DECEMBER 12, 2025
- Measles Outbreak Escalates in South Carolina: Hundreds are now in quarantine as the outbreak accelerates, linked to low vaccination rates and post-Thanksgiving travel; at least 16 cases trace to a single church event.
- Trump Announces $12 Billion Aid to Farmers: The package aims to offset trade disruptions, but farmers say more relief is needed amid ongoing economic pressures.
- Judge Orders End to California National Guard Deployment: A federal ruling requires returning control to the state, criticizing the use of troops for immigration enforcement without gubernatorial approval; the decision is on hold until Monday.
- U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker: The operation off Venezuela's coast escalates tensions, with Trump unveiling a "gold card" visa to retain foreign talent amid immigration crackdowns.
- Indiana Republicans Defeat Trump's Redistricting Push: Lawmakers resisted the president's call, marking a rare setback and highlighting GOP internal divisions ahead of 2026 midterms.
- Senate Rejects Obamacare Subsidy Extension: The vote leaves millions facing higher costs, as Republicans prioritize fiscal restraint despite rising premiums.
- Trump's Approval Dips on Economy Handling: Polling shows his rating underwater by 14 points, with allies urging a refocus amid affordability concerns.
- Miami Mayor's Race Breaks GOP Streak: Democrat Eileen Higgins wins, ending nearly 30 years of Republican control in the nonpartisan seat.
- Russia Captures Pokrovsk in Ukraine Advance: After months of fighting, the strategic Donetsk city falls, intensifying the conflict as Zelenskyy navigates U.S.-led peace talks stalled on territorial demands.
- U.S.-Japan Military Drills Amid China Tensions: Joint exercises showcase force projection, escalating rhetoric in the Asia-Pacific as Tokyo bolsters defenses.
- Cyclone Senyar Devastates Indonesia: Floods claim over 600 lives with 464 missing, marking the deadliest North Indian Ocean cyclone since 2004.
- Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces Seize Babanusa: The last government stronghold in West Kordofan falls, worsening the civil war's humanitarian crisis.
- Head Start Funding Requests Bar DEI Terms: Centers are instructed to avoid words like "disability" and "women" in applications, sparking backlash over ideological restrictions.
- Teachers Tasked with Non-Educational Duties in India: Educators monitor stray dogs and wildlife in some states, drawing criticism for diverting focus from core teaching responsibilities.
- Kentucky State University Shooting Suspect Charged: A parent faces $1M bond in the fatal incident that injured another student, prompting campus safety reviews.
- Conservative Overhaul at University of Texas: Republicans advance changes to curriculum and faculty policies, testing academic freedom amid political pressures.
- Fed Cuts Rates for Third Straight Time: The quarter-point reduction to 3.5%-3.75% aims to shield jobs from slowdown, but dissents highlight inflation worries; stocks surge.
- Trump Tariffs Shrink Trade Deficit to 5-Year Low: White House hails policy success, though critics warn of higher consumer costs amid 3% inflation rise.
- Portugal Tops Global Economy Rankings for 2025: Southern Europe's resilience shines, outpacing others despite global trade wars and AI disruptions.
- AI Boom Masks Underlying Economic Edges: Tech investments shield markets, but experts caution of volatility as productivity offsets job slowdowns.
- Disney Invests $1B in OpenAI for Sora Integration: The deal licenses characters like Mickey Mouse for AI video tools, boosting content creation amid copyright debates.
- OpenAI Launches GPT-5.2, Closes Gap with Google: The model excels in benchmarks for programming and math, but experts note narrowing leads across rivals.
- Big Tech Pours $50B+ into India AI Infra: Microsoft ($17.5B) and Amazon ($35B) bets target cloud and talent, positioning India as a global AI hub.
- EU Probes Google's AI Content Use: Antitrust investigation alleges unfair advantages from scraping online data, risking massive fines for creators' compensation.
- Senate Rejects ACA Subsidy Extension: Millions face premium hikes and reduced coverage, exacerbating access issues as costs soar.
- South Carolina Measles Cases Surge: Low vax rates fuel outbreak, with quarantines expanding; experts link to holiday travel.
- Eli Lilly's Retatrutide Shows Major Weight Loss: The drug yields significant reductions and knee pain relief, advancing obesity treatments.
- Omega-3 Deficiency Widespread, Impacts Health: Most Americans fall short, raising risks for heart and brain issues; experts urge dietary boosts.
- McLaren's Lando Norris Wins F1 Drivers' Title: Edges Max Verstappen by two points in Abu Dhabi finale, securing McLaren's first championship since 1998.
