sizable portion of the fanbase, perhaps buoyed by nostalgia, which badly wants to give him another chance. Fisher, who has been working as an acc network analyst since he was fired by texas a&m in 2023, has reportedly made his interest in the job clear.
fishers first stint leading the seminoles was exceptional.
he was 83-23 (48-16 acc) with one national title and three conference championships.
cracks started to show near the end, and success was harder to tackle at texas a&m. Fishers record as aggies coach was 45-25 (27-21) with no college football playoff or sec championship game appearances. By the end of his time in college station, it seemed the modern state of the game had passed him by.
ironically, the sum of the buyout hes still collecting from a&m would make fisher a cheaper option.
--curt weiler, field level media
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| Diamonds are not forever: hypersonic impact turns ultra-hard composite into grap |
| Posted on Wednesday, November 04 @ 00:00:41 PST (4 reads) | |
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Diamonds have a reputation for permanence, but a new experiment has shown that even the hardest naturally occurring material can surrender within microseconds. Researchers at texas a&m university college of engineering and rice university forged an ultra-hard diamond composite and then fired aluminum projectiles at it at more than eight times the speed of sound. On impact, portions of the diamond composite transformed into graphite, a substantially softer form of carbon that acted as an instant shock absorber, absorbing, dissipating and redistributing the kinetic energy delivered by the projectiles. The study, published in materials today, reveals how ultra-hard materials behave under extreme shock and mechanical stress, and the team says the knowledge could help engineers design next-generation shielding and protective materials for aviation, defense and space technologies.
the work was supported by the air force office of scientific research and was led on the texas a&m side by aniket mote, a doctoral candidate of mechanical engineering, and thomas lacy, a professor of mechanical engineering. The researchers set out to answer a deceptively simple question: can the behavior of materials subjected to extreme conditions be replicated and studied in a controlled setting? In this case, that meant investigating hypersonic impact on a diamond-composite target. What they captured went beyond a record of damage. “We captured a phase change in the material and recorded how the material transitioned from one state to another,” lacy said. The intense shockwaves generated by the aluminum projectiles rapidly reorganized the diamond composite’s rigid internal structure, transforming portions of it into graphite.
the practical significance of that observation lies in timing and mechanism. “The phase change happens almost instantly, and it could help guide the development and design of materials that can better withstand extreme environments,” lacy said. For hypersonic and space vehicles, the team suggests the knowledge could unlock resilient materials capable of enduring the brutal shockwaves and mechanical stresses experienced during high-speed flights. In defense applications, the findings could aid the development of shielding and protective materials engineered not only to withstand intense impacts but to manage the transfer of energy through a target, potentially softening or perhaps even neutralizing serious blows. “The diamond-to-graphite transformation could help guide the design of next-generation materials for extreme environments, to serve national and global research interests,” lacy said. “The project gives us a new view of how ultra-hard materials behave under hypersonic impacts,” mote added.
the violent forces that power, yet devastate, modern aircraft, spacecraft and defense systems share a single brutal reality: they depend on materials that can fracture, deform or fail in a fraction of the time it takes to blink. Amid crushing pressures, searing temperatures and hypersonic speeds, engineers are left racing to understand what happens to materials in those fleeting moments between impact, shock and failure. The diamond-to-graphite transformation provides a rare window into those moments, because the researchers observed the material transitioning from one state to another rather than simply recording how a diamond composite behaves and changes under extreme shock. By collapsing its atomic grid into softer graphite, the composite’s transformation helped absorb and dissipate kinetic energy at a microstructural level.
before the target could face the gun, it had to be built. Diamonds are forged from carbon under extreme conditions and are prized for a crystalline carbon structure that makes them the hardest naturally occurring material known. Yet synthesizing bulk diamonds from smaller diamond grains has been a longstanding challenge for engineers and materials scientists. Traditional techniques use heat and pressure to fuse smaller diamond grains together, but at the extremes diamonds break down and melt. To overcome this, the rice university researchers mixed two additional ingredients with the smaller diamond grains and used spark plasma sintering to consolidate the mixture into a composite. “Cubic boron nitride and cobalt were added to the mixture, to help bind and stabilize it,” mote said. The result was a dense, tough, bulk material that locked smaller diamond particles into place.
