DECEMBER 20, 2025
- The Justice Department began releasing documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigations, including files related to his criminal charges and death, amid ongoing public interest and a statutory deadline.
- The Trump administration paused the diversity visa lottery program, citing its use by a suspect in a recent shooting incident.
- A small plane crash occurred at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, with investigations underway by the FAA.
- Ongoing disruptions from federal workforce changes and agency restructuring under the Department of Government Efficiency continued to impact operations.
- President Trump escalated pressure on Venezuela by banning sanctioned oil tankers from entering or leaving the country.
- The administration announced a major arms sales package to Taiwan worth over $10 billion, likely to heighten tensions with China.
- Debates intensified over immigration policies, including pauses on certain visa programs and expanded restrictions on applications from additional countries.
- Justice Department actions included appeals in dismissed cases and releases tied to high-profile investigations.
- Escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia: Thai airstrikes killed civilians, followed by clashes resulting in military casualties on both sides.
- Ongoing Russia-Ukraine developments, including EU funding for Ukraine's military and economy, amid Putin's statements signaling no compromise.
- Violence in Myanmar and Sudan: Airstrikes killed civilians in both countries.
- Netflix agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a $72 billion deal, marking a major consolidation in global entertainment.
- Concerns over federal funding cuts and premature termination of grants for community schools and literacy programs under the Department of Education.
- Advances in AI integration in education, including tools to assist special education teachers with administrative tasks like IEP drafting.
- Studies highlighted benefits of in-person learning resumption post-COVID, with reductions in mental health diagnoses among students.
- State-level initiatives focused on career education, school choice expansions, and addressing teacher shortages.
- U.S. business activity growth slowed to a six-month low in December, with declining new orders signaling potential softening into 2026.
- Global economy showed resilience but increasing fragilities, influenced by trade policies, tariffs, and AI-driven investments.
- Inflation dynamics mixed: Services inflation accelerated, but overall consumer prices rose less than expected amid data distortions.
- China's trade surplus hit record levels, with shifting exports toward Southeast Asia despite U.S. tariffs.
- Major tech stocks rallied, driven by AI demand; Micron surged on strong results, Oracle advanced amid TikTok joint venture reports.
- Rapid AI adoption: Cybersecurity professionals increasingly using AI tools; new guidelines for AI risks like data poisoning.
- Entertainment shifts: Netflix's massive acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery; Hollywood coalition formed for ethical AI use.
- Ongoing regulatory scrutiny on Big Tech data practices and platform control across jurisdictions.
- HHS issued a request for information on using AI to reduce healthcare costs and improve clinical care outcomes.
- Breakthroughs included potential early detection of pancreatic cancer and links between cardiovascular health and dementia risk.
- Rare alpha-gal syndrome (tick-borne red meat allergy) confirmed as fatal in a first documented case.
- Advances in STI screening with at-home tests and new treatments for conditions like sleep apnea.
- College Football Playoff first-round games underway, with quarterfinals approaching; bowl season in full swing.
- NFL Week 16 highlights fantasy impacts and playoff positioning races.
- Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua heavyweight boxing matchup generating significant attention.
- NHL and other leagues in mid-season action; preparations for 2026 events ramping up.
The Scientific Breakthrough of the Year! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/19/the-scientific-breakthrough-of-the-year/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Science magazine named the global surge in renewable energy as the 2025 Breakthrough of the Year, marking the first time renewable energy surpassed coal in global production.
- China has led the renewable energy revolution by mass-producing solar panels, wind turbines, and lithium batteries, making renewable energy cheaper and more accessible worldwide.
- The affordability of renewables has shifted motivations globally, with countries adopting them not just for environmental reasons but for economic benefits.
- The U.S. has failed to capitalize on its own renewable energy innovations, losing economic and geopolitical advantages to countries like China.
Texas: Why Not Monetize Everything? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/19/texas-why-not-monetize-everything/ via @dianeravitch
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott supports monetizing public services, exemplified by a for-profit online charter school opening in a detention center for families arrested by ICE. The school is run by Stride, formerly K-12 Inc., known for low-quality education and scandals.
- CoreCivic, a for-profit prison operator managing the detention center, has a controversial history, including ties to unethical practices and major ICE contracts worth $300 million.
- Stride (formerly K-12 Inc.) has a history of poor performance, lawsuits, and scandals, including fraud, misleading practices, and low academic standards, but continues to profit from government contracts.
