DECEMBER 17, 2025
- Weak Jobs Report Raises Economic Concerns: The U.S. economy added only 64,000 jobs in November, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.6%—the highest in four years—signaling potential slowdown amid ongoing policy uncertainties.
- Trump Administration Actions on Border and Drugs: President Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction" and awarded Mexican Border Defense Medals, while U.S. forces conducted strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats.
- Spike in Executions and Health Policy Debates: 2025 saw a record number of executions, primarily in Florida, alongside congressional rejection of proposals to maintain Obamacare premium subsidies, potentially leading to higher insurance costs.
- AI Detection in Schools: School districts nationwide are investing in AI tools to detect student cheating, despite reliability concerns highlighted in reports.
- Democrats Gain Momentum from Off-Year Wins: Democrats are energized after strong 2025 election results, aiming to build toward 2026 midterms amid Republican internal pushes on issues like immigration and health care.
- Obamacare Subsidies Set to Expire: Enhanced tax credits from the COVID era are expected to lapse at year-end without extension, risking premium spikes as Congress focuses on other priorities.
- Trump Administration Transitions and Controversies: Ongoing developments include defense policy bills, chief of staff assessments, and pushback on migration policies like mass deportations.
- Health Care and Immigration Reforms: Debates continue over prior authorization pilots using AI and visa program overhauls affecting higher education.
- Hunger Crisis in Afghanistan: Over 17 million people face crisis-level hunger this winter, warned by UN agencies amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.
- Deadly Incidents and Conflicts: Recent events include flash floods in Morocco killing dozens, a school bus accident in Colombia, and security shootings in Syria; vigils held for victims of a Hanukkah attack in Australia.
- U.S. Military Actions in Pacific: Airstrikes targeted alleged drug smuggling vessels, resulting in casualties, as part of counter-narcotics operations.
- Global Declarations and Diplomacy: World leaders adopted a UN declaration integrating noncommunicable diseases and mental health; bilateral upgrades like Laos-South Korea relations noted.
- AI Cheating Detection Tools Proliferate: Districts are spending heavily on unreliable AI detectors for student work, raising questions about accuracy and fairness.
- Medical Education Expansion: Significant increases in MBBS and postgraduate seats to address doctor shortages and bolster healthcare infrastructure.
- School Holidays and Adjustments: Several regions announced closures or shifts to online classes due to weather, pollution, exams, or holidays like Christmas vacations.
- Higher Education Challenges: Declining international enrollments due to immigration policies; unprecedented literacy grants awarded by the Department of Education.
- Disappointing November Jobs Data: Only 64,000 jobs added, far below expectations, with unemployment at 4.6%; delayed data highlights ongoing labor market choppiness.
- Fed Signals Limited Rate Cuts: Projections indicate possibly just one quarter-point reduction in 2026 amid inflation concerns and economic uncertainty.
- Growth Forecasts Mixed: U.S. GDP expected around 1.9% for 2025-2026; Singapore economists raised 2025 outlook but see moderation ahead.
- Policy Uncertainty Impacts: Tariff talks and AI investments drive volatility, with warnings of potential shortfalls in programs like Pell Grants.
- AI Boom Drives Chip Equipment Sales: Projected 9% rise to $126 billion in 2026, fueled by demand for advanced semiconductors.
- Consumer Tech Refinements: Standout 2025 releases include enhanced AI in smartphones (e.g., Pixel 10 series) and magnetic accessories improving usability.
- Funding Surge in AI Startups: Significant investments in enterprise AI, stablecoins, and healthtech, reflecting sustained confidence despite bubble concerns.
- Regulatory and Innovation Moves: New requirements for labeling AI-generated ads; advancements in autonomous systems and cybersecurity like Zero Trust.
- Rising Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: Global increase linked to lifestyle factors; calls for earlier screening.
- Breakthroughs in Disease Prevention: Progress in detecting pancreatic cancer early and targeting viral entry mechanisms like herpes.
- Mental Health and Stress Research: Studies show long-term brain changes from stress; in-person schooling reduced youth mental health issues post-COVID.
