DECEMBER 13, 2025
- Immigration Enforcement Intensifies: The Trump administration continues aggressive ICE operations, including concerns over courtroom arrests and deportations, with reports of mistaken deportations and new social media history requirements for visa-waiver visitors.
- Federal Rate Cut and Economic Signals: The Federal Reserve approved a quarter-point interest rate cut, the third in 2025, amid mixed signals on labor market stability and delayed data due to a prior government shutdown.
- Health Outbreaks Surge: Norovirus cases are rising sharply, driven by a highly contagious variant, while a mutated H3N2 flu strain raises fears of a severe season.
- Judicial and Legal Developments: Ongoing trials and concerns over judges potentially obstructing ICE arrests in courtrooms.
- Health Care Policy Battles: Republicans push forward with plans potentially affecting Obamacare subsidies, amid intraparty fights and rejected proposals to lower premiums.
- Trump Administration Actions: Threats to withhold funding from states with strict AI regulations; new "gold card" visa for talent; escalated pressure on Venezuela with sanctions and tanker seizures.
- Redistricting and Elections: Republicans face defiance in states like Indiana over gerrymandering; local elections highlight Democratic momentum in some areas.
- Defense and Military Concerns: Debates over a massive defense bill, legal worries about military strikes, and National Guard deployments.
- Gaza and Middle East Crisis: Severe storm causes deaths from hypothermia in Gaza; ongoing ceasefire negotiations with undefined phases amid Israeli military actions.
- Ukraine Conflict: Continued Russian missile strikes; Trump administration pushes for peace deals.
- Regional Tensions: Renewed border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia; U.S. joint drills with Japan following China-Russia activities.
- Venezuela Escalation: U.S. deportations and sanctions intensify; airspace incidents.
- South Africa Violence: Mass shooting in Gauteng kills 12, including children.
- Higher Education Reforms: Leaders discuss preparing graduates for job markets amid ideological concerns and funding threats.
- Conferences and Initiatives: Events like international management conferences, supercomputing summits, and civics education tours.
- Policy and Access: Debates on accreditation, digital health trends in education, and nonprofit recognitions for girls' education.
- Federal Reserve Actions: Third rate cut in 2025 signals cautious optimism, though split vote reflects concerns over inflation and jobs data delays.
- Market Reactions: Stocks respond to rate cuts; sectors like financials hit highs, while tech faces scrutiny over AI spending (e.g., Oracle drop).
- Global Indicators: U.S. dollar strengthens slightly; projections for modest GDP growth in 2026 amid policy uncertainty.
- AI Infrastructure Boom: Heavy investments raise debt concerns in data centers.
- AI Advancements and Regulations: OpenAI launches GPT-5.2; Trump threatens state funding cuts over AI laws; Disney invests in AI startups.
- Chip and Infrastructure Issues: Intel faces scrutiny over China-linked tools; massive AI data center spending sparks market concerns.
- Major Events: AWS re:Invent highlights AI agents; fast-charging improvements in devices.
- Cybersecurity and Data: Record breaches and calls for better protections.
- Infectious Disease Surges: Norovirus driven by ultra-contagious variant; warnings over new severe flu strain (H3N2 subclade K).
- Vaccine and Science Concerns: Reports of changes under RFK Jr. influence; gutting of vaccine programs raises alarms.
- Research Breakthroughs: Studies on polyphenols for heart health; sweat analysis for early disease detection; potential pancreatic cancer early detection.
- Football Highlight: Lionel Messi's arrival in Kolkata for GOAT India Tour draws massive crowds.
- Cricket Youth Success: India U19 sets record high score in Asia Cup.
- Global Events: Ongoing SEA Games cricket; preparations for 2026 World Cup expansions.
- Awards and Nominations: Golden Globe nods released, including new podcast category.
John Thompson: A Stellar Review of AN EDUCATION https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/12/john-thompson-a-stellar-review-of-an-education/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- John Thompson praises Diane Ravitch’s memoir for its mix of personal stories and educational history, highlighting her transformative impact on education advocacy.
- Ravitch reflects on her childhood in Texas, her experiences with sexism and trauma, and her personal relationships, including her marriage and her wife Mary’s work in progressive education.
- The book discusses Ravitch’s shift from supporting conservative policies, such as standardized testing and school choice, to opposing corporate education reforms and privatization.
- Ravitch critiques the “Texas Miracle” and similar accountability systems, linking them to flawed metrics and inequitable outcomes in public schools.
