DECEMBER 11, 2025
- U.S. Military Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker: The U.S. military intercepted a large oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, accused of violating sanctions on oil from Venezuela and Iran. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the action amid escalating tensions with President Nicolás Maduro's government.
- Judge Orders End to National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles: A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must withdraw National Guard troops from Los Angeles used for immigration enforcement, returning control to California. The decision is on hold until Monday, affecting about 100 remaining troops.
- FBI Agents Fired for Kneeling During 2020 Protest Seek Reinstatement: Two FBI agents fired after kneeling to de-escalate a 2020 protest argue in court it was not political but a tactical move. This follows recent scrutiny of federal law enforcement actions.
- Shooting at Kentucky State University Leaves One Dead: A student was killed and another critically injured in a campus shooting; the parent of the suspect has been arrested, prompting heightened security alerts at HBCUs.
- Trump Issues Sweeping Pardons for 2020 Election Allies: President Trump pardoned key figures like Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and Sidney Powell involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats.
- Government Shutdown Ends After 43 Days: Trump signed legislation to reopen the government, restoring SNAP benefits, federal worker pay, and air traffic control amid bipartisan backlash over withheld food aid.
- Supreme Court Allows Texas GOP-Favoring Redistricting Map: The Court greenlit Texas's new congressional map for 2026 elections, seen as boosting Republicans, while blocking a lower court's order to withdraw D.C. National Guard troops temporarily.
- Trump Threatens Execution for "Seditious" Democrats: In social media posts, Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior punishable by death over a video urging military to defy illegal orders.
- Ukraine Strikes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker: A Ukrainian sea drone hit the Dashan tanker in the Black Sea, part of Russia's sanctioned oil fleet, as Kyiv agrees on post-war reconstruction points with U.S. officials.
- Deadly Building Collapse in Morocco's Fez: Two four-story buildings collapsed in Fez, killing 19 people—the second such incident this year—prompting investigations into structural failures.
- Floods and Landslides Kill Over 1,000 in Southeast Asia: Devastating floods in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand have stranded hundreds of thousands, with death tolls rising amid climate concerns.
- Bangladesh Seeks Extradition of Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina from India: Dhaka vows diplomatic efforts to bring back Hasina, convicted in absentia, as tensions simmer over her exile.
- Trump Administration Advances Dismantling of Education Department: Core functions like elementary/secondary and postsecondary offices are shifting to Labor, Interior, and State Departments via interagency agreements, fulfilling Trump's elimination pledge.
- Schools Closed in Kerala and Telangana for Local Elections: Government and private schools in these states shut down on December 11 for phase-two polling, ensuring smooth voting in over 1,199 local bodies.
- CBSE Mandates Section-Wise Answer Rules for 2026 Exams: Class 10 Science and Social Science students must follow strict guidelines for answer presentation, aiming to standardize evaluation.
- Fire Destroys Historic School Building in Nainital: A blaze gutted the British-era Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Uttarakhand, with no injuries but significant loss to heritage structure.
- Fed Cuts Rates by Quarter-Point to 3.5%-3.75% Range: The third cut of 2025 boosts stocks, with Chair Powell noting tariffs as an inflation driver but signaling no hikes soon; dot plot eyes one cut in 2026.
- U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows to $59.6 Billion in August: Exports rose and imports fell, reducing the gap from $78.2 billion; Q2 current-account deficit also shrank 42.9% to $251.3 billion.
- Services Inflation Accelerates to 3.5% Annually: November's rise—the highest since April—raises ECB concerns ahead of its December 18 meeting, while U.S. job data delays persist post-shutdown.
- Q2 GDP Grows 3.8% Amid Consumer Spending Surge: Revised figures show broad state-level gains, though investment and exports dipped; personal income up 0.4% in September.
- Microsoft Releases Final Windows 11 Update of 2025: KB5040442 adds File Explorer tweaks, Bluetooth headphone sharing, and mobile integration fixes, addressing bugs like unintended restarts.