- Global NCD and Mental Health Declaration: Historic UN adoption integrates approaches to noncommunicable diseases and mental well-being.
- College Football Bowl Season Kicks Off: Early bowls like the StaffDNA Cure Bowl and 68 Ventures Bowl on December 17 highlight the postseason schedule.
- Under-19 Asia Cup Action: Ongoing matches, including India dominating Malaysia and upcoming games like Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka.
- NBA and NHL Highlights: Recent wins for teams like BYU basketball and Ottawa Senators; player moves like Ha-Seong Kim to Braves.
- Upcoming Events: Army vs. Navy game aftermath; preparations for NBA Cup Final and UFC events later in the month.
Musk and Trump Have Blood on Their Hands After Canceling US AID https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/16/musk-and-trump-have-blood-on-their-hands-after-canceling-us-aid/ via @dianeravitch
The article criticizes the actions of Elon Musk and Donald Trump during Trump's second administration, focusing on the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk led. The department unilaterally dismantled U.S. AID, causing devastating humanitarian consequences, including the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people who relied on foreign aid for food and medicine. The article also highlights the misuse of data, the destruction of aid infrastructure, and the political motivations behind the cuts, while condemning the duo's disregard for human lives and constitutional norms.
### Key Points
- During Trump's second term, the unconstitutional creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, resulted in the dismantling of U.S. AID.
- DOGE, under Musk, fired civil servants, destroyed federal agencies, and copied sensitive personal data from government departments.
- The near-total elimination of U.S. foreign aid led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of impoverished individuals worldwide, disrupting food and medical supply chains.
- Musk justified these actions under the guise of governmental efficiency, claiming cost savings, but the actual savings were minimal.
- The article highlights the MAGA narrative, which falsely labeled U.S. AID as a covert operation, further fueling the dismantling of the agency.
- Individual tragedies and systemic consequences of the U.S. AID shutdown are detailed, including malnutrition, loss of medical care, and the collapse of aid infrastructure.
- The piece criticizes the moral bankruptcy of Trump and Musk, emphasizing their disregard for human welfare and constitutional principles.
Students Applying for College Must Be Wary of DEI! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/16/students-applying-for-college-must-be-wary-of-dei/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration is targeting DEI initiatives in college admissions, discouraging personal essays that discuss adversity or identity.
- Students like Kouame struggle with these restrictions, as their life experiences are integral to their identity and aspirations.
- The administration has broadened its definition of potentially discriminatory practices to include considerations of race, ethnicity, gender, and other personal factors in admissions.
- The college admissions process is increasingly challenging, with a growing reliance on private consultants and uncertainty about future policies.
Trump Says Murder of Reiners Was All about Trump https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/16/188704/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Former President Donald Trump made controversial comments about the murder of Hollywood figures Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle, attributing their deaths to their criticism of him and "Trump Derangement Syndrome."
- Trump's remarks were widely criticized as insensitive and self-centered, even by some Republican figures such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, Mike Lawler, and Thomas Massie, as well as his former lawyer Jenna Ellis.
- Critics from both political spectrums, including the National Review, condemned Trump for his lack of empathy and self-serving behavior, calling his response "appalling" and "inappropriate."
- The blog post highlights Trump's consistent focus on his self-interest and lack of compassion, as well as the broader issues of political division and cruelty in public discourse.
Big Education Ape: WINTER SOLSTICE 2025: THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER CELEBRATE WITH FACTS, FOLKLORE, AND HISTORY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/winter-solstice-2025-first-day-of.html
Big Education Ape: THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT'S GIFT: A STORY OF LOVE, LIGHT, AND WONDER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-holiday-spirits-gift-story-of-love.html
Missing digits puzzle | JD2718 https://jd2718.org/2025/12/16/missing-digits-puzzle/
### Key Points
- The article discusses various topics, including education, mathematics, teaching in New York, union activities, and puzzles.
- It highlights a math puzzle involving missing digits and includes a discussion on problem-solving strategies and comments from readers.
- The content also covers analysis and observations of UFT (United Federation of Teachers) election results, including voting patterns and outcomes from 2022 and earlier years.