- Germany Claims Junior Hockey World Cup: Eighth title with stellar goalkeeping; India takes bronze in dramatic comeback.
- Michigan Fires Coach Sherrone Moore Amid Scandal: Dismissal follows assault probe; Wolverines eye top candidates as playoff looms.
- MLB Winter Meetings Heat Up: Braves eye relievers like Edwin DÃaz; Dodgers exceed luxury tax with big signings.
Jeff Yass, the Billionaire Who Funds Vouchers https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/11/jeff-yass-the-billiionaire-who-funds-vouchers/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Jeff Yass is a billionaire who supports universal school vouchers, advocating for public funding for private, religious, and charter schools.
- Yass's financial contributions have influenced political campaigns, including pro-voucher efforts in Texas and Pennsylvania, but he faces criticism for undermining public education.
- Research on vouchers shows mixed results, with large-scale programs often having no or negative impacts on education outcomes.
- Yass claims wealth inequality in America is minimal, but government data contradicts his views, highlighting ongoing disparities.
- Activists and groups like "All Eyes on Yass" protest his political influence, accusing him of using wealth to shape public policy against broader public interests.
Andy Spears: Florida "Lost" 30,000 Students Who Took Voucher Money https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/11/andy-spears-florida-lost-30000-students-who-took-voucher-money/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Florida’s voucher program has accountability issues, with 30,000 students unaccounted for, representing $270 million in funding.
- Instances of fraud include private schools claiming voucher funds for students they never educated.
- Arizona’s voucher program faces similar misuse of funds, with money spent on luxury items and vacations.
- Florida Senator Don Gaetz is pushing for reforms to regulate voucher programs and ensure accountability.
UCLA Report on Impact of ICE Raids: "The Fear Is Everywhere" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/11/ucla-report-on-impact-of-ice-raids-the-fear-is-everywhere/ via @dianeravitch
- A UCLA study led by Professor John Rogers surveyed over 600 high school principals nationwide to assess the impact of ICE enforcement actions, revealing widespread fear among immigrant students and their families.
- Principals reported increased absenteeism, anxiety, and trauma among students due to immigration enforcement, with families living in constant fear of deportation.
- Specific incidents included students receiving notices to self-deport, ICE intimidation near schools, and families being separated, making it harder for schools to provide a safe and supportive environment.
- Critics argue that Trump’s $75 billion allocation to ICE and aggressive deportation tactics harm communities, disrupt local economies, and tarnish the U.S.’s global image.
Big Education Ape: DEMOCRATIC MEDICARE FOR ALL VS. REPUBLICAN DON'T CARE AT ALL: It’s Time to Dump the Insurance Companies and Provide Healthcare as an American Right https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/democratic-medicare-for-all-vs.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. has been debating healthcare reform for over 110 years, with many failed attempts to establish universal healthcare.
- Medicare for All is proposed as a single-payer system that eliminates premiums, deductibles, and medical bankruptcy while providing comprehensive coverage, including dental, vision, and mental health services.
- The current U.S. healthcare system is plagued by high costs, bureaucracy, and inefficiency, leaving millions uninsured or underinsured.
- The U.S. spends twice as much on healthcare as other developed nations but has worse health outcomes, such as lower life expectancy and higher maternal mortality rates.
- Medical bankruptcy is a uniquely American problem, with 66.5% of bankruptcies caused by medical debt. Other developed countries have virtually no medical bankruptcy.
- Contrary to claims that the U.S. cannot afford Medicare for All, studies show it would save money by reducing administrative waste, eliminating insurance company profits, and negotiating lower drug prices.
- The profit-driven healthcare system prioritizes profit extraction over care, leading to issues like denied claims, high deductibles, and inflated drug prices.
- The Supreme Court has played a role in undermining healthcare reforms, such as the Affordable Care Act, by making Medicaid expansion optional.
- Other developed countries, like Canada, Germany, and Taiwan, have successfully implemented universal healthcare systems that cost less and deliver better outcomes.
- Enhanced ACA subsidies are set to expire, threatening to increase premiums, reduce coverage, and worsen the uninsured rate.
- The healthcare industry spends over $1 billion annually on lobbying to maintain the status quo, influencing Congress to prioritize donors over voters.
- Medicare for All can be implemented through gradual measures like lowering the Medicare age, introducing a public option, or transitioning to single-payer healthcare.
- Funding Medicare for All could be achieved through payroll taxes, wealth taxes, closing tax loopholes, negotiating drug prices, and reducing administrative waste.