- Critics highlight the waste of taxpayer money on low-quality education for children in detention, questioning the ethical priorities of such initiatives.
Egomania Prevails: Board of Kennedy Center Renames It for Trump https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/19/egomania-prevails-board-of-kennedy-center-renames-it/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump-appointed board renames the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
- Trump replaced experienced staff with allies, leading to programming changes and declining attendance.
- Legal authority to rename the Kennedy Center rests with Congress, not the board.
- Speculation about Trump renaming other monuments for himself is humorously presented.
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
Big Education Ape's article humorously critiques the Trump administration's revival of interventionist policies in Latin America under the "Donroe Doctrine." It explores the administration's focus on Venezuela's oil reserves, the use of naval blockades, and the paradoxical hypocrisy in U.S. foreign policy. The piece highlights historical parallels, corporate interests, and the moral contradictions of intervention, all wrapped in satirical commentary.
### 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
Big Education Ape’s article covers a wide range of topics, including political developments, international relations, education updates, economic trends, technological advancements, health concerns, and sports highlights. It provides a snapshot of current events and their implications globally.
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
O Christmas Tree - by Nancy Flanagan - Nancy’s Substack https://flanagann.substack.com/p/o-christmas-tree
### Key Points
- A Fox News host suggested Americans should buy artificial Christmas trees to repurpose tree farms for AI data centers, sparking criticism.
- Michigan is a major producer of Christmas trees, with over 500 tree farms, many of which are family-owned and support local employment.
- The author criticizes the idea, arguing that tree farms are sustainable and beneficial, unlike AI data centers, which could harm local landscapes and economies.
- A proposed AI data center in Kalkaska, Michigan, faced local resistance due to concerns over environmental and economic impacts, leading to its withdrawal.
- The author prefers real Christmas trees, appreciating their local economic impact, environmental benefits, and tradition, while criticizing artificial trees as being made mostly in China.
- Rising costs and challenges faced by local tree farms underline the importance of supporting this industry.
Teacher Tom: "Thank You For Telling Me That" http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/thank-you-for-telling-me-that.html
### Key Points
- A preschooler observes Teacher Tom's consistent appearance, leading to a reflection on being seen as a dependable and safe figure.
- Teacher Tom announces a free webinar titled "The Joy Reset: Finding Your Spark Again Through Play" for early childhood educators.
- Information about supporting Teacher Tom's blog and booking him for events is shared.
- Teacher Tom's blog includes various topics on education, play, and parenting, reflecting his extensive experience as a preschool educator.
Court Ruling A Roadblock To West Virginia Charter Schools From Forbes.com PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/court-ruling-a-roadblock-to-west
### Key Points
- A Kanawha Circuit Judge issued a permanent injunction preventing the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board from authorizing new charter schools without voter approval in the relevant county.
- West Virginia's 2019 charter school law initially required county or state school board approval for charter schools, but local boards were often reluctant to approve them.
- In 2021, the law was amended to create the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board, allowing it to authorize charter schools statewide, even if previously rejected by local boards.
- A lawsuit filed in 2021 argued that the new approval process violated the state constitution, which requires voter consent for establishing new school districts.
Precarity: Out of Many, One https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/12/19/precarity-out-of-many-one/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- *Pluribus* is a slow-paced science fiction series that explores existential dread, human isolation, and the human condition through post-apocalyptic narratives.
- The author connects personal experiences and cultural references, such as Billy Joel’s music and Kurt Vonnegut’s works, to the themes of precarity and existentialism in *Pluribus*.
- The series emphasizes how post-apocalyptic stories reflect current societal realities, particularly the loneliness and struggles of individuals within dehumanizing systems.
- Kurt Vonnegut’s works, often categorized as science fiction, are highlighted for their humanistic and socialist undertones, advocating for kindness and community amidst satire on dehumanizing systems.
- The article critiques capitalism's role in perpetuating precarity and the loss of humanity, as reflected in the series' portrayal of characters clinging to their humanity.
Charter School Reckoning Part II: Disillusionment Explained - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/part-ii-disillusionment-explained/
For more details, refer to "Charter School Reckoning: Decline, Disillusionment, and Cost Part Two."