- Broader educational and political topics are touched upon, such as school safety, remote learning, teacher evaluations, and Medicare issues.
- The article references various math resources, blogs, and educational platforms, emphasizing math teaching and problem-solving.
- It provides links to additional mathematical puzzles, teaching strategies, and reflections on union-related matters.
For-Profit Immigrant Prison Will Hire For-Profit Virtual Charter School for Children Detained for Months https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/12/16/for-profit-immigrant-prison-will-hire-for-profit-virtual-charter-school-for-children-detained-for-months/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The U.S. has failed to guarantee sound education to all children, especially those detained in immigration facilities.
- The South Texas Family Residential Center, a for-profit immigrant detention facility, plans to partner with Stride, a for-profit online charter school, to provide education for detained children.
- Stride (formerly K12 Inc.) has a history of poor academic performance and legal issues, raising concerns about its suitability as an education provider.
- The detention center violates the Flores Settlement Agreement, which mandates education, proper care, and transfer of children to non-secure facilities after 20 days.
- Critics argue that this collaboration prioritizes profit over the well-being of children and reflects systemic failures in immigration and education policy.
Teacher Tom: Wasting Time http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/wasting-time.html
### Key Points
- Unstructured, self-directed play is meaningful and developmental for children, even if it appears silly or unproductive.
- Rhyming games and playful language exploration are foundational for future literacy and creativity.
- Societal pressures to keep children constantly busy can hinder their natural learning and play.
- Adults should resist the urge to over-structure children's activities and allow more time for boredom and free play.
- Teacher Tom offers free resources for educators and parents to support play-based learning.
- Teacher Tom promotes the value of play-based education globally and shares his expertise through speaking engagements and his blog.
Guiding parents to have pretend play and read aloud with their babies Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- A brief online course developed by UNSW Sydney psychologists helps young adults tolerate uncertainty, reducing anxiety and depression, with effects lasting up to a month.
- The Smart Beginnings program, which includes PlayReadVIP and Family Check-Up, enhances cognitive development and academic skills in children from low-income families by promoting parental involvement through pretend play and reading aloud.
- New York state’s K-12 enrollment has declined by over a quarter-million students in the past decade due to an aging population, with increases in charter and homeschool rates.
- A community swimming program for Black youth in Evanston, IL, significantly improved swimming skills and fostered a sense of belonging among participants, addressing disparities in drowning rates.
- One in ten boys between ages 10 and 18 meet the diagnostic criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), with boys being more prone to gaming addiction due to competitive tendencies and dopamine release. Early prevention is recommended.
- A new book by Yong Zhao argues that educational reforms have failed because they focus on fixing past problems rather than inventing individualized approaches for the future, emphasizing personalized learning and the use of AI.
- Research from the University at Buffalo reveals that adolescents using two or more cannabis products are at a higher risk for binge drinking, with smoking, vaping, and dabbing being the most associated methods. Education and tighter regulations are suggested.
Big Ideas for Kids: A Blueprint for Building Government That Works for Children From commissions to commissioners, it's time to institutionalize our support for children. BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/big-ideas-for-kids-a-blueprint-for
### Key Points
- The U.S. has a systemic neglect of children, evidenced by high child poverty rates, worsening mental health, and declining federal spending on children.
- Temporary pandemic supports helped reduce child poverty, but their expiration has caused child poverty rates to double.
- Efforts to restore programs like the expanded Child Tax Credit have been stalled due to political apathy and budget negotiations.
- "Organized abandonment" refers to the strategic withdrawal of public responsibility from children, often disguised as individualism or budget discipline.
- The article emphasizes the need for structural reforms to prioritize children, including institutions and processes that ensure children's rights and needs are central to governance.
- Federal spending on children is significantly low, with no centralized office for children at the federal level to ensure their rights and development.
- Proposed reforms include a bipartisan National Commission on Children to create a blueprint for action and investments in children.
- The creation of an independent Children's Commissioner is recommended to monitor agencies, investigate violations, and advocate for policy reforms.
- Child Impact Statements should be implemented to assess how laws and policies affect children before they are enacted.
- A national child poverty reduction target should be established to set measurable goals and ensure accountability.