- Universal healthcare is framed as both an economic and moral necessity, emphasizing healthcare as a basic human right rather than a profit-driven commodity.
- Opposition to Medicare for All often relies on bad-faith arguments, such as concerns about wait times, government control, and reduced innovation, which are refuted in the article.
- The U.S. healthcare system is described as a moral failure, prioritizing profits over human dignity, with people dying from preventable diseases due to lack of access to care.
- The article calls for political action, including campaign finance reform, lobbying restrictions, and voter engagement, to overcome the influence of healthcare industry lobbying.
- Billionaires benefit from public investments yet resist contributing to universal healthcare, highlighting the need for wealth taxation.
- The article concludes with a call to action, urging Americans to support Medicare for All and address the systemic issues in the healthcare system.
Big Education Ape: HOW TO BUILD A OLIGARCHY (AND DESTROY DEMOCRACY) FOR DUMMIES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/how-to-build-oligarchy-and-destroy.html
### Key Points
- Billionaires are undermining democracy by defunding public institutions, degrading systems, demonizing public servants, and privatizing essential services.
- Public education has become a testing ground for privatization, with billionaires funding voucher programs and charter schools that often fail to improve outcomes.
- The Citizens United ruling enabled unlimited corporate political spending, leading to billions in dark money influencing elections.
- The Supreme Court's ethics and decisions are increasingly shaped by billionaire donors, further eroding democratic norms.
- Media consolidation by billionaires allows them to control narratives and suppress dissenting voices.
- Voting rights are under attack through restrictive laws, gerrymandering, and voter suppression tactics funded by dark money.
- The article proposes reforms such as campaign finance transparency, Supreme Court ethics enforcement, tax justice, antitrust measures, and voting rights protections.
- Grassroots movements, unions, and investigative journalism are actively challenging billionaire influence and defending public institutions.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 11, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01991786637.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. military intercepted a Venezuelan oil tanker, escalating tensions with Nicolás Maduro's government.
- A federal judge ordered the withdrawal of National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles for immigration enforcement, marking a legal defeat for Trump.
- President Trump issued sweeping pardons for 2020 election allies, drawing criticism from Democrats.
- The Supreme Court allowed Texas’s GOP-favoring redistricting map, boosting Republican influence for the 2026 elections.
- Ukraine struck a Russian oil tanker in the Black Sea, emphasizing ongoing geopolitical tensions.
- Trump administration advanced plans to dismantle the Education Department, redistributing its functions to other agencies.
- The Federal Reserve cut interest rates to 3.5%-3.75%, benefiting the stock market.
- Microsoft released its final Windows 11 update of 2025, introducing new features and fixes.
- AWS unveiled Nova Forge for custom AI models, enhancing AI capabilities for businesses.
- Heather Cox Richardson critiqued the GOP’s use of culture wars and racism to influence elections, highlighting media manipulation.
- A satirical article humorously debated the societal impact of Trump’s lies and profanity, emphasizing their effect on democratic norms.
- Oklahoma’s conservative education reforms promoted Christian nationalism and patriotism, raising legal and societal concerns.
- UFT retirees faced financial strain due to increased insurance premiums, sparking criticism of union leadership.
- Schools are not solely responsible for rising mental health issues among children; societal pressures and inadequate resources play a significant role.
- A Supreme Court case, *Trump v. Slaughter*, could redefine presidential power over independent agencies.
- AI tools in education raise concerns about biases and data safety, despite their potential benefits.
- Advocacy for public education emphasizes resisting privatization and addressing systemic inequities.
- Brad Lander announced his congressional candidacy, focusing on justice and activism against ICE’s controversial tactics.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 11, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-11-2025.html
### Key Points
- U.S. seizes sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, escalating tensions.
- Federal judge blocks Trump's National Guard deployment in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
- Powerball jackpot reaches $1 billion amid economic uncertainty.
- Time Magazine names "Architects of AI" as Person of the Year for 2025.
- NDAA passes with aid to Ukraine and cuts to climate change initiatives.
- Cancer registry changes under Trump administration raise concerns over trans patient data.
- U.S.-Russia Ukraine negotiations progress; ceasefire violations continue in Gaza.
- Danish intelligence labels U.S. a security risk due to economic coercion.
- Trump administration advances the elimination of the Department of Education.
- MacKenzie Scott donates millions to underserved education and climate nonprofits.
- Fed cuts interest rates amid slowing job market; inflation concerns persist.
- AI adoption rises in Europe, with 20% of enterprises utilizing AI technologies.
- CDC alters Hepatitis B vaccine schedule; ultra-processed foods linked to health risks.
