DECEMBER 18, 2025
- Luigi Mangione's Trial Developments: A judge is ruling on evidence admissibility in the state trial for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, following weeks of testimony.
- Release of Jeffrey Epstein Photos: House Democrats released additional batches of photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, amid ongoing scrutiny.
- Immigration and Federal Worker Exodus: Impacts from immigration crackdowns and mass federal worker departures due to firings and uncertainty in 2025.
- Unemployment Claims Drop: New applications for benefits fell, indicating stable labor market conditions despite recent surges.
- Trump Administration Actions on Venezuela: President Trump ordered a ban on sanctioned oil tankers and escalated pressure, with potential regime change discussions.
- Arms Sales to Taiwan: A massive $10+ billion package approved, likely to anger China.
- Epstein Files and Photos: Continued releases and political fallout from new images and documents.
- Health Policy Shifts: Political changes impacting access to care, including proposed Medicaid cuts and new administration policies.
- U.S.-Venezuela Tensions: Ban on oil tankers and threats escalating pressure on the Venezuelan president.
- Gaza and Middle East: Trump's peace plan involving international troops, amid ongoing ceasefire and hostage situations.
- China's AI and Economic Moves: Progress in AI chip technology and declining foreign direct investment.
- Global NCDs and Mental Health Declaration: World leaders adopted a historic UN declaration integrating noncommunicable diseases and mental health.
- AI in Schools: Districts investing in AI detection tools for cheating, despite reliability concerns; broader use of AI in classrooms.
- Federal Changes and Impacts: Upheaval at the Department of Education, immigration effects on international student enrollment, and potential elimination of the department.
- Higher Education Challenges: Declining enrollments, program cuts, and policy shifts under the new administration.
- Student Mental Health: Studies showing benefits of in-person learning post-COVID and ongoing well-being issues.
- Inflation Cools to 2.7%: November CPI lower than expected, though possibly distorted by government shutdown; services inflation noted.
- Unemployment Benefits Decline: Claims fell, suggesting labor stability amid delayed data releases.
- Business Activity Slows: Growth hit a 6-month low in December, with waning new orders.
- Forecasts for 2026: Modest growth expected (around 1.5-1.9%), with policy uncertainty from tariffs and fiscal changes.
- AI Advancements and Investments: Heavy funding in AI startups, China's push for chip self-reliance, and integrations in various sectors.
- Fast-Charging Tech Gains: Improvements in devices like iPads and phones highlighted as a major 2025 win.
- Crypto and Regulatory Wins: Industry cheers 2025 policy victories, though future uncertainty.
- Privacy and Health Tech: New bills addressing health data from wearables and rising AI in healthcare.
- Rising Winter Illnesses: Increases in COVID-19, flu, and norovirus (stomach bug) circulating widely.
- Long COVID Research: Potential links to hidden viral infections like Epstein-Barr.
- Medical Breakthroughs Recap: 2025 advances including gene editing, cancer prevention, and new drugs.
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome Fatality: First confirmed deadly case from tick-borne red meat allergy.
- NBA Highlights: Key games including Jazz topping Mavericks in OT and Knicks' winning run.
- NHL Milestone: Leon Draisaitl joins 1,000-point club.
- Boxing Event: Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua heavyweight fight scheduled.
- Cricket and Other: Ongoing Ashes test, Under-19 Asia Cup semis, and college basketball action.
Mark Green: Don't Let Trump Hijack July 4. How to Resist. https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/18/mark-green-dont-let-trump-hijack-july-4/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Mark Green opposes Trump’s plan to hijack the 250th anniversary of July 4th for self-promotion and nationalism.
- Trump’s actions, such as pardoning insurrectionists and undermining democratic institutions, threaten America’s core values.
- Trump’s administration is criticized for corruption, abuse of power, racism, and fostering division and violence.
- Green proposes resisting Trump’s influence by organizing alternative celebrations and promoting Enlightenment principles.
Peter Greene: The Case for "Slow School" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/18/peter-greene-the-case-for-slow-school/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Peter Greene critiques the decline of whole-book reading in schools, attributing it to the influence of Common Core, standardized testing, and technology.
- He highlights how the focus on discrete reading skills and efficiency undermines deeper understanding and critical thinking.