- Her tenure on the National Assessment Governing Board and her opposition to top-down educational mandates are detailed, as well as her advocacy against the influence of the “Billionaires Boys Club.”
- The memoir connects education reforms to broader ideological battles, including privatization, free-market policies, and attacks on democracy.
David French: Why the Laws of War Matter https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/12/david-frenchwhy-the-laws-of-war-matter/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- David French, a conservative opinion writer for The New York Times, explains the significance of the laws of war and rules of engagement in maintaining the character and identity of the American military.
- The Department of Defense Law of War Manual outlines the obligation to refuse illegal orders, including orders to commit war crimes such as issuing "no quarter" orders or targeting incapacitated individuals.
- French contrasts the laws of war, which set minimum legal standards, with rules of engagement, which are more restrictive and context-specific. He notes that while rules of engagement can frustrate soldiers, the laws of war must always be upheld.
- Allegations of war crimes during a U.S. military campaign in South America include a reported verbal order by Pete Hegseth to "kill everybody," leading to a second strike on shipwrecked survivors. This incident raises concerns about violations of the laws of war.
- Conflicting accounts and limited video evidence from the Pentagon have fueled skepticism about the transparency of the administration's actions during the strikes.
- French highlights the benefits of adhering to the laws of war, including battlefield advantages, reduced brutality, and the potential for peace and reconciliation. Historical examples, such as World War II and Iraq, underscore these points.
- Violations of the laws of war can cause moral injury to soldiers, leading to lifelong trauma and guilt. French stresses the importance of preserving the integrity and honor of the military.
- French contrasts acts of decency in combat, such as sparing civilians, with the brutality of forces like the Russian military in Ukraine, emphasizing the moral and strategic value of humane conduct.
- French criticizes Pete Hegseth's approach to military reform, which he views as promoting unrestrained violence and undermining the principles that define the American military's honor and integrity.
Florida: State Chief Trashes Public Schools, Lauds Voucher Schools, Despite Scandals https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/12/florida-state-chief-trashes-public-scools-lauds-voucher-schools-despite-scandals/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Florida's Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas has been criticized for undermining public schools while ignoring issues in voucher schools.
- Voucher schools face documented scandals, including financial mismanagement, closures, and hiring unqualified teachers, yet receive taxpayer funding without accountability.
- Many voucher schools discriminate against students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and others, violating basic ethical standards.
- Calls for accountability in voucher programs have been largely ignored by state officials, despite evidence of widespread problems.
- Some voucher and charter schools excel, but a lack of mandatory accountability measures undermines overall trust in the system.
Justice Department Sues Fulton County, Georgia, In Effort to Prove that Trump Won in 2020, Not Biden https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/12/justice-department-sues-fulton-county-georgia-in-effort-to-prove-that-trump-won-in-2020-not-biden/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Justice sued Fulton County, Georgia, for access to its 2020 election votes, as part of Trump's ongoing efforts to prove the election was rigged. Despite losing the election and multiple court appeals, Trump continues to claim victory.
- Florida's Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas has been criticized for promoting private voucher schools over public schools, despite issues of discrimination, lack of accountability, and teacher qualifications in voucher schools.
- Florida's school voucher programs have failed to ensure accountability, with reports of missing students, schools receiving funds for students they never taught, and millions of taxpayer dollars unaccounted for.
- Billionaire Jeff Yass has heavily funded school voucher programs and political campaigns, advocating for universal school choice despite research showing mixed or negative outcomes for such programs. His influence in politics has drawn criticism and protests.
- Historian Heather Cox Richardson explains how the GOP uses racism and culture wars to win elections, with a focus on the role of cable news in shaping political rhetoric and voter priorities.
- The Trump administration has been accused of violating the laws of war during military campaigns, with reports of war crimes and attacks on incapacitated individuals. This has raised concerns about the erosion of military honor and ethics under the leadership of Pete Hegseth and Trump.
- Diane Ravitch's memoir, "An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else," is reviewed by John Thompson, highlighting her journey from conservative education reformer to a leading advocate for public schools and critic of privatization.
- A UCLA report highlights the negative impact of ICE raids on immigrant students, leading to fear, absenteeism, and anxiety within schools.
- Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and current leader in the Trump administration, represents what critics call the moral and intellectual decline of the Republican Party. His leadership and ethos are criticized for prioritizing performance and loyalty to Trump over military ethics and readiness.
