DECEMBER 21, 2025
- U.S. launches large-scale strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria in retaliation for a recent deadly attack on American forces, marking a significant military escalation in the region.
- Ongoing U.S. pressure on Venezuela intensifies, with reports of intercepted oil tankers and sanctions impacting the country's economy and allies like Cuba.
- Release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files by the Justice Department, though they largely contain previously public documents and do not reveal new major accomplices.
- Federal judge orders special elections in Mississippi after ruling that the state's Supreme Court electoral map dilutes Black voters' power.
- Trump administration's second term faces challenges, including waning political support, trade wars via tariffs, and criticisms over economic policies amid stalled job growth.
- Immigration and border policies remain prominent, with increased enforcement, sanctions on international bodies, and domestic lawsuits against federal actions.
- Health policy shifts dominate headlines, including proposed cuts to programs like Medicaid and debates over drug pricing reforms.
- Congressional and state-level actions, such as defense bills and voting rights rulings, highlight ongoing partisan tensions.
- Escalation in Ukraine-Russia conflict, including recent missile strikes and EU providing a major loan to Ukraine amid stalled use of frozen Russian assets.
- U.S. foreign policy actions, such as strikes on IS in Syria, pressure on Venezuela, and designations of groups like Colombia's Clan del Golfo as terrorists.
- Middle East and Asia developments, including ongoing regional tensions and trade shifts involving China and Southeast Asia.
- Global events like airline acquisitions and natural disasters, such as explosions in India and aircraft crashes.
- Trump administration's efforts to reshape higher education, including cuts to federal programs, layoffs, and challenges to accreditation and grants.
- Significant changes at the U.S. Department of Education, including workforce reductions and prevention of student aid fraud.
- Innovative grants and literacy improvements, with unprecedented funding for education innovation and research.
- Ongoing issues like enrollment declines and impacts on undocumented students from immigration policies.
- U.S. economy shows mixed signals, with stalled job growth, inflation concerns, and impacts from tariffs and trade wars.
- Global trade dynamics shift, including China's expanding surplus and trade with Southeast Asia amid U.S. policies.
- Interest rate and policy updates, with Federal Reserve actions and projections for slower growth in coming years.
- Sector-specific news, such as stimulus in Japan and consumer sentiment reports in the U.S.
- AI and tech sector rallies, with strong performances from companies like Oracle and Micron amid AI demand.
- Major deals and appointments, including TikTok-related joint ventures and new CTO hires at companies like Starbucks.
- Advancements in AI models and hardware, including breakthroughs in reasoning tasks and semiconductor tech.
- Regulatory and market trends, such as platform changes and funding in cybersecurity and startups.
- Rising respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and whooping cough surges as winter begins.
- Medical breakthroughs highlighted in 2025 reviews, such as gene editing, early cancer detection, and STI testing improvements.
- Policy and access issues, influenced by political shifts affecting programs and care.
- Global health updates, including WHO recommendations on COVID-19 vaccine composition amid ongoing circulation.
- College football playoff action heats up, with recent bowl games and quarterfinal matchups featuring top teams like Penn State and Notre Dame.
- Premier League soccer updates, including Arsenal reclaiming the top spot.
- NBA and other pro sports, with ongoing games, free agent projections, and team news.
- Golf and other events, such as the PNC Championship and international competitions.
Big Education Ape: TRUMP CHANNELS MARIE ANTOINETTE IN PRIME-TIME ADDRESS: "LET THEM EAT CHEAPER EGGS" https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/trump-channels-marie-antoinette-in.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump's prime-time speech draws criticism for false claims about inflation, grocery prices, and economic achievements.
- Comparisons are made between Trump and Marie Antoinette regarding their perceived detachment from public struggles.
- Updates on public education, including resources for parent engagement and teacher noticing research, are shared.