- Greene advocates for the "slow school" approach, which prioritizes reflection, engagement with complete works, and meaningful learning experiences.
- He warns against test-centric education that values speed and correctness over depth and understanding.
- Reading complete works fosters critical thinking, cultural awareness, and emotional development, which are essential for personal and academic growth.
Trump Administration Will Close Major Center for Research on Climate Change https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/18/trump-administration-will-close-major-center-for-scientific-research/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration plans to close the National Center for Atmospheric Research, citing it as a source of "climate alarmism."
- NCAR, founded in 1960, is a leading institution for Earth science research, contributing to advancements in weather forecasting, climate modeling, and disaster preparedness.
- Scientists and experts warn that dismantling NCAR will negatively impact vital research and technological developments, such as wind shear detection systems that have improved aviation safety.
- This decision is part of broader cuts to science funding under the administration, which critics say undermine critical research in areas like medicine and climate change.
Big Education Ape: HI HO, HI HO, IT’S OFF TO WAR WE GO: TRUMP’S TROPICAL TANGO FOR VENEZUELAN BLACK GOLD https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/hi-ho-hi-ho-its-off-to-war-we-go-trumps.html
### Key Points
- The "Donroe Doctrine" revives interventionist policies, focusing on Venezuela's oil reserves and employing naval blockades to exert pressure.
- Historical parallels are drawn to the "Banana Wars," emphasizing a recurring pattern of U.S. intervention in Latin America.
- The article critiques the hypocrisy in U.S. policy, such as Chevron's special license to import oil while Venezuela is blockaded.
- A cyberattack further cripples Venezuela's oil export capabilities, raising suspicions of U.S. involvement.
- The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is acknowledged but overshadowed by U.S. corporate interests.
- Satirical verses parody the administration's approach, likening it to historical imperialism.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 18, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_060323647.html
### Key Points
- Trump’s administration escalates tensions with Venezuela through oil tanker blockades, sparking international law debates.
- Researchers highlight benefits of light-intensity exercise for children’s mental health and mood.
- Oklahoma court rejects new social studies standards following political disputes.
- Severe weather impacts Montana, prompting emergency responses.
- President Trump designates fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction to combat trafficking.
- Rising dissatisfaction with U.S. economy amid inflation and policy issues.
- U.S. approves $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, heightening tensions with Beijing.
- New legislation introduced to combat antisemitism following a tragic attack in Sydney.
- UN adopts integrated strategies to address noncommunicable diseases and mental health on a global scale.
- VA plans healthcare job cuts, sparking protests from veterans’ groups.
- Advances in AI technology, including Amazon’s restructuring and Google’s Gemini 3 Flash rollout.
- Sports updates include Ousmane Dembélé winning FIFA Men’s Player of the Year and NCAA basketball records.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 18, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-18-2025.html
### Key Points
- Trump’s administration escalates tensions with Venezuela through oil tanker blockades, sparking international law debates.
- Researchers highlight benefits of light-intensity exercise for children’s mental health and mood.
- Oklahoma court rejects new social studies standards following political disputes.
- Severe weather impacts Montana, prompting emergency responses.
- President Trump designates fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction to combat trafficking.
- Rising dissatisfaction with U.S. economy amid inflation and policy issues.
- U.S. approves $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, heightening tensions with Beijing.
- New legislation introduced to combat antisemitism following a tragic attack in Sydney.
- UN adopts integrated strategies to address noncommunicable diseases and mental health on a global scale.
- VA plans healthcare job cuts, sparking protests from veterans’ groups.
- Advances in AI technology, including Amazon’s restructuring and Google’s Gemini 3 Flash rollout.
- Sports updates include Ousmane Dembélé winning FIFA Men’s Player of the Year and NCAA basketball records.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 17, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01558254620.html
The article is a compilation of various news updates, reflections, and critiques on global, political, societal, educational, and technological issues. It covers a wide range of topics, including policy changes, social justice, advancements in education and technology, healthcare reforms, and cultural events.
### Key Points
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 17, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-17-2025.html
ACA premium subsidies are expiring, and Trump's administration expanded travel bans and military actions. The U.S. faces rising unemployment, inflation concerns, and debates over healthcare costs. Globally, climate issues, humanitarian crises, and geopolitical tensions are escalating, while advancements in AI, education, and technology continue to shape industries.