Big Education Ape: PROFILES IN CRUELTY: IS TRUMP THE CRUELEST PRESIDENT EVER? IT'S HARD TO SAY (BUT HE'S A STRONG CONTENDER FOR THE 21ST-CENTURY CROWN) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/profiles-in-cruelty-is-trump-cruelest.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump's presidency is evaluated for its cruelty, particularly through policies like family separation, pandemic mismanagement, and democratic sabotage.
- The family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border caused significant psychological trauma and violated international law, with cruelty intentionally used as a deterrent.
- Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including downplaying its severity and undermining public health measures, led to preventable deaths, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.
- The January 6 Capitol riots, incited by Trump, represented a direct attack on democracy, with widespread violence and long-term damage to public trust in institutions.
- The Muslim travel ban and rollback of transgender rights highlighted discriminatory policies targeting marginalized communities.
- Immigration crackdowns under Trump included mass deportations, ending protections for vulnerable groups, and inhumane asylum policies.
- Trump's environmental rollbacks and withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord prioritized short-term gains over long-term sustainability, harming low-income communities.
- Historical comparisons highlight other presidents with significant cruelty, such as Andrew Jackson’s Trail of Tears, slavery under early presidents, and wartime policies by FDR and Truman.
- The article emphasizes systemic cruelty in U.S. history, which Trump inherited and amplified, urging a focus on preventing future leaders from perpetuating such harm.
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
The article provides a detailed critique of the American healthcare system, advocating for Medicare for All as a solution to the ongoing debate about healthcare in the United States. It highlights the inefficiencies, moral failures, and financial burdens of the current system while comparing it to universal healthcare systems worldwide. The article also discusses the historical attempts at healthcare reform in the U.S., the role of lobbying, and the political challenges in implementing Medicare for All.
### 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
American democracy is under threat from the rising influence of billionaires who are systematically dismantling public institutions, controlling media narratives, and undermining public education and voting rights. Through lobbying, privatization schemes, and judicial manipulation, they are reshaping the democratic framework to serve their interests, often at the expense of ordinary citizens. The article outlines strategies to counter these efforts and protect democratic values.
### 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 12, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01548912544.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump's NSPM-7 memorandum targets progressive groups under the guise of combating domestic terrorism, threatening First Amendment rights.
- Billionaires are undermining democracy through political donations, tax avoidance, and public school privatization, worsening inequality.
- Jeff Yass, a billionaire, heavily funds school voucher programs, promoting privatization despite evidence of their ineffectiveness.
- Florida’s voucher program lost track of 30,000 students, representing $270 million in funding, highlighting accountability issues.
- Medicare for All is proposed as a solution to the inefficiencies and inequities in the U.S. healthcare system, emphasizing healthcare as a human right.
- AI tools are increasingly being used in schools and libraries to enforce book bans and promote ideological agendas, raising censorship concerns.
- A UCLA study reveals that ICE raids have caused fear, anxiety, and trauma among immigrant students and families, disrupting communities.
- The U.S. healthcare system is criticized for being profit-driven, causing high costs, inefficiency, and medical bankruptcy.
- The Citizens United ruling enabled unlimited election spending by billionaires, undermining the influence of voters.
- Affirming gender identity reduces suicide risks for LGBTQ+ youth, but schools face challenges balancing student safety and parental rights.
- Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in Mono County due to the Pack Fire, providing financial and disaster relief.
- AI adoption in education raises concerns about biases, data safety, and the erosion of critical thinking and public trust.
- Public education is under threat from privatization efforts led by billionaires, with voucher programs diverting funds from public schools.
- The article critiques the normalization of Trump’s lies and profanity, emphasizing their impact on democratic norms and public discourse.
- James Baldwin’s writings emphasize truth-telling, accountability, and the interconnectedness of personal and societal change.
- Zohran Mamdani’s "Know Your Rights" video educates people on handling ICE encounters, empowering individuals against fear-mongering tactics.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 12, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-12-2025.html
### Key Points
- President Trump's policies face criticism, including tariffs, disaster aid claims, and ACA subsidy expiration impacting millions.
- Global inequality persists, with reports highlighting the divide between the richest and the rest of humanity.
- International conflicts escalate, including Russia's advances in Ukraine, Gaza's humanitarian crisis, and Cambodia-Thailand border disputes.
- Climate change impacts African rainforests, shifting them from carbon sinks to emitters, raising global concerns.
- AI and technology developments include federal regulations, stock volatility, and healthcare adoption debates.
