DECEMBER 30, 2025
- Severe Winter Storm Impacts Travel and Weather: A "bomb cyclone" and intense winter storm brought heavy snow, strong winds, and life-threatening conditions across the Midwest and parts of the U.S., causing over 30,000 flight delays and 1,500 cancellations nationwide.
- Rising Student Homelessness Crisis: Reports highlight a significant increase in homeless students, exceeding 1 million, with sharp rises in suburban and rural areas, including record numbers in New York City.
- Arctic Records Warmest Year: The U.S. NOAA confirmed 2025 as the Arctic's warmest year on record, with temperatures 1.60°C above the 1991–2020 baseline.
- Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting on Ukraine Peace: President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met at Mar-a-Lago, reporting progress toward a peace deal with proposed 15-year U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, though thorny issues remain.
- Trump-Netanyahu Discussions on Gaza and Iran: Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, discussing Gaza's next phase, urging Hamas to disarm, and warning Iran of potential strikes.
- U.S. Actions on Venezuela: Trump ordered a blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers and announced strikes on alleged drug facilities and boats.
- Bond Market and Fiscal Policy Tensions: Analysts note a tenuous balance between Trump's policies and the $30 trillion U.S. bond market, with potential debt supply declines in 2026.
- China's Large-Scale Military Drills Around Taiwan: China conducted its most extensive "Justice Mission 2025" exercises, encircling Taiwan with live-fire drills, warships, and blockade simulations, escalating tensions.
- Ongoing Ukraine-Russia Developments: Amid U.S.-brokered talks, Russia agreed to working groups on security and economics, while strikes continue, including a Russian missile attack on Dnipro.
- Middle East Conflicts: Israeli drone strikes killed Palestinians in Gaza; U.S. and Jordan conducted airstrikes on ISIS targets in Syria.
- Other Global Events: Search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 wreckage resumes; failed coup attempts and arrests in Benin.
- Rising Student Homelessness Affecting Learning: Over 1 million U.S. students experienced homelessness in 2025, with increases in various states impacting education access.
- Budget Cuts and Institutional Changes: Schools and colleges faced layoffs, protests, and leadership turnover; debates over programs like Head Start and federal Department of Education reductions.
- AI Integration and Policy Shifts: Growing mandates for AI literacy in curricula; overhauls at institutions like New College of Florida emphasizing classical education.
- Stocks Near Record Highs Amid 2025 Gains: U.S. and global indexes posted double-digit gains despite tariffs and geopolitical tensions, closing below records but poised for strong year-end.
- Bond Market Stability and Debt Outlook: Tenuous peace with Trump's policies; projections show potential decline in long-term U.S. debt supply in 2026.
- Growth Forecast with Tax Tailwinds: U.S. economy resilient in 2025, expected to strengthen in 2026 from tax cuts, AI investments, and rate reductions.
- Year-End Market Resilience: Consumers and businesses weathered tariff wars and uncertainties.
- AI Boom Creates New Billionaires: Surge in AI startups (e.g., Perplexity, Figure AI) minted paper billionaires amid massive valuations.
- Nvidia's Strategic Deals in AI Chips: Nvidia licensed tech to Groq and hired executives, leveraging its balance sheet to maintain dominance.
- Big Tech's Influence on Policy: Tech industry strengthened ties with Trump administration, gaining favorable outcomes.
- China's Digital Yuan Advances: e-CNY holdings to become interest-bearing in 2026.
- GLP-1 Drugs Expand Uses: Blockbuster obesity/diabetes medications showed promise for addiction, schizophrenia, and other conditions.
- ADHD Stimulant Insights: New research indicates stimulants work more by activating brain reward/alertness systems than sharpening focus.
- Breakthroughs in Transplants and Vaccines: Successful human bladder transplant; advances in dementia-slowing vaccines and nonhormonal contraceptives.
- Global Health Milestones: WHO efforts in emergencies; progress on pandemic agreements.
- NFL Playoff Races Heat Up: Denver Broncos clinched AFC West; key matchups like 49ers-Seahawks for NFC top seed.
- NBA Highlights: Luka Doncic leads Lakers win; player returns and ejections mark games.
- WNBA Growth and Expansion: League announced expansion to 18 teams by 2030 amid rising viewership.
- International Events: AFCON 2025 underway in Morocco; chess and other global competitions.
After Demolishing East Wing of White House, Trump Will Seek Approval from Agencies He Controls https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/29/after-demolishing-east-wing-of-white-house-trump-will-seek-approval-from-agencies-he-controls/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump demolished the East Wing of the White House without following the legally required preservation and review processes.
- The planned ballroom is 95,000 square feet, nearly twice the size of the White House itself.
- Trump expedited the approval process by appointing loyalists to the National Capital Planning Commission and the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts.
