THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK
12-14-25 TO 12-20-25
GEMINI
U.S. News
The "Purge" Response: Governor Gavin Newsom (CA) announced a plan to hire former CDC officials who resigned or were fired by the Trump administration to lead a new state-level public health science initiative.
Marijuana Rescheduling: President Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, marking a historic shift in federal drug policy.
Political Violence Warnings: Former Senator Joe Manchin called for an end to "attack mode" politics following a series of high-profile shootings, including the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Epstein Files Released: The DOJ released the first major trove of Jeffrey Epstein records under a new transparency law signed earlier this year.
Brown University Shooting: A shooting on the Brown University campus led to a high-profile manhunt and suspect capture, sparking renewed national debates over campus security.
Politics
ACA Subsidy Standoff: Congress adjourned for the year on Dec 19 without extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, setting the stage for a steep increase in health insurance premiums in 2026.
Trump Year-End Address: In a televised speech, President Trump touted military bonuses and claimed victory over inflation, despite conflicting economic data.
Kennedy Center Name Change: The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted unanimously to rename the institution the Trump-Kennedy Center.
Mayoral Resignation: In NYC, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani faced an early hurdle as his newly appointed Director of Appointments resigned just one day after being named.
World Affairs
Venezuela Blockade: Tensions reached a boiling point as President Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, aimed at toppling the Maduro regime.
Caribbean Naval Strike: A U.S. strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Pacific killed four; the administration accused Venezuela of trying to "theft" oil.
UK Civilisational Debate: Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood dismissed White House claims of "civilisational erasure" in the UK, defending British multiculturalism.
Trump-Putin Meeting: Prime Minister Modi welcomed both U.S. and Russian trade teams to India, highlighted by a high-profile meeting with Vladimir Putin in New Delhi.
Education
NYC School Bus Audit: A massive audit revealed over 150,000 complaints against NYC school buses in a single year, sparking calls for systemic reform.
AI in the Classroom: New data from Pew Research shows that 1 in 5 U.S. workers (and a higher percentage of students) are now using AI daily, forcing schools to accelerate policy changes.
Cornell Tech Scholarship: Cornell Tech launched a major new scholarship program honoring Michael Mills to support students in legal technology and access to justice.
Economy
Jobs Report Slump: The November jobs report showed the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, the highest since the pandemic. The U.S. economy lost 108,000 jobs in October.
Tariff Impact: New analysis from the Joint Economic Committee suggests the average American family has paid $1,200 in additional costs due to tariffs since January 2025.
Oracle Stock Volatility: Shares of Oracle tumbled 15% this week as investor confidence in AI-related infrastructure spending showed signs of cooling.
TikTok Sale: Reports emerged that TikTok has signed a definitive deal for the sale of its U.S. operations to a group of American investors to avoid a permanent ban.
Technology
GPT-5 & DeepSeek-V3: The AI "arms race" intensified as OpenAI launched GPT-5, while Chinese startup DeepSeek released its V3.2 model, claiming to match GPT-5’s performance at a lower cost.
Photonic Computing: Chinese researchers unveiled LightGen, an all-optical chip with 2 million photonic neurons, reportedly 100x faster than traditional electronic chips.
Micro-Robotics: Researchers at UPenn and Michigan created the world’s smallest fully programmable, autonomous robots (200 x 300 micrometers).
The AI Footprint: A new study suggested that the global AI carbon footprint in 2025 is now equivalent to the total carbon output of New York City.
Health
Cancer-Killing Bacteria: Scientists in Japan reported that a specific gut bacterium (Ewingella americana) could completely eliminate colorectal tumors in mice after a single dose.
Alzheimer’s & GLP-1s: New clinical data suggests that Ozempic and similar GLP-1 medications may significantly reduce the risk of epilepsy and cognitive decline in diabetics.
Cannabis & Ovarian Cancer: A study published this week found that a combination of CBD and THC compounds significantly slowed the growth of aggressive ovarian cancer cells.
Medical Aid in Dying: New York Governor Hochul reached a landmark agreement on a bill allowing terminally ill patients with less than six months to live the option of physician-assisted death.
Sports
NHL Blockbuster Trade: The Vancouver Canucks traded captain Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild, a move that sent shockwaves through the league.
NBA Rivalry: Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors defeated the LA Lakers in a high-scoring thriller; Jimmy Butler recorded 16 free-throw attempts in the physical contest.
High School Miracles: Lake Mary High School won a state championship 28-27 on a deflected "Hail Mary" catch in the closing seconds, claiming the #1 spot on SportsCenter’s Top 10.
GROK
- Deadly mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, RI, killing 2 and injuring 9; a person of interest was detained and later identified.
- Release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files by the Justice Department, including previously public documents on his crimes and death.
- Florida lawsuit against Roblox accusing the platform of enabling child predation through inadequate safety measures.
- President Trump's nationwide address on various issues, including foreign policy and domestic concerns.
- Ongoing impacts from a recent government shutdown, affecting data releases and federal operations.
- Plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
- Measles outbreaks reported in multiple states, including new cases in infants and clusters.
- Anti-Nazi protest at the Arkansas State Capitol.
- Trump administration actions on Venezuela, including tanker bans.
- Federal worker exodus and firings amid policy changes.
- President Trump's low approval ratings persist amid economic concerns, per recent polls.
- Escalating U.S. pressure on Venezuela with oil tanker bans and seizures.
- Negotiations and addresses related to foreign policy, including Syria and Ukraine peace talks involvement.
- Debates over extending ACA/Obamacare subsidies as expiration looms on December 31.
- House GOP advances health care and financial aid transparency bills.
- Trump administration's efforts to reshape federal agencies, including Education Department changes.
- Release of Epstein files sparking political discussions.
- Partisan stalemate on health care plans in Congress.
- Trump's comments on Fed interest rates and criticism of Chairman Powell.
- Ongoing impacts from 2025 government shutdown on policy and data.
- Mass shooting attack on Hanukkah celebration in Australia, killing 15; suspects identified as father and son.
- Escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, including airstrikes and clashes.
- Ongoing Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities, peace negotiations in Berlin, and Russian missile attacks on Dnipro.
- Chinese advancements in semiconductor technology, reproducing ASML EUV capabilities for advanced chips.
- Sudan drone strike killing dozens at an oil field.
- Myanmar airstrike on civilians.
- EU massive interest-free loan to Ukraine for military and economic needs.
- Tiangong space station repairs after debris damage.
- Turner Prize awarded to British autistic artist Nnena Kalu.
- Netflix's $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
- Aftermath and investigations into the Brown University shooting on campus.
- Trump administration's push to reshape or close parts of the U.S. Department of Education, including workforce reductions.
- Austria passes law banning hijabs and burqas in schools for girls under 14.
- Impacts of declining birth rates on U.S. schools and enrollment.
- Advances in financial aid transparency bills in Congress.
- Special education policy concerns amid federal changes to disability law enforcement.
- Rural education challenges highlighted in reports.
- Release of 2025 test questions and reports by New York State Education Department.
- Higher education reflections on academic freedom under policy shifts.
- Studies on AI's role in reducing administrative burdens for special education teachers.
- U.S. business activity growth slows to 6-month low, with declining new orders.
- November consumer inflation unexpectedly slows to 2.7%, distorted by government shutdown data gaps.
- Rising beef and food prices amid tariff pass-through effects.
- Global trade shifts: China's exports surge to Asia while dropping to U.S. due to tariffs.
- Forecasts predict modest U.S. growth of 1.9% in 2025, slowing in 2026.
- Federal deficit projected to rise amid tariffs and spending.
- Stock market volatility with AI and tech stocks under pressure.
- Micron Technology's strong revenue forecast boosting shares.
- Concerns over tariff impacts on retailers and consumers.
- Elevated long-term interest rates limiting housing recovery.
- China develops prototype EUV machine for advanced chip production, challenging ASML dominance.
- Netflix agrees to $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
- AWS re:Invent announcements on AI services, agents, and custom training models.
- Hollywood Creators Coalition launches to protect against AI misuse in entertainment.
- AI advancements in medical imaging for detecting chronic stress and biological aging.
- Funding rounds for AI security and biotech startups.
- NIST guidelines for managing AI cybersecurity risks.
- Exein's major funding for on-device AI security.
- Global internet freedoms decline further in 2025.
- Tiangong space station debris repairs and spacewalk.
- Potential hidden viral infections contributing to long COVID symptoms.
- HHS requests input on using AI to reduce health care costs and improve clinical care.
- Rising measles cases in U.S. states like Iowa and Wyoming.
- Studies on cannabis and alcohol use for sleep among young adults.
- Gut bacteria molecules influencing energy use and potential obesity/diabetes treatments.
- Concerns over expiring ACA subsidies impacting premiums and coverage.
- AI detecting early cardiovascular risks from X-rays.
- Forskolin compound showing promise against aggressive leukemia.
- Optimism and sleep linked to younger "brain age."
- Holiday drinks' high sugar content affecting bone health.
- College Football Playoff first-round games begin, with upsets and advances (e.g., Notre Dame over Indiana, Penn State over SMU).
- Bowl season kicks off with multiple games.
- NFL Week 16 buzz, including injuries and playoff picture shaping up.
- MLB offseason moves: Ha-Seong Kim to Braves, bullpen additions for Angels and Giants.
- NBA and college basketball games, including key matchups and performances.
- 2025 SEA Games open amid regional tensions.
- Soccer: Arsenal and Everton clashes; Algeria midfielder injury.
- Sailing and other events gearing up.
- Fantasy football leaderboards and expected points updates.
- Army vs. Navy classic game.
THIS WEEK'S DAILY TOP NEWS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 14, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-14-2025.html
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2025
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 15, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-15-2025.html
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 16, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-16-2025.html
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 17, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-17-2025.html
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 18, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-18-2025.html
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 19, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-19-2025.html
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025
HISTORY