- Advocacy for public education and discussions on the challenges posed by AI and other societal factors are included.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 12-14-25 TO 12-20-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-top-news-stories-this-week-12-14-25.html
### Key Points
- Indianapolis schools face disruption as structural changes are proposed to reform public education.
- The importance of parent engagement in schools is emphasized in December’s issue of "The School Community Journal."
- Research highlights how cultural context impacts teacher noticing, a critical skill for effective teaching.
- Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new public health initiative involving former CDC officials.
- President Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug.
- A series of political violence incidents, including the death of Charlie Kirk, sparked calls for reduced political hostility.
- The Department of Justice released Jeffrey Epstein-related files under a transparency law.
- A shooting at Brown University raised concerns about campus security.
- Congress adjourned without extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, risking higher premiums in 2026.
- President Trump delivered a year-end address, claiming economic and military achievements.
- The Kennedy Center was renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center.
- Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela escalated with oil tanker blockades and naval strikes.
- NYC school bus complaints revealed systemic issues, prompting reform calls.
- AI usage in classrooms is increasing, leading to policy adjustments in schools.
- Cornell Tech launched a scholarship program for legal technology students.
- The unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, with 108,000 jobs lost in October.
- Tariffs have cost American families an additional $1,200 since January 2025.
- TikTok agreed to sell its U.S. operations to avoid a ban.
- OpenAI launched GPT-5, while a Chinese startup released a competitive AI model.
- Chinese researchers unveiled a photonic computing chip significantly faster than traditional chips.
- Japanese scientists discovered a gut bacterium that eliminates colorectal tumors in mice.
- New York reached an agreement on physician-assisted dying for terminally ill patients.
- The Vancouver Canucks traded captain Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild in a major NHL trade.
- Brown University shooting and its aftermath continue to dominate education-related discussions.
- Declining birth rates are negatively affecting U.S. school enrollments.
- Studies show AI can reduce administrative burdens for special education teachers.
- China's semiconductor advancements challenge global tech leaders.
- Netflix acquired Warner Bros. Discovery for $72 billion.
- Advancements in AI medical imaging detect chronic stress and biological aging.
- Measles outbreaks reported in multiple U.S. states.
- College football playoff games and NFL Week 16 generated significant sports buzz.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 20, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_02101147114.html
### Key Points
- Teacher noticing is a critical skill for effective teaching, especially in mathematics, as cultural contexts shape how teachers respond to classroom events.
- The U.S. Justice Department released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's investigations, while ongoing federal workforce changes under the Department of Government Efficiency caused disruptions.
- The Trump administration paused the diversity visa lottery program and escalated immigration restrictions.
- President Trump heightened pressure on Venezuela by banning sanctioned oil tankers and announced a $10 billion arms sale to Taiwan, risking tensions with China.
- Federal funding cuts and the premature termination of grants for community schools and literacy programs raised concerns in the education sector.
- AI integration in education is advancing, including tools for special education teachers to assist with administrative tasks like IEP drafting.
- A study highlighted the mental health benefits of in-person learning resumption post-COVID.
- State-level initiatives are focusing on career education, school choice expansion, and addressing teacher shortages.
- U.S. business activity slowed, while global economies showed resilience but faced challenges from trade policies and AI-driven investments.
- Renewable energy surpassed coal in global production for the first time, with China leading the way in renewable energy advancements.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott supports monetizing public services, with a controversial for-profit online charter school opening in an ICE detention center.
- The Trump-appointed board renamed the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, raising legal and ethical questions.
- The Trump administration's interventionist policies in Venezuela, focusing on oil reserves, were criticized for their hypocrisy and corporate interests.
- A court ruling in West Virginia halted the authorization of new charter schools without voter approval, citing constitutional violations.
- The Department of Homeland Security is using "pretermission" to fast-track the dismissal of asylum claims, leading to deportations without due process.
- A presentation to the NYC Bar Association raised concerns about the Department of Education's handling of student privacy and class size reductions.