- Critics argue that Trump's actions reflect his disregard for historical preservation and democratic checks and balances.
Jan Resseger: Is the Era of Civil Rights Enforcement Ending? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/29/jan-resseger-is-the-era-of-civil-rights-enforcement-ending/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration has taken steps to undermine civil rights protections, including appointing Harmeet K. Dhillon, a known opponent of DEI policies, to lead the Civil Rights Division.
- Actions include the elimination of the disparate impact test, which historically helped identify discrimination through statistical disparities, and restricting funding for programs promoting diversity and equity.
- The Department of Education has withheld grants from schools and districts implementing DEI-focused policies, claiming these discriminate against white individuals.
- The Office for Civil Rights has faced staffing cuts and a backlog of 2,500 unresolved complaints, raising concerns about its ability to enforce civil rights.
- A lawsuit against Minneapolis Public Schools highlights the administration's stance against policies prioritizing hiring teachers of color to reflect student demographics.
- The temporary recall of furloughed staff at the Office for Civil Rights raises doubts about the administration's commitment to addressing civil rights violations.
Trump Salutes Putin's Commitment to Peace as Zelensky Arrives in Mar-a-Lago https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/29/trump-salutes-putins-commitnent-to-peace-as-zelensky-arrives-in-mar-a-lago/ via @dianeravitch
- Trump had a two-hour phone call with Putin before meeting Zelensky, showing a stark contrast in his warm reception of Putin compared to the lack of American welcome for Zelensky.
- Russia continues to escalate its bombing of Ukrainian cities while Trump suggests peace on Putin’s terms, raising doubts about his support for Ukraine.
- Trump’s statements during a press conference with Zelensky were delusional and heavily leaned on Russian talking points, undermining Ukraine’s position.
- A comment suggests Trump has long been a Russian asset, prioritizing his interests and Putin’s over U.S. and allied concerns.
glen brown: Saving Our Democracy https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/saving-our-democracy.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. has proposed a 15-year security guarantee for Ukraine as part of a peace plan, though Ukrainian President Zelenskyy prefers a longer commitment to deter Russia.
- Historical context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict includes the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the ongoing war in the Donbas region.
- The blog reflects on various societal issues such as education reform, pensions, healthcare, and racial injustice, often critiquing political figures like Donald Trump.
- Commentary includes reflections on literature and philosophy, citing figures like Albert Camus and Ambrose Bierce.
- The blog also discusses cultural and historical topics, such as WWII, poetry, and societal resilience.
Teacher Tom: A Gift That Made Me Feel Loved and Treasured http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-gift-that-made-me-feel-loved-and.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom shares a story about a meaningful, handmade gift from a preschooler, Ila, which made him feel loved and valued.
- He challenges the idea that preschoolers are inherently selfish, emphasizing their ability to act generously and thoughtfully.
- Examples of children's unselfish behavior include sharing toys and creating personalized gifts for others.
- Teacher Tom provides free resources for educators and parents and invites readers to support his blog or book him for events.
Trump readies troops for all-out war on domestic dissent Weekend Quotables MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/trump-readies-troops-for-all-out
### Key Points
- A Pentagon directive requires the creation of permanent National Guard quick reaction forces for riot control in all U.S. states and territories by January 1, 2026.
- Critics, including military veterans, warn this move could normalize a militarized national police force, posing a threat to democratic ideals.
- The directive aligns with other authoritarian measures, such as expanded ICE operations and detention camps, signaling a broader strategy of militarization.
- There is no public reporting on whether states have met the readiness deadline, highlighting a concerning lack of transparency.
- Broader political implications include fears of election interference and the erosion of civil liberties.
NYC Public School Parents: 2025: A watershed year for Class Size Matters. Will you support our work to ensure more progress in 2026? https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/12/2025-watershed-year-for-class-size.html
### Key Points
- Nearly 750 NYC schools reduced class sizes in 2025, with 60% meeting legal benchmarks. However, overcrowding persists in some areas, impacting thousands of students.
- The Department of Education (DOE) has been criticized for not addressing school overcrowding by building new facilities or aligning enrollment with class size goals.
- Class Size Matters successfully advocated for the appointment of a new member to the School Construction Authority board and the implementation of a whistleblower policy.
- The organization exposed data privacy violations by Talkspace, leading to changes in the company’s contract and privacy policy.
- Class Size Matters revealed a data breach affecting over 3,000 NYC students and pushed for stronger DOE regulations on student data protection.
- The group helped block four DOE contracts for AI programs and is advocating for a two-year moratorium on AI use in schools to develop stronger protections.
- The organization emphasizes the importance of centering human relationships in education and requests public support through donations and petitions.