- Education faces funding cuts, protests, and challenges tied to AI ethics and extreme heat effects on learning.
- Sports updates cover key events like Liverpool's Champions League win and India's cricket standings drop.
- Venezuela sanctions and Netanyahu's pardon request stir political controversy.
- Economic shifts include U.S. farm subsidies, India's forex reserves surge, and European inflation pressures.
Uncertainty and Arrogant Reformers https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/12/12/uncertainty-and-know-it-all-school-reformers/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- School reform lacks reliable theories and valid predictions for improving education outcomes.
- Socioeconomic status, skilled teachers, and student variability are major factors in academic achievement.
- Curriculum standards and testing heavily influence teaching and learning but come with uncertainties.
- Dominant goals like college preparation have faced criticism due to high dropout rates, rising costs, and limited success.
- Technology's impact on student learning remains uncertain, with concerns about its effectiveness and cost.
- Reformers often fail to address uncertainties and complexities in their proposals, leading to overconfidence and ambiguity.
Why Bad Bunny Scares People (and Inspires Millions) – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/12/12/why-bad-bunny-scares-people-and-inspires-millions/
### Key Points
- The author reflects on their experience at a Bad Bunny concert in Mexico City, describing the cultural and personal significance of the event.
- Bad Bunny's music and persona serve as a powerful cultural force, similar to Bob Marley, addressing issues such as colonialism, identity, class, and social justice.
- His refusal to conform to industry norms, such as singing in English, is a political act that reclaims cultural space and challenges stereotypes about Latin artists.
- Bad Bunny's music emphasizes marginalized voices and communities, including Puerto Ricans, working-class youth, queer fans, and diasporic Latinos.
- The artist uses his platform for activism, highlighting issues like government corruption, inequality, and the struggles of Puerto Rico.
- His concerts are described as inclusive and egalitarian, creating a sense of unity and mutual recognition among fans.
- Bad Bunny's impact transcends entertainment, offering cultural healing and inspiring a generation to find its voice and reimagine the world.
PROFILES IN PETTINESS: IS DONALD TRUMP THE CRUELEST PRESIDENT EVER? OR JUST THE PETTIEST? https://ru4people.substack.com/p/profiles-in-pettiness-is-donald-trump
### Key Points
- The article explores whether Donald Trump's presidency should be considered the cruelest or the pettiest in U.S. history, comparing him to past presidents like Andrew Jackson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry Truman.
- It highlights Trump's family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border, which led to thousands of children being separated from their families, as a deliberate act of cruelty aimed at deterring illegal immigration.
- Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is criticized for downplaying the virus, mocking safety measures, and turning the crisis into a political issue, potentially contributing to preventable deaths.
- The article discusses Trump's rollback of transgender rights, portraying it as an intentional move to marginalize vulnerable groups for political gain.
- The January 6 Capitol riot is cited as an example of Trump inciting violence through his rhetoric, with no remorse shown afterward, and even hinting at pardoning participants.
- The article concludes that while Trump may not be the cruelest president by historical standards, his actions often seemed driven by personal pettiness and a desire to inflict suffering for political or personal gain.
A TALE OF TWO SYSTEMS: “MEDICARE FOR ALL” VS. “PROFIT FOR A FEW https://ru4people.substack.com/p/a-tale-of-two-systems-medicare-for
### Key Points
- The American healthcare system is inefficient, costly, and prioritizes profit over people, leading to poor outcomes compared to other wealthy nations.
- The Affordable Care Act made progress but left many issues unresolved, including high deductibles and coverage gaps.
- Universal healthcare models in countries like Canada, Germany, and the UK demonstrate that affordable and effective healthcare is achievable.
- Medicare for All proposes a single-payer system to eliminate premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, offering healthcare as a basic human right.
- Opposition to Medicare for All is based on fears of socialism, increased taxes, and wait times, though these arguments are often exaggerated.
- Special interests and lobbying by the insurance and pharmaceutical industries are major obstacles to implementing universal healthcare in the U.S.
- Incremental reforms won’t address the core issue of profit-driven healthcare; bold changes like Medicare for All are necessary.
Schools Matter: Stop Spotify’s Support for ICE Thugs http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/12/stop-spotifys-support-for-ice-thugs.html
- The article critiques Spotify for running ads recruiting agents for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), accusing the platform of supporting fear and intimidation in immigrant communities.
- It demands Spotify terminate all ICE and DHS advertising contracts, update its advertising policy to prohibit government propaganda, and commit to defending civil rights.