- AWS Unveils Nova Forge for Custom AI Models: At re:Invent 2025, the service lets users fine-tune pre-trained models on proprietary data; Graviton5 CPU promises peak efficiency.
- Oracle Shares Drop 11% on Weak Revenue: Despite AI demand, quarterly results missed estimates, raising doubts on high-flying tech amid Fed rate cuts.
- AI Boom Differs from Dot-Com Era: Unlike 1990s internet adoption hurdles, businesses eagerly integrate AI; valuations soar but with less hype-driven volatility.
- CDC Panel Halts Routine Hepatitis B Shots at Birth: Advisory vote shifts schedule, sparking doctor concerns over upending decades of practice and potential infection risks for newborns.
- TMA Metabolite Blocks Inflammation, Boosts Insulin Sensitivity: Microbial compound counters high-fat diet damage and protects against sepsis in mice, per new research.
- Mounjaro, Zepbound Suppress Food Cravings in Brain Scans: Deep-brain recordings show the drugs temporarily disable "food noise" circuits in severe obesity patients.
- Long COVID Clinics Close, Stranding NC Patients: Funding cuts force shutdowns, leaving many without specialized care amid ongoing symptoms.
- MLB Winter Meetings Heat Up with Reliever Deals: Braves eye Edwin DÃaz; Dodgers sign him for $69M despite luxury tax penalties; Mets add Carl Edwards Jr. as depth starter.
- SEA Games 2025: Boonson, Zohri Lead Men's 100m Favorites: Thailand's Puripol Boonson and Indonesia's Lalu Zohri top the field; Veronica Shanti Pereira eyes women's gold in Bangkok.
- Purdue Reclaims No. 1 in AP Men's Basketball Poll: Boilermakers leapfrog Houston; Michigan, TCU enter women's top 10 after ranked wins.
- India to Host 2026 Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship: The event marks a milestone for the indigenous sport; Virat Kohli nears top ICC ODI batting spot after SA series.
Steve Schmidt: The Hegseth Ethos https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/10/steve-schmidt-the-hegseth-ethos/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Steve Schmidt critiques Pete Hegseth’s fabricated title "Secretary of War," calling it a symbol of journalistic corruption and moral decay in the Republican Party.
- Historical figures like General George Marshall and Jackie Robinson are highlighted for their integrity and contributions, providing a stark contrast to current political figures.
- Schmidt condemns Congress and MAGA leadership for their hypocrisy, betrayal of soldiers, and dangerous influence on democracy.
- The blog reflects on the moral and ethical decline in political and military leadership, warning of the consequences for the nation.
Carol Burris Interviews Me About My New Book https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/10/a-video-interview-with-me-about-my-memoirs/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch introduces her new book and shares a conversation with Carol Burris about her journey and perspectives on education reform.
- The blog mentions issues with charter schools, privatization, and the lack of accountability in the education system.
- Diane Ravitch's writing style is described as straightforward and engaging, making her book entertaining and insightful.
- The blog includes posts on various topics like vouchers, standardized testing, and the influence of billionaires on education.
Heather Cox Richardson: Winning with Racism and Culture Wars https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/10/heather-cox-richardson-winning-with-racism-and-culture-wars/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Heather Cox Richardson explains the GOP’s use of racism and culture wars to win elections, emphasizing the role of media in shaping public opinion.
- Research by Shakked Noy and Aakaash Rao links the rise of culture war politics to cable news strategies in the 1980s, showing how cultural issues dominate political rhetoric.
- Fox News drives the focus on cultural issues, benefiting right-wing politicians, while Democrats excel in areas not emphasized by cable news.
- Media consolidation under right-wing figures, including efforts by David Ellison and Jared Kushner, threatens to reshape CNN and other outlets into pro-Trump platforms.
- Historical parallels are drawn with the Gilded Age, where investigative journalism exposed corruption and galvanized reform movements.
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT DEBATE: TRUMP'S LIES VS. TRUMP'S POTTY MOUTH—A SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION INTO WHICH CIRCLE OF HELL WE'RE ACTUALLY IN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-great-debate-trumps-lies-vs-trumps.html
### Key Points
- The article humorously debates whether Trump's lies or his profanity are more harmful, framing it as a "scientific investigation."