Big Education Ape: WINTER SOLSTICE 2025: THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER CELEBRATE WITH FACTS, FOLKLORE, AND HISTORY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/winter-solstice-2025-first-day-of.html
Remembering Classroom Lessons I Had Taught Decades Ago (Part 2) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/remembering-classroom-lessons-i-had-taught-years-ago-part-2/ via @CubanLarry
Larry Cuban reflects on a history lesson he taught in 1962, which was observed and later described by journalist Martin Mayer. He discusses the differences between Mayer’s account and his memory of the lesson, emphasizing the challenges of reconstructing past events due to the selective and subjective nature of memory. Cuban also highlights the broader implications of his teaching experiences for understanding historical trends in education and the Civil Rights movement.
### Key Points
- Larry Cuban recalls a history lesson he taught in 1962, observed by journalist Martin Mayer, and reflects on the differences between Mayer’s description and his own memories.
- Mayer’s account used storytelling techniques to create drama, focusing on specific moments in the lesson, such as discussions about the Civil War and race, but omitted routine classroom activities.
- Cuban acknowledges the selective and sometimes distorted nature of memory, as well as the challenges of writing autobiographically about past teaching experiences.
- He explores the tension between his role as a historian seeking objectivity and the subjective nature of personal recollection, acknowledging the difficulty in documenting and interpreting past events.
- Cuban reflects on how his teaching and Mayer’s account connect to larger trends in history education, schooling, and the Civil Rights movement.
As 2026 Dawns, Future of Civil Rights Protection in K-12 Public Schools and Higher Ed. Looks Bleak Under Trump Administration https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/12/18/as-2026-dawns-future-of-civil-rights-protection-in-k-12-public-schools-and-higher-ed-looks-bleak-under-trump-administration/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The Trump administration has actively sought to undermine civil rights protections in education, targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
- The administration ended the "disparate impact" test, a key tool for proving systemic discrimination using statistical disparities, without public comment or input.
- Federal funding for programs promoting diversity and equity, such as Full Service Community Schools and Promise Neighborhoods, has been cut.
- The Department of Education has pressured colleges to provide admissions data to prove they are not using race-based affirmative action.
- A lawsuit against Minneapolis Public Schools challenges diversity-focused hiring policies, claiming they discriminate against white teachers.
- The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) faces a significant backlog of 2,500 unresolved civil rights complaints due to layoffs and staffing reductions.
- The temporary recall of OCR staff raises concerns about whether complaints will be addressed or dismissed, with uncertainty about the long-term future of civil rights enforcement.
What Rick Hess Got Really Wrong about Teachers and Education – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/12/18/what-rick-hess-got-really-wrong-about-teachers-and-education/
### Key Points
- Rick Hess published a satirical post critiquing education, schools, and teacher preparation, focusing on ideological biases rather than evidence-based practices.
- The article critiques Hess’s framing of schools of education as ideological factories, arguing it oversimplifies the complexities of teacher preparation and ignores regulatory and accountability standards.
- Historical factors like segregation, inequality, and policy failures are highlighted as contributors to educational challenges, which Hess’s satire overlooks in favor of blaming educators.
- Hess’s critique of literacy trends ignores structural issues like poverty, housing instability, and funding inequities that impact educational outcomes.
- The false dichotomy between “science” and “justice” in teacher preparation is refuted, emphasizing the importance of integrating equity and evidence-based practices.
- The article stresses that policy decisions such as underfunding schools and politicizing curricula create challenges for educators that cannot be resolved by rhetoric alone.
- Criticism of teacher preparation should be grounded in evidence and structural analysis rather than caricature or political grievance.
- The author advocates for shared responsibility among policymakers, educators, and think tanks to improve schools, teacher preparation, and student outcomes.
- Dr. Smartly’s dialogue highlights the importance of evidence, history, equity, and accountability in addressing education challenges.
- Equity is framed as essential for quality education, not a substitute for it, emphasizing the need to address social conditions like race, poverty, and disability.
- The article concludes by encouraging serious and respectful debate on education reform, moving beyond satire and caricature.