- Offices for Children in federal agencies and a White House Office on Children and Youth are proposed to coordinate services for children.
- Structural reforms should include mechanisms for embedding children's voices, representation, resources, and remedies into governance processes.
- Children’s participation should be meaningful, with their voices heard and acted upon in decision-making processes.
- Institutional advocacy, such as youth-focused offices and Children’s Commissioners, is essential to prioritize children’s rights and well-being.
- Resources such as a dedicated Children’s Budget and child poverty reduction targets are necessary to support children’s rights.
- Remedies must be accessible, timely, and effective to ensure children’s rights are not merely symbolic.
- Structural reforms can help transcend political polarization by building bipartisan support around children’s needs.
- The article uses a public health parable to argue for addressing the root causes of child neglect through structural reforms.
glen brown: “Success means nothing if it doesn’t serve others” https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/success-means-nothing-if-it-doesnt.html
### Key Points
- The article begins with reflections on the role of writers, citing Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus, emphasizing the importance of resisting oppression and maintaining independence.
- Jonathan Toews, a former NHL captain, delivers a heartfelt speech at a charity gala, urging the wealthy to use their success to help others. He pledges a significant portion of his earnings to support underprivileged youth in Chicago.
- The blog features a broad array of topics, including global inequality, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, U.S. politics, social justice, education, healthcare, and environmental issues.
- Commentary on the Trump administration's policies, global events, and societal challenges is a recurring theme throughout the article.
- The blog includes reflections on cultural, political, and literary topics, with references to prominent figures and historical events.
glen brown: Higher Education in the Time of Fascist Plague by Henry Giroux https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/higher-education-in-time-of-fascist.html
The article, "Higher Education in the Time of Fascist Plague," discusses the critical role of higher education in resisting the rise of neoliberal fascism and authoritarianism globally. It emphasizes the importance of universities as battlegrounds for democracy, intellectual freedom, and critical pedagogy. The author, Henry Giroux, explores how fascist politics weaponizes education to suppress dissent, erase historical memory, and propagate hierarchical control. The article calls for educators, students, and institutions to reclaim education as a site of resistance, solidarity, and democratic possibility, advocating for radical pedagogy, collective action, and the defense of academic freedom against authoritarian forces.
### Key Points
- Higher education must resist becoming a tool of fascist and neoliberal control, nurturing critical thought and democratic values.
- Universities are under siege globally, with authoritarian governments attacking intellectual freedom and democratic missions.
- Neoliberal capitalism and its fascist mutation erode critical thought, impoverish societies, and colonize consciousness.
- Authoritarian regimes use education as a tool for repression, indoctrination, and erasure of dissent and historical memory.
- Neutrality in higher education is complicit in silencing dissent and shielding power from accountability.
- Education must empower students to act critically and confront societal injustices, fostering agency and democratic engagement.
- Educators must reclaim their role as public intellectuals, linking social issues to systemic forces and inspiring activism.
- The assault on history by right-wing forces aims to erase uncomfortable truths and rewrite narratives to sustain authoritarianism.
- Fascism thrives on the erosion of historical memory, civic courage, and critical pedagogy, making education a decisive terrain for resistance.
- Critical pedagogy should be inherently anti-capitalist, reviving radical democracy and challenging neoliberal paradigms.
- Educators must reject the depoliticization of education and defend it as essential for democracy and justice.
- The global rise of fascism requires education to be a central force in political struggle, cultivating informed and engaged citizens.
- Resistance through education is essential to confronting the machinery of authoritarianism and building democratic futures.
glen brown: Yale Historian Warns Trump Is Putting US on Path to World War III https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/yale-historian-warns-trump-is-putting.html
### Key Points
- Yale historian Greg Grandin warns that Donald Trump’s foreign policy, particularly the revival of the Monroe Doctrine, could lead to global conflict.
- The Trump administration has engaged in military actions and political interference in Latin America, including targeting Venezuela and other nations in the region.
- Grandin highlights the dangers of dividing the world into spheres of influence, citing historical precedents from WWII.
- The blog post includes various other topics, such as global inequality, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, environmental issues, higher education, and social justice.