- Lies are argued to be worse because they erode democratic institutions, destroy shared reality, and create mistrust in governance.
- Trump's profanity is analyzed as a tool that normalizes verbal abuse, dehumanization, and aggression, especially against vulnerable groups.
- The combination of lies and profanity is described as "aggressive deception," which overwhelms fact-checkers, normalizes dishonesty, and dominates media cycles.
- The article references the "normalized deviance" phenomenon, where unacceptable behavior becomes normalized due to repeated exposure.
- Satirical points highlight how Trump's lies are designed to feel true, are consistent, and appeal to his base, making them more "effective" than truth in his political strategy.
- The piece concludes that both lies and profanity contribute to the degradation of democratic values and public discourse, emphasizing the need for accountability and a return to decency.
Big Education Ape: CHRISTMAS CANCELED: SANTA DEPORTED IN SHOCKING ICE RAID https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/christmas-canceled-santa-deported-in.html
### Key Points
- Santa Claus is humorously "deported" by ICE for alleged violations, including illegal entry and unlicensed operations.
- The North Pole descends into chaos, with Mrs. Claus and the elves struggling to cope, and production halting.
- President Trump and Governor Kristi Noem announce a controversial plan to personally deliver Christmas gifts only to billionaires, sparking outrage.
- International backlash ensues, with Canada closing its borders to the North Pole and Russia offering Santa asylum.
- Legal experts and grassroots movements question the legality and morality of Santa's deportation, leading to widespread protests and a "Free Santa" campaign.
- The article ends with a satirical reflection on the commercialization of Christmas and a hint of hope for Santa's return.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 10, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0316920262.html
### Key Points
- Trump's alleged actions to rebrand federal institutions, such as renaming the Kennedy Center and U.S. Institute of Peace, are criticized as self-promoting and undermining public service values.
- Charter schools have failed to deliver on promises of innovation and equity, with reports of fraud, corruption, and mismanagement. Federal funding often supports failing schools, and there is a lack of accountability.
- Florida's universal school voucher program resulted in budget overruns, missing funds, and declining student performance, raising concerns about transparency and fiscal accountability.
- The U.S. Supreme Court debates expanded presidential powers over independent agencies, potentially impacting governance and accountability.
- Controversy surrounds religious charter schools seeking public funding, with debates over the separation of church and state and legal challenges in states like Tennessee and Oklahoma.
- The "science of reading" reform movement is critiqued for relying on media narratives rather than robust evidence, with grade retention policies driving temporary test score improvements but causing long-term harm.
- The article discusses the ongoing legal conflict on gender identity in schools, balancing parental rights, student privacy, and constitutional protections.
- Rising student debt, totaling $1.77 trillion, burdens graduates, limiting economic opportunities and creating generational disparities. Solutions like debt forgiveness and taxing the wealthy are proposed.
- A federal lawsuit in Texas highlights tensions between parental rights and student gender identity, emphasizing the need for balanced policies and family support resources.
- ICE enforcement practices, including surveillance and constitutional violations, are criticized for targeting dissent and free speech under NSPM-7.
- School reopening during COVID-19 improved children's mental health, while organized sports participation reduced behavioral issues in adolescence.
- AI tools in education raise concerns about biases, student data safety, and the need for teacher oversight and critical evaluation.
- Advocacy for public education emphasizes resisting privatization, addressing systemic inequities, and fostering democratic practices in schools.
- The article reflects on the importance of everyday leadership, highlighting how small acts of encouragement and belief can inspire growth and change.
- The Seattle Schools Audit Committee identified gaps in safety practices, accountability, and oversight of partnerships and contracts, recommending improvements.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 10, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-10-2025.html
### Key Points
- The debate on former President Trump's public statements and behavior continues to spark controversy.
- The U.S. federal government shutdown enters its 10th day due to funding disputes and cuts to Democratic-led programs.
- The Supreme Court is reviewing a case that could expand presidential powers over independent agencies.