- Science magazine named the global surge in renewable energy as the 2025 Breakthrough of the Year, highlighting China's leadership in renewable energy technology.
- The article discusses the challenges faced by caregivers, with a personal story about balancing professional responsibilities and caregiving for aging parents.
- Gene Simmons of KISS supports strict immigration policies despite being an immigrant himself, sparking criticism and discussion on U.S. immigration policies.
- A review of the queer hockey romance show "Heated Rivalry" highlights emotional depth and key moments in episode 5.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 20, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-20-2025.html
### Key Points
- Indianapolis schools face challenges and efforts to engage parents in education.
- Justice Department releases partially redacted Epstein investigation files, renewing public scrutiny.
- U.S. military launches retaliatory strikes on ISIS in Syria following attacks on personnel.
- House passes "Reliable Power Act," sparking debate over environmental regulations and grid reliability.
- Escalating conflicts in Cambodia-Thailand and Venezuela's naval actions increase regional tensions.
- Teacher shortages and funding debates impact education systems globally.
- Mental health grants distributed to schools for pandemic recovery efforts.
- Breakthroughs in quantum computing and AI regulation highlight technological progress.
- College football playoffs and other sports updates dominate headlines.
Big Education Ape: HI HO, HI HO, IT’S OFF TO WAR WE GO: TRUMP’S TROPICAL TANGO FOR VENEZUELAN BLACK GOLD https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/hi-ho-hi-ho-its-off-to-war-we-go-trumps.html
Big Education Ape's article humorously critiques the Trump administration's revival of interventionist policies in Latin America under the "Donroe Doctrine." It explores the administration's focus on Venezuela's oil reserves, the use of naval blockades, and the paradoxical hypocrisy in U.S. foreign policy. The piece highlights historical parallels, corporate interests, and the moral contradictions of intervention, all wrapped in satirical commentary.
### Key Points
- The "Donroe Doctrine" revives interventionist policies, focusing on Venezuela's oil reserves and employing naval blockades to exert pressure.
- Historical parallels are drawn to the "Banana Wars," emphasizing a recurring pattern of U.S. intervention in Latin America.
- The article critiques the hypocrisy in U.S. policy, such as Chevron's special license to import oil while Venezuela is blockaded.
- A cyberattack further cripples Venezuela's oil export capabilities, raising suspicions of U.S. involvement.
- The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is acknowledged but overshadowed by U.S. corporate interests.
- Satirical verses parody the administration's approach, likening it to historical imperialism.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 18, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_060323647.html
Big Education Ape’s article covers a wide range of topics, including political developments, international relations, education updates, economic trends, technological advancements, health concerns, and sports highlights. It provides a snapshot of current events and their implications globally.
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
Stride Sued For Securities Fraud PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/stride-sued-for-securities-fraud
### Key Points
- Stride's online program in New Mexico led to plummeting graduation rates, high student turnover, and low math proficiency scores.
- Gallup-McKinley County Schools terminated Stride's contract and accused the company of prioritizing profits over students.
- A class action lawsuit alleges Stride inflated profit margins by violating legal student-teacher ratios, impacting stock prices.
- Stride has a long history of legal issues, poor educational outcomes, and shady business practices since its founding as K12.
- Despite controversies, Stride remains focused on investment and marketing rather than genuine education.
glen brown: "It is true: the American public does not like Trump" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/it-is-true-american-public-does-not.html
### Key Points
- The article critiques Donald Trump’s administration, highlighting public disapproval of his policies and leadership style, including his approach to the economy, immigration, and trade.
- It discusses the backlash against Trump’s attempts to consolidate authoritarian power and the public's demand for change.
- The blog reflects on global issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Ukraine, and ecological disasters.
- Other themes include social justice, education reform, healthcare, racism, and economic inequality.
- The author emphasizes the role of writers and intellectuals in resisting oppression and promoting critical thinking.