2025: A watershed year for Class Size Matters. Will you support our work to ensure more progress in 2026? | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/2025-a-watershed-year-for-class-size-matters-will-you-support-our-work-to-ensure-more-progress-in-2026/
### Key Points
- Nearly 750 NYC schools reduced class sizes in 2025, with 60% meeting legal benchmarks set by a 2022 law. However, many schools still face overcrowding, with thousands of students in large classes.
- The Department of Education (DOE) has not adequately addressed overcrowding by building new schools or aligning enrollment with class size goals.
- The organization successfully advocated for the appointment of a legally required School Construction Authority board member and the implementation of a whistleblower policy.
- Advocacy efforts led to contract changes with Talkspace to protect teens' data privacy and the removal of social media trackers.
- Class Size Matters exposed a data breach affecting over 3,000 NYC students, prompting the DOE to notify affected families and strengthen regulations on data protection.
- The organization persuaded the Panel for Educational Policy to reject contracts with companies selling AI products and is campaigning for a moratorium on AI use in schools until safeguards are in place.
- The article highlights the importance of fostering positive human relationships in education and urges donations to support Class Size Matters’ initiatives.
- Other initiatives include honoring Dr. Betty Rosa for her contributions to education and hosting a radio show to discuss public school issues.
2021 Newsclips | Class Size Matters 2021 Newsclips | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/2021-newsclips/
### Key Points
- Advocacy groups and educators emphasize the benefits of smaller class sizes, citing improved student outcomes and reduced inequality.
- Legislative efforts have been made to pass bills mandating smaller class sizes in NYC public schools, with support from unions, parents, and council members.
- NYC schools face challenges such as overcrowding, lack of funding, and concerns over social distancing measures during the pandemic.
- The NY State Legislature passed a law in 2022 requiring NYC schools to gradually implement smaller classes across all grades.
- Discussions about limiting AI use in schools and protecting student privacy have been ongoing, with petitions and forums advocating for safeguards.
- Events like the "Skinny" Award Dinner and radio shows aim to raise awareness and support for educational reforms.
Short term plan to Un-Florida Florida’s Public Schools – School Finance 101 https://schoolfinance101.com/2025/12/29/short-term-plan-to-un-florida-floridas-public-schools/
### Key Points
- Recommendation 1: Establish a statewide commission to define "high-quality" public schooling and analyze the costs required to provide equal educational opportunities. Reform the school finance formula and increase state aid to meet constitutional standards.
- Recommendation 2: Impose a moratorium on charter school expansion and establish new regulations to ensure improved equity and outcomes. Update legislation to ensure charter schools operate as "state actors" and protect students' constitutional rights.
- Recommendation 3: Freeze the expansion of the voucher program to reallocate resources for adequately funding public schools and achieving a uniform system of free public schools.
- Year 1 Plan (2026 Session): Pause, reset, and evaluate the Schools of Hope (SoH) program, which is seen as ineffective and inequitable. Repeal and rethink the program while addressing issues such as funding, capital maintenance, and equity in student outcomes.
- Address the systemic funding issues in Florida public schools, including both district and charter schools, by increasing funding (suggested 50% increase) to improve performance and equity.
- Revisit and revise charter school regulations, ensuring they operate as public institutions and provide equitable outcomes for all students. Strengthen oversight of charter operators and their financial practices.
- Address issues of equitable cost-sharing and access to capital for charter schools, ensuring publicly owned assets are used effectively without compromising public ownership.
- Establish a commission to determine the cost of providing high-quality education for all children in Florida, focusing on equity and adequacy of funding across diverse student populations.
- Resist reductions in property taxes, as they could harm public and charter school funding. Instead, identify new state tax revenue sources to increase state aid and reduce the reliance on local property taxes.
- Year 2 Plan (2027 Session): Overhaul the school finance formula to ensure equitable and adequate funding for all schools. Develop separate funding formulas for operational costs, capital, and transportation services. Begin phasing out funding for new voucher students and reorganize underperforming charter operators.
Most Depressing Blogs of 2025 Wish I Had Better News NANCY FLANAGAN https://flanagann.substack.com/p/most-depressing-blogs-of-2025
### Key Points
- The blog reflects on the shift in societal values from fostering democracy and shared prosperity to a more divisive and hostile tone in recent years.
- The author notes the challenges faced by public education, including disrespect towards women in teaching, the failure to define teacher leadership, and the ineffectiveness of competition and marketing in education.
- Flanagan laments the current state of public education in 2025, describing it as "monumentally depressing" and highlighting the influence of politics and commercial interests on educational practices and policies.
- The blog emphasizes the importance of moral clarity, trust, and collaboration in classrooms and the role of public schooling in fostering a better society.
- Concerns are raised about the dismantling of public education infrastructure, loss of federal funding, and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
- The post critiques the rise of authoritarianism in education policy, including the removal of media literacy, arts programs, and health education, as well as restrictions on language and cultural expression.