- A Democrat wins the Miami mayoral race for the first time in nearly 30 years, signaling a political shift.
- The White House released a new "America First" National Security Strategy.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy remains firm on not ceding land to Russia, despite the ongoing war.
- The U.S. Department of Education launched a college earnings indicator to guide students on post-graduation earnings.
- Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points amid moderate economic growth.
- U.S. authorities shut down a China-linked AI smuggling network, seizing $50M in Nvidia GPUs.
- South Korea mandates labeling of AI-generated ads to promote transparency.
- New research links polyphenol-rich foods to better heart health and highlights environmental toxins as a factor in Parkinson’s disease.
- The IPL 2026 auction and sports updates, including WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson's recognition as AP Female Athlete of the Year, are highlighted.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 9, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0251133659.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent news and developments across various domains, including U.S. politics, global conflicts, education reforms, technological advancements, societal challenges, and health discoveries. It highlights key issues such as the Trump administration's controversial policies, systemic challenges in education, economic inequality, and global geopolitical tensions.
No. Not an Onion Story Rubio declares Calibri a Radical, Commie, DEI Font. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/no-not-an-onion-story
### Key Points
- Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández, a former Honduran president convicted of drug trafficking, while simultaneously maintaining a hardline approach to the War on Drugs.
- Trump claimed amnesia regarding Hernández, using his typical rhetorical distancing strategy of "I don’t know him," despite Hernández being a prominent figure during his administration.
- The contradiction in Trump's actions suggests the War on Drugs is less about narcotics and more about imperialist power dynamics.
- Hernández’s conviction was based on substantial evidence, yet Trump framed it as a partisan "setup," undermining the judicial process.
The Seduction of Hope: Why Your Job Feels Impossible to Leave – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/12/10/the-seduction-of-hope-why-your-job-feels-impossible-to-leave/
### Key Points
- Hope is a powerful motivator but can tether individuals to systems that resist change.
- Institutional resistance often disguises itself as temporary, creating illusions of progress while maintaining structural limits.
- Systems prioritize survival over genuine transformation, often sidelining change-makers when their clarity disrupts established patterns.
- Leaders must prepare emotionally and professionally for potential exits, recognizing their purpose beyond the institution’s approval.
- Loving the work does not mean surrendering to an unreciprocating institution; loyalty should be directed toward the mission, not the organization.
- Balancing hope and realism is essential for leaders to thrive in complex systems and protect their well-being.
- The article encourages leaders to embrace new environments where their contributions are valued, carrying their purpose confidently into the next chapter.
Teacher Tom: Toward a Deep Sense of Self https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/toward-deep-sense-of-self.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom shares his childhood experiences of frequent moves and how his mother prioritized building relationships through community and sports.
- He highlights the shift in youth sports from fun and friendship to competition and future-focused goals, which he finds detrimental to children’s joy and relationships.
- Tom critiques the educational system's emphasis on competition, arguing that it dehumanizes relationships and undermines a deep sense of self.
- He advocates for cooperation and teamwork, emphasizing their role in fostering joy and self-awareness in both children and adults.
- Tom concludes that relationships, built through collaboration, are the foundation for meaningful life choices and happiness.
CURMUDGUCATION: The Undemocratic School Primer https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-undemocratic-school-primer.html
### Key Points
- There are two conflicting premises in education debates: one advocating equality and opportunity for all students, and another supporting a hierarchical structure where some individuals are deemed more deserving.
- The hierarchical premise promotes schools as sorting mechanisms, preparing students for predetermined societal roles, with an emphasis on obedience and compliance.
- "Betterism" reinforces societal tiers, advocating privilege for "Betters" and compliance for "Lessers," with implications for education policies like school choice.
- The author critiques the undemocratic nature of Betterism and its impact on education, emphasizing the challenges it poses for constructive dialogue and policy-making.
glen brown: Challenging Presidential Power https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/challenging-presidential-power.html
### Key Points
- The Supreme Court is reviewing *Trump v. Slaughter*, which challenges the precedent of *Humphrey’s Executor* and could redefine presidential power over independent agencies.