How cultural context shapes teacher noticing Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Teacher noticing is culturally influenced, and frameworks for developing this skill need to be adapted to local educational contexts rather than imported from other systems.
- Exam-oriented systems like China initially focus on correct answers, while countries like Sweden and Germany emphasize student participation and reasoning.
- Structured professional development can help teachers notice deeper student reasoning across different cultural settings.
- Digital equity in U.S. K-12 schools goes beyond access to technology and involves equitable practices and social contexts, with school leaders playing a critical role.
- A model based on Selwyn’s three elements—technology access, practices, and social context—can address inequities in digital education.
- Light-intensity exercise lasting less than 5 minutes improves executive function and mood in children, enhancing learning efficiency during school hours.
- Later high school start times improve student well-being and are cost-effective, as demonstrated by San Francisco’s districtwide redesign.
- Cannabis use is increasing among young adults, with a variety of products such as vapes, edibles, and topicals contributing to its complexity and public health challenges.
- Nicotine, regardless of its delivery method, is a cardiovascular toxin, with rising youth addiction fueled by flavored products and social media marketing.
- Collaboration between schools, public health authorities, and community leaders is essential for effective crisis management, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Trust-building, equitable planning, and clear communication were key to navigating the pandemic in K-12 schools.
December’s Parent Engagement Resources | Engaging Parents In School... https://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2025/12/20/decembers-parent-engagement-resources/
### Key Points
- The School Community Journal provides resources on parent engagement.
- An article from The NY Times shares insights from an athletic trainer on what parents should know.
- NPR discusses how a Denver school engaged Latino dads to tutor students on reading.
- The 74 addresses the dilemma of screen time for young children and its impact on parents reading to kids.
- Ed Week emphasizes that parent engagement goes beyond attendance at family nights.
- Edutopia provides guidance on instituting student-led conferences at schools.
- Ed Week highlights the importance of clear and honest communication between schools and parents.
- The School Community Network offers additional resources for parent engagement.
- The author’s books focus on student motivation and teaching strategies, including "Self-Driven Learning" and "Helping Students Motivate Themselves."
- "The ESL/ELL Teacher's Survival Guide" provides strategies and tools for teaching English Language Learners.
Unhelpful Disruption Rocks Indianapolis Schools Building the structures to end public education ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/unhelpful-disruption-rocks-indianapolis
### Key Points
- A new governing body, the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, has been proposed to manage logistics between Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and charter schools, including busing, enrollment, and facility use.
- Critics argue that this agency may lead to increased privatization and reduced accountability, with concerns about the undemocratic process and lack of specifics in the plan.
- Charter schools in Indiana are tuition-free public schools managed by private nonprofit boards and funded through state dollars, which some believe undermines traditional public schools.
- Indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program has significantly increased state spending on private school vouchers, reaching $497 million in the 2024-25 school year, up from $54 million in 2017.
- The national trend, including advocacy from figures in the Trump Administration, continues to push for the privatization of public education, with similar efforts seen in states like Tennessee.
"LET THEM EAT TARIFFS": TRUMP’S VERSAILLES-ON-THE-POTOMAC MOMENT https://ru4people.substack.com/p/let-them-eat-tariffs-trumps-versailles
###Key Points
- Former President Donald Trump delivered a theatrical 18-minute speech on December 17, 2025, presenting an economic update filled with boasts, exaggerated claims, and rhetoric that ignored factual data.
- Trump claimed grocery prices were falling, inflation had stopped, and gas prices were low, despite evidence from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing food prices rising and gas prices still above $3 per gallon.
- He promoted his administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), which included stricter SNAP work requirements and reduced benefits for non-citizens, but these policies coincided with a spike in food insecurity to 14.2%.
- The address was riddled with misinformation, such as claims of ending eight wars and 25 million migrants entering the U.S. under Biden, which were widely debunked.
- Trump’s tone and demeanor were compared to Marie Antoinette, highlighting his detachment from the struggles of ordinary Americans as he promised fantastical economic improvements for 2026.