"Pretermission". DHS fast tracking asylum seekers to Uganda. Reporting from New York's immigration courts. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/pretermision-dhs-fast-tracking-asylum
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has intensified its approach to asylum seekers in New York, utilizing the legal tactic of "pretermission" to dismiss asylum claims before they are heard, leaving individuals vulnerable to deportation.
- This tactic, originating during the Trump administration, is now reportedly standard practice in New York immigration courts and is spreading nationwide.
- DHS attorneys argue that asylum seekers are ineligible for U.S. protection due to "cooperative agreements" with countries like Ecuador, Honduras, and Uganda, and immigration judges are accepting these arguments.
- The strategy is seen as a deliberate effort to enable mass third-country removals and is criticized as a cruel misuse of legal procedures to deport individuals without due process.
Presentation to NYCBA: Problems with DOE’s treatment of student privacy and AI | Class Size Matters I | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/presentation-to-nycba-problems-with-does-treatment-of-student-privacy-and-ai/
- A presentation was given to the NYC Bar Association's Education Committee highlighting issues with the Department of Education's (DOE) handling of student privacy and AI.
- NYC parents, teachers, and school staff are encouraged to participate in a survey regarding class sizes for the 2025-2026 school year, as NYC schools are mandated to phase in smaller classes per a 2022 law.
- Dr. Betty Rosa was honored for her advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in public schools.
- The "Talk out of School" radio show and podcast discusses public school issues at local and national levels.
- A petition is available urging NYC to implement a comprehensive strategy for reducing class sizes in accordance with recent legislation.
- Updates and newsletters are available to keep the public informed about class size advocacy, student privacy, and DOE spending.
- Recent posts include discussions on student privacy, AI, and methods for NYC to comply with class size laws more effectively.
Agenda and other related materials for the California State Board of Education (SBE) meeting on January 14, 2026. - State Board of Education (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/ag/ag/main202601.asp
### Key Points
- The California State Board of Education (SBE) meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2026, at 1430 N Street, Room 1101, Sacramento, CA.
- Meeting agendas cover various educational issues as per state and federal laws, and are uploaded ten days prior to the meeting. Supporting materials are also made electronically available.
- Public inspection of materials is available at the State Board of Education office, and contact details for inquiries are provided.
- Recently posted items include agenda attachments and economic impact statements related to SBE meetings.
- The article lists popular topics and resources related to the California Department of Education, such as curriculum standards, education funding, and school performance.
Where I’ve Been. | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2025/12/19/where-ive-been/
### Key Points
- The author explains her reduced blogging activity due to her caregiving responsibilities for her aging mother.
- Mercedes shares emotional anecdotes from her mother’s past, including her time in an orphanage and her wishes regarding end-of-life care.
- The author expresses her commitment to ensuring her mother’s independence while balancing her own life and work.
- Readers' comments reflect admiration, empathy, and shared experiences with caregiving.
He Couldn't Hold His Tongue Gene Simmons immigrated to America at eight years old. After achieving the American Dream, he now argues for shutting the door behind him. https://www.changethelausd.com/he_couldn_t_hold_his_tongue
### Key Points
- Gene Simmons, an immigrant and member of KISS, supports strict immigration policies, labeling undocumented immigrants as criminals, which misrepresents legal definitions.
- The Trump administration's immigration policies have led to traumatic consequences for immigrants, such as the deportation of Any LucÃa López Belloza, who was brought to the U.S. as a child.
- Donna Hughes-Brown, a grandmother and long-time U.S. resident, faces deportation due to minor, decades-old offenses, highlighting the harshness of the policies.
- The article critiques the betrayal of America's immigrant-friendly principles, as symbolized by the Statue of Liberty, and calls for a return to a more welcoming approach.
8th Day of Boobsmas A little bit of Christmas and a whole lot of "Heated Rivalry" episode 5 fangirling KELLY REYNOLDS https://authorkellyrey.substack.com/p/8th-day-of-boobsmas
### Key Points
- Review of "Heated Rivalry" episode 5, emphasizing its emotional impact and standout performances.
- Highlights of key moments: a heartfelt phone call, an emotional hug, and a significant kiss.
- Recommendation of a holiday MM romance novella, "A Grump in Moose Falls," featuring themes like fake dating and friends-to-lovers.
- Promotion of the author's Facebook reader group, "Kelly’s Book Baddies," for romance lovers.
- Advertisement for the author’s holiday-themed novellas and sapphic short story available through Substack.