Teacher Tom: Play is a Pure Good: Learning is a Happy Accident http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/play-is-pure-good-learning-is-happy.html
### Key Points
- Play is essential for children, serving as a natural way to learn and understand the world, including scientific principles like physics.
- Foundational skills such as self-motivation, collaboration, and social interaction are developed as a byproduct of play.
- Adults should focus on creating an environment conducive to play rather than interfering, as over-involvement diminishes its value.
- Teacher Tom is hosting a free webinar to inspire early childhood educators to reconnect with the joy of play.
- Teacher Tom offers resources, blogs, and opportunities for collaboration to promote play-based education.
glen brown: "Jack Smith calmly destroys Trump’s “witch hunt” fantasy in testimony before Congress" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/jack-smith-calmly-destroys-trumps-witch.html
### Key Points
- The article criticizes CBS for compromising journalistic integrity in favor of financial and corporate interests.
- Progressive law firms and universities are called out for abandoning principles to appease Trump, leading to loss of integrity and public trust.
- The author highlights the failure of certain mayors, governors, and Democratic lawmakers to stand up to Trump’s authoritarian policies.
- Corporations and media companies like Disney/ABC are criticized for succumbing to political pressure, particularly regarding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives.
- The article condemns the actions of wealthy tech leaders for prioritizing financial gains over democratic values.
- The piece discusses the complicity of "Moderate Republicans" in enabling Trump’s policies, despite their controversial nature.
- It emphasizes the need for resistance against authoritarianism and the importance of moral courage among leaders and institutions.
Christine Sleeter: Teach Labor History! | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/teach-labor-history
### Key Points
- The article critiques the nostalgia around manufacturing jobs and emphasizes the role of organized labor in securing middle-class wages and benefits.
- The Trump administration's policies are described as hostile toward organized labor, including actions like weakening the National Labor Relations Board and ending collective bargaining for federal workers.
- Educational materials, such as textbooks, often minimize or distort the accomplishments and strategies of labor unions, portraying them as a relic of the past.
- Key issues in textbooks include underrepresentation of union achievements, pro-corporate bias, and ignoring the significance of public service unions post-1960.
- The article identifies resources for teaching labor history and stresses the need for both educators and the public to understand and support organized labor.
Chevron’s Quiet Deal in Venezuela: The Myth of 'Our Oil' The Monroe Doctrine: Manifest Destiny Circa 2025 MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/chevrons-quiet-deal-in-venezuela
- The article critiques former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric about Venezuela “stealing our oil,” clarifying that the oil belongs to Venezuela and highlighting U.S. imperialism in the region under the guise of the Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny.
- The U.S. uses the narrative of Venezuela as a narco-state to justify sanctions, seizures, and military interventions, continuing its hegemonic dominance in Latin America under the pretense of “security.”
- Chevron is the last U.S. oil company operating in Venezuela, exporting Venezuelan crude under a special U.S. Treasury license that bypasses sanctions. The sales are booked as credits against Venezuela’s state oil company debts, allowing the Maduro government to redirect funds.
- The article argues that the U.S. profits from Venezuelan crude through Chevron’s loophole, maintaining control over Venezuela’s oil sector while portraying the regime as the villain. This reflects broader imperialistic efforts to control resources and discipline nations seeking autonomy.
- The author highlights how concessionary agreements, such as Chevron’s, were negotiated without full transparency and largely benefited corporations rather than the Venezuelan government.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Going Into the Winter Break https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/12/going-into-winter-break.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Superintendent Fred Podesta shared a holiday message, while Franklin High School launched a girls' flag football team.
- The SPS Native American Education program joined the Suquamish Tribal Council's Ocean to Table program, offering students cultural and scientific learning experiences.
- A Florida middle school experienced a false alarm due to AI surveillance misidentifying a clarinet as a weapon, raising concerns about AI use in schools.
- Discussions about nepotism in Seattle Public Schools highlighted concerns over promotions based on personal connections rather than merit.
- High school boundaries and zoning issues were discussed at a Board meeting, with speakers addressing related concerns.
Swimming Below The Surface https://norinrad10.com/2025/12/18/16090/ via @norinrad10
- The author reflects on personal struggles with workload, parenting, and a crisis of faith in the education system's governance, questioning whether critical reporting leads to meaningful change.