- England's Lionesses win Euro 2025; Lando Norris crowned F1 World Champion.
- High school sports season begins in parts of the U.S.
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
The article is a satirical and analytical exploration of former President Donald Trump's behavior, focusing on the impact of his lies and profanity on American political discourse and democracy. It debates whether Trump's lies or his crude language are more damaging, ultimately concluding that both are symptoms of a greater problem: the erosion of democratic norms and decency. The piece also examines the societal normalization of such behavior and its implications for democracy, truth, and public discourse.
### 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
The article compiles various topics, including U.S. politics, education reform, global conflicts, economic trends, technological advancements, and societal challenges. It highlights systemic issues, controversial policies, and advocacy for equity and democracy.
Billionaires Are Undermining Public Education in America https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/12/11/billionaires-are-undermining-public-education-in-america/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The increasing influence of billionaires in U.S. politics has led to unprecedented political donations, with the wealthiest 100 Americans now contributing significantly to federal elections.
- The rise of the billionaire class and deregulation has exacerbated wealth inequality, with policies like Citizens United enabling unlimited political contributions.
- Billionaire Jeff Yass heavily funds school voucher programs, promoting privatization of education despite evidence that private schools are not more effective than public ones.
- Yass’s contributions have influenced legislation, such as Texas’s universal voucher program, which diverts public funds from public schools to private education.
- Economist Joseph Stiglitz and others warn that this trend undermines public oversight, civil rights protections, and the social contract, creating negative externalities for society.
What Would James Baldwin Do? – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/12/11/what-would-james-baldwin-do/
- The article reflects on the enduring influence of James Baldwin, a novelist, essayist, and civil rights advocate, whose works challenge societal norms and provoke introspection.
- Baldwin's writings emphasize truth-telling as a form of love, confronting America’s contradictions and exposing systemic injustices as intentional choices.
- He believed educators and artists hold societal responsibility, advocating for education that cultivates consciousness and art that reveals hardship with dignity.
- Baldwin’s love for America was rooted in his desire to criticize and improve it, emphasizing the importance of honesty and accountability for progress.
- He argued that political and personal change are interconnected, requiring individuals to confront their own truths as a foundation for societal transformation.
- Baldwin’s hope for redemption and transformation persisted despite struggles, viewing democracy as an ongoing moral project that demands active participation.
Teacher Tom: The Myth of "Childishness" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-myth-of-childishness.html
### Key Points
- Humans, including children, have a natural tendency toward fairness and "inequality aversion," as demonstrated in studies and classroom experiences.
- Selfishness is a learned behavior influenced by societal structures, not an innate trait, contrary to the myth of "childishness."
- Historically, human societies have discouraged selfishness through social mechanisms like teasing, shaming, and ostracism.
- Modern narratives often justify inequality through myths about deservingness or hard work, but these are unfounded and perpetuate inequality.
- Early childhood educators often teach fairness and equality, but children already have an instinctive understanding of these values.
404 Media: AI Is Supercharging the War on Libraries, Education, and Human Knowledge | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/ai-supercharging
### Key Points
- AI tools, such as Class-Shelf Plus, are being introduced in schools and libraries to manage book collections and comply with legislation banning certain materials, raising concerns about censorship and bias.
- AI is increasingly being used to replace human expertise, promoting efficiency but also reinforcing ideological agendas by restricting access to diverse perspectives.
- Librarians and educators face growing challenges from AI-driven misinformation, disinformation, and the pressure to adopt AI tools, which often exacerbate censorship and reduce their ability to serve communities effectively.
- The intertwining of AI and political agendas, particularly from right-wing groups, has led to a culture of devaluing human expertise, fostering censorship, and promoting homogenous educational content.
- The article critiques how AI is being leveraged to accelerate the erosion of critical thinking, empathy, and trust in public institutions, aligning with broader political efforts to control knowledge and education.
Why Education Reformers Have to Lie About the Left https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/12/11/why-education-reformers-have-to-lie-about-the-left/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- Education reformers and pundits often rely on false claims and "Big Lies" about crises and miracles to justify reforms that do not work.
- The "no excuses" rhetoric, popularized in the charter school movement, is a misleading attack on progressive arguments about the impact of poverty on education.
- Evidence shows that over 60% of student achievement is influenced by factors outside schools, such as family income and social capital, which schools cannot directly address.
- Policies relying on standardized tests to evaluate schools and teachers often reward advantaged schools and penalize disadvantaged ones, failing to address systemic inequities.
- The Mississippi "miracle" in reading reform is debunked as a result of grade retention rather than genuine instructional improvements, with persistent racial and poverty-related achievement gaps.