- The campaign encourages users to cancel Spotify subscriptions, stop streaming on the platform, and engage in peaceful public protests to demand the removal of ICE ads.
- The article advises against sharing Spotify Wrapped to reduce the platform's influence and suggests alternative music streaming services like Tidal and Apple Music, which do not run ICE recruitment ads.
- Indivisible emphasizes nonviolent resistance, encouraging peaceful protests in public spaces and adherence to local laws and safety guidelines.
- Indivisible provides resources for organizing protests, transferring playlists to alternative platforms, and instructions for canceling Spotify subscriptions.
- The article clarifies Indivisible’s non-affiliation with alternative platforms and reinforces its commitment to solidarity and nonviolence.
Teacher Tom: Topping One Another Up https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/topping-one-another-up.html
### Key Points
- Preschoolers developed a ritual of hugging Teacher Tom at the end of the day, expressing gratitude and appreciation.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the value of connection and rituals in fostering a sense of community among children.
- He offers free resources for educators and invites support for his blog and work.
- Details about Teacher Tom’s professional profile, publications, and speaking engagements are shared.
- Readers are encouraged to stay updated via email and explore his extensive blog archive.
glen brown: Global Inequality https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/global-inequality.html
### Key Points
- The World Inequality Report reveals that by 2025, the wealth gap between the richest and poorest has reached unprecedented levels, with the top 0.001% holding three times more wealth than the bottom 50% of the global population.
- Inequality has been exacerbated by political and institutional choices, with globalization and economic growth benefiting a small elite while leaving the majority of the population struggling.
- The report suggests that reversing this trend requires political will to implement fair taxation, social programs, and climate action.
- The blog includes reflections on various social, political, and cultural issues, including pensions, education reforms, social justice, and global conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian war and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Curmudgucation: Did The Class of '92 Destroy America | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/did-class
### Key Points
- The article critiques an Atlantic piece that attributes societal and educational issues to declining NAEP reading scores.
- It highlights that 33% of eighth graders and 40% of fourth graders are reading below basic levels, with these being the highest percentages since 1992 and 2000, respectively.
- The author questions the validity of linking low test scores to broader societal failures without evidence or follow-up research on the affected cohorts.
- The blog post suggests that low scores in the past, such as in 1992, did not necessarily result in negative societal consequences, challenging the panic-driven narrative.
- The author urges for more in-depth research on the actual outcomes of low-scoring students rather than making assumptions.
School feeding programs lead to modest but meaningful results Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Adolescents who use two or more cannabis products are at an increased risk of binge drinking, with smoking, vaping, and dabbing being the most associated modes.
- Multi-modal cannabis use is rising among U.S. 12th graders, with 65% of users consuming cannabis in two or more forms.
- Edible cannabis was not associated with binge drinking, contrary to expectations.
- Researchers suggest tighter regulation and better education on cannabis usage risks for adolescents.
- School feeding programs lead to modest but meaningful improvements in math achievement, enrollment, and physical growth for children in low- and middle-income countries.
- Evidence from high-income countries on school feeding programs is limited, emphasizing the need for equity and more robust research.
- Autism prevalence has risen, with 1 in 31 eight-year-olds identified with autism spectrum disorder in 2022.
- A new guide, "If Your Adolescent Has Autism," provides evidence-based information and resources for parents of autistic teenagers.
- Social media use among children aged 10–14 is linked to a gradual decline in attention span, with no similar effects observed for TV or video games.
- The average time spent on social media by children increases significantly with age, reaching 2.5 hours daily by age 13.
- Researchers emphasize the need for healthy digital consumption to support cognitive development.
- The introduction of AI tools like ChatGPT has made student writing more polished, formal, and positive, but grades and critical thinking skills remain unaffected.
- School reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced mental health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD among children, with girls benefiting the most.
- Organized sports participation in middle childhood helps boys reduce oppositional-defiant behaviors in adolescence by fostering self-regulation and respect for rules.
Ending homeless encampment sweeps in New York City. Sweeps are bad urban policy. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/ending-homeless-encampment-sweeps
### Key Points
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams initiated sweeps of homeless encampments under the guise of improving public safety, which resulted in the destruction of tents and displacement of homeless individuals.
- Comptroller Brad Lander's audit revealed that 95% of those removed from encampments ended up back on the streets, highlighting the failure of the policy.