- The education system often resists substantive changes despite valid criticism, with leadership relying on curated information that can misrepresent facts.
- Teachers and school staff face increasing workloads and a lack of consultation in policy decisions, which often leads to detachment from classroom realities.
- A proposed legislation to create a student behavioral database raises concerns about privacy, misinterpretation of adolescent behavior, and additional burdens on educators.
- The ACT scores for Tennessee’s Class of 2025 remain stable with notable improvements for English Learners, though disparities persist across districts due to varying access to resources.
- Debate continues around expanding Tennessee’s Education Savings Account program, with concerns about resource allocation and equity in public education.
- Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) faces challenges with achievement gaps and staff retention while piloting a controversial real-time teacher feedback program that could increase stress and affect teacher autonomy.
Ongoing Challenges at Tennessee DCS Point to State's Misplaced Priorities Domes and school privatization move fast, caring for kids comes last ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/ongoing-challenges-at-tennessee-dcs
### Key Points
- Children in Tennessee's custody face inadequate care, with 172 children spending at least one night in office buildings and others housed in transitional facilities for extended periods.
- One child spent 104 days in an office, and another over two months in transitional housing, highlighting systemic shortcomings.
- Although the state has taken steps to improve staffing and build new facilities, challenges remain unresolved.
- Tennessee's government has prioritized costly projects like a $500 million football stadium and $1 billion for private school funding over addressing critical child welfare issues.
OK: Court Axes Social Studies Standards PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/ok-court-axes-social-studies-standards
- Oklahoma's education department underwent leadership changes after Ryan Walters left for an anti-teacher union role, with Lindel Fields, a professional educator, taking over.
- Fields quickly reversed Walters's controversial "Trump Bible In Every Classroom" mandate and began addressing financial concerns raised by Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
- The Oklahoma Supreme Court blocked Walters's new social studies standards, which included falsehoods about the 2020 election and attempts to promote a particular form of Christianity.
- Walters made last-minute, undisclosed changes to the standards before presenting them to the state board, which led to their rejection by the court.
- Oklahoma reverted to its 2019 social studies standards while continuing to address the aftermath of Walters's tenure.
- Walters's new anti-union initiative has attracted around 7,000 teachers, a small fraction of the national teaching workforce.
Short, light-intensity exercise boosts executive function and elevates mood in children Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Short, light-intensity exercises can improve executive function and elevate mood in children, even with brief sessions lasting less than five minutes.
- A study showed that more than 80% of children worldwide do not meet the WHO’s recommended physical activity level, with sedentary time increasing globally.
- Later high school start times are both feasible and cost-effective, improving teen well-being and saving costs, as demonstrated by the redesign in San Francisco’s school district.
- Cannabis use is growing among young adults, with many using multiple forms such as vapes and edibles, and co-using nicotine products, which adds complexity to studying health effects.
- Nicotine is a potent cardiovascular toxin, harming the heart and blood vessels regardless of delivery method, and its use is rising among adolescents. Researchers call for stricter regulations, including flavor bans and taxation on all nicotine products.
- Drug use among U.S. teens remains at historically low levels, with a significant percentage abstaining from substances like marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine. However, slight increases in heroin and cocaine use have been observed.
- A brief, 20-30 minute online course called Uncertainty-Mindset Training helps young adults become more tolerant of uncertainty, reducing anxiety and depression with effects lasting up to three months.
The EdReports Scam | tultican https://tultican.com/2025/12/19/the-edreports-scam/
### Key Points
- Billionaires have created organizations, both for-profit and nonprofit, to influence public education, such as EdReports, which evaluates curricula for alignment with Common Core and the science of reading.
- EdReports, founded by Eric Hirsch in 2014, was initially underfunded but received significant financial backing from billionaire-funded foundations like Gates and Schusterman by 2018.
- The science of reading (SoR) and HQIM are portrayed as tools for privatizing education, with EdReports and similar organizations driving this narrative.
- The article critiques the lack of expertise in organizations like EdReports compared to local school districts and universities, questioning their legitimacy.
- The author calls for wealth redistribution through higher taxes on billionaires to preserve public education and democratic values.