- True education reform must be coupled with broader social reforms addressing poverty, healthcare, and housing to create equitable opportunities for all students.
glen brown: "No president can take [our Constitutional Rights] away from us" -ACLU https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/no-president-can-take-our.html
The Gilded Farce: How Billionaires Hijacked Democracy and Made It Their Playground https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-gilded-farce-how-billionaires
### Key Points
- Billionaires have hijacked democracy, turning politics into a pay-to-play system.
- The Citizens United ruling enabled unlimited election spending by billionaires, undermining the influence of voters.
- Billionaires avoid taxes while pushing for legal rulings to exempt unrealized gains, increasing inequality.
- Public education suffers under billionaire-led initiatives that prioritize profit over equal access, worsening disparities.
- Supreme Court justices face ethics concerns due to billionaire-funded gifts and vacations.
- Billionaire-owned media manipulates narratives to distract from their consolidation of power.
- The article emphasizes the need for reforms, including campaign finance changes, progressive taxation, public school investment, and stricter Supreme Court ethics rules.
BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE: WHEN IDENTITY ENTERS THE SCHOOLHOUSE https://ru4people.substack.com/p/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place-when
### Key Points
- The lawsuit between the Osborn family and Houston Independent School District (HISD) centers on a student’s request to use masculine pronouns and a new name at school, which the parents oppose on religious grounds.
- The parents claim the school violated their First Amendment right to religious freedom and their Fourteenth Amendment parental rights by affirming the student’s gender identity without informing them.
- Federal laws like Title IX and FERPA complicate the issue, balancing transgender students' rights to privacy and protection against parental rights and religious beliefs.
- Religious perspectives on gender identity vary widely, with some conservative groups opposing gender fluidity while progressive denominations are more accepting. Public schools, however, are secular institutions and cannot favor specific religious views.
- Studies show that affirming gender identity reduces suicide risks for LGBTQ+ youth, but secretive school actions can erode family trust. Schools face challenges in balancing student safety and parental involvement.
- Proposed middle-ground policies include mandatory counseling to assess risks, using preferred pronouns in classrooms while maintaining legal records, and implementing family support programs to foster communication.
- The broader issue is determining where the school’s responsibility to protect students ends and parental rights begin, with courts still grappling with this complex debate.
Under the Tree—please repost and share | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/12/11/under-the-tree-please-repost-and-share/
- The author, Bill Ayers, openly admits to opposing U.S. policies, criticizing racial capitalism, supporting socialism, and resisting invasions and occupations. He also condemns U.S.-sponsored Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Ayers expresses support for the trans and queer communities, single parenting, gay marriage, and same-sex couples adopting children, while questioning organized religion and Christianity.
- The article mentions various posts and entries on the blog, including topics like organizing efforts, justice memorials, and political reflections.
- The blog archives span multiple years, showcasing consistent activity and posts dating back to 2006.
- A brief mention of subscription and reblogging options is included.
Mamdani's "Know Your Rights" video that everyone should see. In every classroom. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/mamdanis-know-your-rights-video-that
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani's video educates on due process rights, explaining how to handle ICE encounters effectively.
- The video highlights the importance of staying silent, recognizing legitimate warrants, and standing your ground.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized the video, falsely claiming it violates the Constitution, showcasing her misunderstanding of educating people about their rights.
- The author advocates for the video to be widely shared across social media, community centers, and classrooms to empower individuals.
Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency in Mono County to support ongoing recovery efforts for communities impacted by the Pack Fire https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/monocountypackfire.asp
### Key Points
- Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency in Mono County due to the Pack Fire, which destroyed 30 structures and led to evacuations.
- Provisions include expedited debris removal and financial assistance via low-interest disaster loans.
- The CDE provides disaster relief guidance for Child Nutrition Programs, including flexibility in reimbursement claims and the use of USDA Foods for disaster response.
- Contact information and resources for disaster relief and nutrition programs are provided by the CDE.
Don’t Abandon SHIP Unity votes in secret for a 100% premium increase JD ORGANIZING IN RETIREMENT https://jd2718.substack.com/p/dont-abandon-ship
### Key Points
- SHIP trustees voted 4-3 to double SHIP premiums from $120 to $240 annually, effective July 1, 2026.
- The premium increase is based on incomplete data and assumptions, potentially creating an unnecessary surplus.
- Retirees have not been consulted about the increase, and advocates urge trustees to reconsider the decision and prioritize transparency.
- SHIP has not raised premiums since 2007, and a smaller increase may be sufficient.