- Justice Sotomayor expressed concerns that removing limits on presidential authority could dismantle the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch.
- Solicitor General Sauer argued that the president’s removal authority should be absolute, aligning with recent Justice Department positions on executive power.
- The case could have far-reaching implications for the administrative state, affecting agencies like the FTC, NLRB, and MSPB, and shifting authority between government branches.
Guide for parents of adolescents with autism published by Oxford University Press Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Oxford University Press has published a guide for parents of adolescents with autism, offering evidence-based resources for navigating challenges from middle school to adulthood.
- The guide addresses co-occurring medical and mental health issues, social connections, and puberty, and includes real-life stories and resources.
- Social media use in children aged 9–14 is linked to attention problems, with no similar association for watching TV or playing video games.
- The rise in ADHD diagnoses may partially relate to increased social media use, which distracts children and reduces focus.
- Student writing has become more polished and formal since the introduction of ChatGPT, though grades remain stable.
- Generative AI tools have influenced student writing style, increasing vocabulary and positivity but raising concerns about homogenization and critical thinking.
- School reopenings during COVID-19 were linked to reduced mental health diagnoses in children, particularly for anxiety, depression, and ADHD, with girls benefiting the most.
- Organized sports participation in middle childhood reduces oppositional-defiant behavior in boys, promoting respect for authority and behavioral resilience.
- Parental permissiveness toward alcohol use influences college binge drinking, with students from permissive households more likely to join Greek organizations and engage in risky drinking behaviors.
- Combining traditional note-taking with AI tools like ChatGPT improves students’ comprehension and retention of learning material compared to using AI tools alone.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Meeting, December 10, 2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/12/seattle-school-board-meeting-december.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Introduction of new Board directors, including Jen LaVallee, Kathleen Smith, and Vivian Song, with Director Joe Mizrahi retaining his seat.
- Main public testimony topic focuses on student safety, linked to the amendment on the School Safety and Security Services Program.
- Election of Board officers, with Gina Topp suggested as the best choice for president.
- Budget Study Session presentation outlines structural deficit causes, including insufficient funding, declining enrollment, and district choices.
- Criticism of a $1.3M contract with Novak for MTSS work due to lack of documentation.
- Concerns over a $1.7M construction change order at John Rogers Elementary, citing poor upfront budgeting for known issues.
- Enrollment updates show a slight decrease overall but increases in specific schools with new buildings.
- Timeline changes for on-time enrollment applications, raising questions about school tours.
- Discussion of nepotism within Seattle Public Schools, particularly concerning principal and senior staff appointments.
I'm with Brad Lander for Congress. Gaza will be central to this election. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/im-with-brad-lander-for-congress
- Brad Lander, known for his activism against ICE's controversial tactics, announced his candidacy for Congress in New York’s 10th District after a notable incident where he was detained for supporting an immigrant.
- Lander is running against Dan Goldman, a wealthy candidate with strong financial backing from the Israeli lobby, including AIPAC, and criticized for supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza. Lander positions himself as a champion of justice and vulnerable communities.
- The race is framed as a choice between Lander’s courage and activism versus Goldman’s alleged complicity in supporting violence.
Choosing Democracy: National Guard Deployment
At long last — Donald Trump was forced to stand down FOR ONCE. https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/12/national-guard-deployment.html
- A federal judge ordered the National Guard, which Donald Trump had deployed into Los Angeles illegally, to be returned to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s control, marking a significant legal and political defeat for Trump.
- The ruling highlights that Trump’s authoritarian actions can be stopped, providing momentum for Democrats heading into 2026.
- Despite this victory, Trump’s administration and allies are preparing appeals and seeking new ways to push boundaries.
- The blog emphasizes the ongoing fight against authoritarianism and the importance of public resistance to such abuses of power.
Are Schools the Problem? If not, who is? NANCY FLANAGAN https://flanagann.substack.com/p/are-schools-the-problem
### Key Points
- The article discusses the rise in mental health issues among children, including A.D.H.D., anxiety, and depression, and questions whether schools are to blame.