- Between March and November 2022, out of 2,308 displaced individuals, only 90 stayed in shelters for more than one day, and just three transitioned to permanent housing.
- Critics argue the sweeps are performative and fail to address root causes of homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, treatment access, and income.
- Zohran’s commitment to ending sweeps on his first day in office is seen as a compassionate and pragmatic approach to addressing homelessness.
Choosing Democracy: Sanders on Elections and Socialism : How We Win https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/12/sanders-on-elections-and-socialism-how.html
### Key Points
- Bernie Sanders addressed the "How We Win" conference in New Orleans, emphasizing the growth of progressive democratic socialists across the U.S. and their increasing influence in the House of Representatives.
- Sanders highlighted the importance of elected officials focusing on their responsibilities and delivering tangible results for their constituents. He shared a story from his time as mayor of Burlington, Vermont, to illustrate this point.
- He criticized establishment Democrats for failing to address the systemic issues facing Americans and urged progressive candidates to engage with all voters, even those outside their comfort zones.
- Sanders argued that the current system is broken, with wealth inequality, stagnant wages, and a corrupt campaign finance system benefiting the billionaire class at the expense of the working class.
- He emphasized the need for bold, concrete solutions to address issues in healthcare, education, childcare, and the food system, which are failing many Americans.
- Sanders warned against demagoguery that blames marginalized groups for societal problems and called for a focus on addressing the greed of the wealthy elite as the root cause.
- He concluded by encouraging progressive leaders to continue their efforts to advocate for working families and provide real alternatives to the current system.
Three simple steps to take to help protect NYC kids from damaging AI https://classsizematters.org/three-simple-steps-to-take-to-help-protect-nyc-kids-from-damaging-ai/
### Key Points
- Advocate for the signing of the LOADinG Act (S.7599C), which mandates privacy impact assessments, security audits, and bias testing for AI tools used in schools, and requires transparency about AI tools being employed.
- Oppose NYC DOE contracts for AI products that lack proven efficacy and raise privacy concerns, such as those from EPS Operations LLC, Khan Academy, Kiddom Inc., and Lumi Story AI. Attend the December 17 PEP meeting to voice concerns.
- Encourage Community Education Councils to pass resolutions supporting a moratorium on AI use in schools until proper safeguards are implemented.
The Dangers of Federal School Vouchers Big, Beautiful Bill included big, terrible voucher scheme ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/the-dangers-of-federal-school-vouchers
### Key Points
- The federal school voucher program in the "Big, Beautiful Bill" redirects public funds to private schools, risking public education funding and student outcomes.
- Private schools receiving public funds through vouchers can discriminate based on race, ability, and LGBTQ+ identity, and the programs often lead to waste, fraud, and abuse.
- Federal vouchers lack accountability, harm students, and undermine public education by diverting funds, risking civil rights, and benefiting the wealthy at taxpayers' expense.
- State voucher programs, once implemented, tend to grow in size and cost, setting a dangerous precedent. Voter opposition to voucher programs has been consistent across political spectrums.
The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) is now accepting applications for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grant for School Year (SY) 2026–27 https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/ffvprequestapplication.asp
### Key Points
- The CDE Nutrition Services Division is accepting applications for the FFVP grant for SY 2026–27, with a deadline of February 6, 2026, at 4 p.m. PT.
- The FFVP provides free fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to elementary students, promoting healthier school environments and nutrition education.
- Eligible schools include those with at least 50% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, with priority for schools with the highest need.
- Applications must be submitted online; late or partial submissions will not be accepted.
- The grant period runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
The New Pirates of the Caribbean Democrats are crickets on Venezuelan ship seizure MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/the-new-pirates-of-the-caribbean
- The U.S. seized a Venezuelan oil tanker carrying 1.1 million barrels of crude bound for Cuba, following previous actions like confiscating a Venezuelan plane. These actions reflect U.S. imperialism in the Caribbean, with escalating military presence in the region.
- President Trump stated the U.S. would keep the seized oil, likely selling or refining it, while Cuba faces fuel shortages. Chevron benefits from importing Venezuelan crude under loopholes. Trump has also threatened military action against Venezuela's leader, Maduro.
- Critics, including Republican Senator Rand Paul, warn that U.S. sanctions, seizures, and military buildup in the Caribbean could lead to war. Some Democrats voice concerns, but party leadership remains largely silent.
- Senator Richard Blumenthal criticized the tanker seizure, accusing Trump of escalating conflict without strategy or public briefing, but most Democrats have not opposed these actions.