with the composite in hand, the evaluation moved to a two-stage light gas gun. “A two-stage light gas gun can be used to launch projectiles at hypervelocities to evaluate ultra-high-rate material behavior of a target,” lacy said. Moments before a test, the laboratory falls into a poised silence as the texas a&m and rice university teams work through their safety checklist before unleashing aluminum rounds traveling roughly 6,500 miles per hour toward the diamond composite target. The countdown begins, then launch. Within microseconds, the aluminum projectiles barrel down the gun and impact the target in a cascade of pressure, shock and heat. “Impact phenomena are measured and characterized using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment,” lacy said. Lining the length of the gun are high-speed cameras and ultra-fast sensors that recorded the violent impact of two experiments.
the two tests differed in scale and speed. “In the first test, we launched a cluster of 1 millimeter aluminum ‘buckshot’ projectiles traveling at nearly mach 7.5. And in the second test, we fired a single, large 4 millimeter aluminum projectile at speeds approaching mach 8.45,” mote said. When the researchers reviewed the footage and analyzed the diamond composite target under a microscope, they made a remarkable discovery. “We found that portions of the diamond composite had transformed into graphite,” lacy said. “It was exciting to observe this phase change in real time.” The observation led the team to a blunt conclusion: diamonds are not forever when impacted at speeds over eight times the speed of sound.
capturing this transformation required more than an innovative material. It required a facility capable of re-creating the extreme conditions responsible for it: the texas a&m university hypervelocity impact laboratory, or hvil. Located on the texas a&m-rellis innovation and technology campus, the hvil serves as a premier aeroballistics laboratory, housing a 45-foot-long two-stage light gas gun designed to blast targets with projectiles that travel upward of 29,000 miles per hour, then dissect the impact with an arsenal of sophisticated diagnostics. “At the hvil, we have a high throughput capability and are among the world’s leaders in the number of shots performed annually,” lacy said. “The hvil’s capabilities enable us to characterize, test and model extreme transient variations in temperature and hypervelocity loading,” mote said.
the laboratory’s role extends beyond a single experiment. Collisions there are not spectacles but surgical strikes into the unknown of extreme physics and materials sciences, intended to pioneer and fuel breakthroughs in engineering and national security. Because of its state-of-the-art capabilities, the hvil underscores texas a&m’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of science, engineering and education. “Our external collaborations help serve the national interest by exploiting the expertise of researchers with markedly different backgrounds,” lacy said. For students, the lab offers a rare kind of education, where classrooms give way to impactful discoveries and applications. “It’s a one-of-a-kind training and experience,” mote said. “Running a gun lab, we are motivated to be as operationally safe as possible while training the next generation of engineers and scientists.”
among the countless impacts and materials studied inside the hvil, the diamond-to-graphite transformation delivers a simple but profound insight: even the hardest materials are capable of change. While the diamond’s transformation into graphite marked the end of this experiment, for the team and the research community at large it could usher in the beginning of a new era of materials built to survive the impossible. At texas a&m, researchers are developing new materials, discovering how they behave and how they might be built to endure, at the very edge of possibility. The study, published in materials today under the title “diamond-to-graphite transformation under hypersonic impact,” appeared on 6 august 2026, and its authors suggest that understanding when and how this transformation happens carries significant practical potential for materials designed to withstand extreme environments.
subject of research: diamond-to-graphite phase transformation in an ultra-hard diamond composite under hypersonic projectile impact
article title: forging diamonds, firing hypersonic projectiles, forming graphite
article references: forging diamonds, firing hypersonic projectiles, forming graphite. Original publication (bibliographic details unavailable.)
image credits: ai generated
doi: not provided
keywords: diamond composite, graphite, hypersonic impact, phase transformation, shock absorber, two-stage light gas gun, spark plasma sintering, cubic boron nitride, cobalt, materials today, hypervelocity impact laboratory, protective materials |
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