- Data shows a significant increase in diagnoses of A.D.H.D., autism, and anxiety among children and adolescents in recent years, with societal pressures being a contributing factor.
- Schools are not the root cause of mental health issues, but external factors like societal expectations, inadequate resources, and poor policies play a significant role.
- Schools often provide a sense of security and belonging for children, even though they cannot fully address mental health challenges.
- Teachers observe that increased screen time, lack of outdoor play, and rising academic expectations contribute to anxiety and behavioral issues in children.
The TNGOP Was for DEI Before They Were Against It Republicans reverse course after accidentally advancing racial equality ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/the-tngop-was-for-dei-before-they
### Key Points
- Some Hamilton County school board members criticize a policy encouraging diverse educator recruitment, claiming it promotes discrimination.
- The policy defines educator diversity as reflecting various backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
- The diversity initiative originates from a 2019 Tennessee law, sponsored by Republicans, mandating strategies to increase minority educator representation.
- Current Republican leaders, such as Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, have shifted to opposing DEI efforts, aligning with anti-DEI legislation inspired by Donald Trump’s priorities.
- Ironically, some GOP leaders who now oppose DEI voted for the 2019 diversity law.
From ProPublica: Indoctrinating Charter and Voucher Schools in Oklahoma Are Bleeding Out Public Schools This Is Ground Zero in the Conservative Quest for More Patriotic and Christian Public Schools http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/12/from-propublica-indoctrinating-charter.html
### Key Points
- Oklahoma has reshaped public schools to incorporate lessons about Jesus and promote patriotism, reflecting a conservative agenda for overhauling education.
- The state passed restrictions on teaching about racism and gender, causing controversy and psychological distress concerns.
- Oklahoma adopted anti-transgender bathroom laws and promoted conservative content like PragerU videos in classrooms.
- The state introduced new social studies standards emphasizing Christianity, skepticism of the 2020 election, and conservative narratives, sparking legal challenges.
- Despite these changes, Oklahoma ranks poorly in student performance, teacher pay, and education funding.
- Public school districts face funding challenges due to the expansion of private school tax credits and charter schools.
- Teachers and superintendents express concerns about the focus on cultural wars instead of addressing basic educational needs.
- Resistance to the conservative agenda exists, with parents, teachers, and advocates challenging policies and standing against censorship.
- The push for privatization and religious education threatens the survival of rural public schools.
- The state’s approach to education often undermines the historical accuracy of topics like racism and slavery, promoting a sanitized version of history.
At Tonight's DA, Mulgrew Lectures Us on Affordability Even as he raises retiree insurance premiums by 20%, and doubles SHIP costs. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/at-tonights-da-mulgrew-lectures-us
### Key Points
- Michael Mulgrew, UFT President, emphasized affordability while simultaneously raising retiree insurance premiums and SHIP costs, which has caused financial strain for retirees.
- SHIP introduced a new benefit for retirees to reclaim co-pays, but the process is overly complex and time-consuming, making it inaccessible for many.
- Retirees on fixed incomes are disproportionately affected by the increased costs, leading to financial hardship.
- Criticism of UFT leadership for lack of transparency, particularly regarding health plan changes and contracts that members voted on without full disclosure.
- The article highlights past inaction by UFT leadership on Tier 6 pension reform and their current efforts to address it.
- Discussions on the challenges of DOE culture, including unprofessional treatment of teachers, HR issues, and administrative inefficiencies.
- Efforts to reduce class sizes and improve school resources, including securing funding for additional teachers and addressing space constraints.
- Transition to the NYCE PPO healthcare plan, with assurances of no disruption for members, but ongoing concerns about drug coverage and provider networks.
- Advocacy for better support for CTE (Career and Technical Education) teachers, who face unique challenges in maintaining certifications and providing internships.
- Resolutions passed on improving school bandwidth, commemorating the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and supporting Tier 6 pension reform.
- Critique of DOE's observation practices and calls for better respect and fairness in teacher evaluations.