- The speech was criticized for being disconnected from reality, with Americans facing rising costs, stagnant wages, and financial insecurity, while Trump emphasized an alternate narrative.
WINTER SOLSTICE 2025 THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER CELEBRATE THE WINTER SOLSTICE WITH FACTS, FOLKLORE, AND HISTORY https://ru4people.substack.com/p/winter-solstice-2025-the-first-day
### Key Points
- The Winter Solstice 2025 occurs on December 21 at 10:03 AM UTC, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year.
- The term "solstice" originates from the Latin words "sol" (sun) and "sistere" (to stand still), symbolizing the sun's apparent pause in movement.
- The Earth’s axial tilt of 23.5 degrees causes the Northern Hemisphere to be tilted away from the sun during the winter solstice, resulting in weaker sunlight and shorter days.
- The length of daylight during the winter solstice varies by latitude, with locations closer to the poles experiencing significantly shorter days.
- Ancient civilizations, such as those who built Stonehenge, Newgrange, and Maeshowe, celebrated the solstice with architectural alignments and rituals.
- Various global solstice festivals include Yule (Germanic/Norse), Saturnalia (Roman), Dongzhi (Chinese), Soyal (Hopi), and Inti Raymi (Inca). These celebrations often involve feasting, rituals, and honoring the return of the sun.
- Modern solstice celebrations mix ancient traditions with contemporary practices, such as yoga sessions, lantern festivals, and community gatherings.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common during the darker months, and ancient solstice celebrations were a way to combat the psychological effects of reduced sunlight.
- Folklore and superstitions associated with the winter solstice include beliefs about speaking animals, the battle between the Oak King and Holly King, and the protective powers of evergreen plants.
- Climate change is altering traditional solstice weather patterns, impacting snow cover, ice festivals, and indigenous cultural practices tied to seasonal markers.
- Suggestions for modern solstice celebrations include lighting candles, watching the sunrise or sunset, feasting, creating Yule logs, decluttering, setting intentions, staying up all night, and giving back to others.
- The winter solstice is a reminder of humanity’s connection to natural cycles and the resilience and hope that come with the returning light.
THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT’S GIFT The Gift of Light and Love https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-holiday-spirits-gift
### Key Points
- Eliza and Jill live in a modest home and lack material gifts but are rich in love.
- Jill questions the absence of presents, prompting Eliza to teach her about the intangible value of love and kindness.
- The Holiday Spirit appears, introducing Jill and Eliza to the magic of global holiday traditions.
- They visit India’s Diwali, Sweden’s St. Lucia Day, Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, and other celebrations, learning about the shared joy of love and light.
- The Spirit highlights that the greatest gift is love, which transcends material possessions.
- Returning home, Jill realizes the importance of love, and they begin sharing their warmth with others each holiday season.
- The story concludes with the Holiday Spirit continuing to spread the message of love worldwide.
Choosing Democracy: Timothy Snyder at MS NOW's event with Rachel Maddow Resistance https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/12/timothy-snyder-at-ms-nows-event-with.html
Detailed Summary for [Timothy Snyder at MS NOW's event with Rachel Maddow](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQq-oO8pzvc) by [Monica](https://monica.im)
[00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQq-oO8pzvc&t=0) Timothy Snyder emphasizes the fundamental aspects that underpin democracy, highlighting the importance of moral language and historical context in understanding contemporary issues like immigration enforcement.
- - Snyder introduces key points about the essence of democracy and its dependence on fundamental human values.}
- - He discusses how democracy is a means to exert control over essential human needs, such as dignity and autonomy.}
- - Snyder stresses the necessity of a moral language in promoting and sustaining democratic values against opposing narratives.}
- - He connects current immigration issues to historical patterns, suggesting a long-standing tradition of using undocumented individuals in political contexts.}
[02:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQq-oO8pzvc&t=148.309) Timothy Snyder discusses the historical context and implications of the treatment of undocumented individuals, emphasizing the need for resistance against the centralization of power and the potential militarization of organizations like ICE.