- The blog reflects on the role of writers and intellectuals in resisting oppression and maintaining critical thought.
CURMUDGUCATION: Whole Books and Slow School https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/12/whole-books-and-slow-school.html
### Key Points
- The article discusses the decline in whole-book reading in schools, influenced by technology, Common Core standards, and test-focused education.
- Common Core emphasizes reading as discrete skills rather than engaging with complete works, leading to superficial understanding.
- Test-centric education prioritizes speed and efficiency over deep reflection and comprehension of larger works.
- The author advocates for the value of reading entire books to explore complex ideas and develop deeper understanding.
- The concept of "slow school," akin to the slow food movement, is proposed as a way to promote deeper engagement with educational content.
- The author critiques the narrowing of education toward test preparation and calls for a broader, more meaningful approach to learning.
NYC Public School Parents: Letter to PEP members on why they should vote down AI products on tomorrow's agenda -- again! https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/12/letter-to-pep-members-on-why-they.html
### Key Points
- NYC parents express concerns about AI products in schools, emphasizing violations of student privacy laws and potential harm to cognitive and social development.
- AI tools like Kiddom and Khan Academy have been found to provide inaccurate information, and some collect sensitive biometric data without proper parental input.
- The rapid expansion of AI has environmental impacts, including increased electricity use and fossil fuel consumption.
- PEP previously rejected three of the four AI products on the agenda, and parents urge them to maintain this stance to protect students.
- The letter criticizes the lack of clear guidelines for AI use in NYC schools and the obstruction of the AI Working Group's efforts to ensure safe AI practices.
- The author advocates for postponing decisions until the incoming mayor adopts a safety-first approach.
Updates to School Nutrition Program Standards - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/updatesnpstandard.asp
### Key Points
- Updates to SNP Standards clarify added sugar limits for federal meal programs.
- Contact information provided for SNP-related inquiries, including meal patterns, competitive foods, and procurement.
- Details on milk requirements, meal patterns, and training resources for SNP professionals.
- FFVP grant opportunity announced for elementary schools for 2026–27.
- Reminder for LEAs to upload SUN Bucks eligibility data by December 31, 2025.
Crisis Recreated: DEI and Hiring Mediocrity – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/12/16/crisis-recreated-dei-and-hiring-mediocrity/
### Key Points
- Traditional hiring practices prioritize charm and loyalty over competence, leading to mediocrity and organizational failures.
- Critics of DEI initiatives falsely claim they lower standards, while evidence shows equitable hiring improves performance and decision-making.
- Equity initiatives expand the definition of talent, combating groupthink, enhancing problem-solving, and fostering creativity.
- Psychological safety is essential for diverse teams to thrive, enabling open dialogue and dissent.
- Equity-driven systems clarify leadership requirements, build stronger pipelines, and reduce leadership failures.
- Institutions that reject equity practices face public dysfunction due to leaders chosen for familiarity rather than competence.
- Pursuing equity and opportunity reveals excellence and drives sustainable success, while protecting mediocrity leads to failure.
Q--How can you tell Michael Mulgrew is lying? A--His lips are moving. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/q-how-can-you-tell-michael-mulgrew
### Key Points
- The author criticizes Michael Mulgrew, a union leader, for his lengthy speeches at meetings and lack of transparency in decision-making processes.
- The UFT and DC37 unions are accused of dominating decisions about retirees' health care without proper input from the retirees themselves.
- The author expresses distrust toward Mulgrew and his lawyer, accusing them of manipulating discussions and dismissing opposing views as lies.
- Resolutions proposed by Leo Casey are seen as a distraction from the primary goals of the union and as a means to control the agenda, which the author opposes.
- The author criticizes the Unity caucus for prioritizing its own interests, including passing resolutions that serve their agenda while ignoring local retiree concerns.
- Michael Mulgrew and the Unity caucus are accused of attempting to reduce retirees' health care benefits through Medicare Advantage plans, which the author claims would harm retirees financially.
- The author praises Marianne Pizzitola and NYC Retirees for preventing the implementation of Medicare Advantage plans, accusing Unity of misusing funds and failing to act in members' best interests.