- - Snyder highlights the historical parallels between the treatment of undocumented individuals and the centralization of police forces, drawing connections to past events in Germany.}
- - He expresses concern over the evolution of ICE into a national paramilitary organization that could act against both citizens and non-citizens.}
- - Snyder emphasizes the importance of local resistance, suggesting that it contributes to national resistance and can slow down the transition to authoritarian regimes.}
- - He reflects on the nature of resistance, noting that those who organize meaningful actions are often humble and less vocal, contrasting with those who merely talk.}
[04:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQq-oO8pzvc&t=297.189) Timothy Snyder emphasizes the importance of persistent resistance in challenging circumstances, drawing on his experiences in Ukraine to illustrate the strength found in community and trust.
- - Snyder stresses the necessity of continual action in the face of adversity, highlighting the resilience of those involved in civil society.}
- - He shares personal reflections on visiting Ukraine, acknowledging the risks faced by individuals committed to civil organization during wartime.}
- - Snyder discusses the notion of remaining calm amidst crises, emphasizing that resistance is about ongoing action rather than achieving a perfect outcome.}
- - He counters the Hollywood narrative of singular solutions, reminding the audience that collective effort in manageable steps is essential for effective resistance.}
[07:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQq-oO8pzvc&t=446.15) Timothy Snyder emphasizes the importance of active resistance as a constructive force in creating new institutions and social habits. He advocates for articulating what we are in favor of, not just what we oppose, and acknowledges the challenges ahead while encouraging a vision for a better future.
- - Resistance is portrayed as a normal and constructive action that contributes to building new systems and networks.}
- - Snyder stresses the need to recognize that resistance is not merely against something but also for something positive, urging clear articulation of our goals.}
- - He warns that the coming months may bring challenges, highlighting the necessity to reimagine and rebuild certain aspects of society.}
Choosing Harm Over Help: How U.S. Policymakers Are Turning Against Children When children need investment, care, and protection, they’re being met instead with abandonment, cruelty, and systemic neglect. https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/choosing-harm-over-help-how-us-policymakers
### Key Points
- The U.S. government is failing to provide children with basic needs such as healthcare, education, nutrition, and safety, leading to worsening conditions for children.
- Children are facing increasing poverty, lack of health insurance, homelessness, food insecurity, and mental health crises, while gun violence has become the leading cause of child death.
- Federal policymakers are pursuing harmful policies that dismantle child-support systems and target children through "organized abandonment."
- Organized abandonment involves withdrawing resources, punishing supportive organizations, spreading fear, and erasing children from policy considerations.
- Recent policy changes include the elimination of the hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for infants, defunding the American Academy of Pediatrics, and banning gender-affirming care for children under 18.
- The expansion of "public charge" rules discourages immigrant families from accessing essential programs, disproportionately harming children of color and mixed-status families.
- Children are being excluded from healthcare subsidies, leaving millions uninsured, and birthright citizenship is under threat, potentially creating stateless children.
- Cuts to global child health programs by USAID have increased child mortality in conflict zones and famine-affected areas.
- Gun violence and active shooter drills are normalizing trauma for children, perpetuating fear and anxiety.
- The unsealing of the Epstein files highlights systemic failures to protect child victims of abuse, prioritizing the reputation of abusers.
- Marginalized children, including immigrants, children of color, LGBTQ+ youth, and children with disabilities, are disproportionately targeted by harmful policies.
- Policies often exploit fear and misinformation, using "parental rights" as a rhetorical tool to justify harm and neglect of children.
- The cumulative impact of harmful policies creates a cascade of disadvantages, compounding the challenges children face throughout their lives.
- Advocacy for children is declining due to reduced funding and hostile policy environments, despite the urgent need for action.
