DECEMBER 23, 2025
- Immigration and Deportations: The Trump administration has deported over 600,000 undocumented individuals in 2025, with controversial policies including deportations to El Salvador's CECOT prison and tripling "exit bonuses" for voluntary departures by Dec. 31.
- Greenland Focus: President Trump appointed a special envoy to Greenland, reiterating its importance for U.S. national security.
- Epstein Files Controversy: The Justice Department faced criticism over heavily redacted and partially removed Jeffrey Epstein-related documents from its website.
- Venezuela Pressure: U.S. forces seized oil tankers off Venezuela's coast, escalating tensions with President Nicolás Maduro.
- Diplomatic Recalls: The Trump administration recalled nearly 30 ambassadors to align with "America First" priorities, raising concerns about weakening U.S. global influence.
- Health Policy Shifts: Political changes impacted healthcare access, with proposed Medicaid cuts and barriers for millions under the new administration.
- Foreign Policy Moves: Continued emphasis on tariffs, trade wars, and interventions like airstrikes in Syria against ISIS.
- Affordability Narrative: Democrats highlighted "affordability" as a key issue, contrasting with ongoing economic pressures.
- Ukraine Aid: The EU approved a €90 billion loan to Ukraine using internal budgets after issues with frozen Russian assets; ongoing Russian strikes reported in Dnipro.
- Venezuela Tensions: U.S. naval actions against oil tankers and protests in Caracas against blockades.
- Congo Withdrawal: The March 23 Movement announced withdrawal from Uvira following U.S. requests.
- Other Incidents: Mass shooting in South Africa (9 dead); bus crash in Indonesia (16 dead); cyberattack on France's postal service.
- Department of Education Changes: Steps toward potential elimination or major restructuring under the Trump administration; prevented $1 billion in student aid fraud.
- Immigration Impacts: Declining international student enrollment due to visa suspensions (e.g., Diversity Visa after Brown University incident) and crackdowns affecting undocumented students.
- Higher Ed Trends: Focus on AI in education, accreditation changes, and Pell Grant shortfalls; student surveys show confidence but affordability concerns.
- K-12 Updates: New laws like Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act; ongoing debates on standards and funding.
- Stock Market Gains: Major indexes rose amid tech advances; gold hit record highs around $4,383 per ounce.
- Trade and Tariffs: Trump's policies created uncertainty, with analyses showing potential global growth boost if reversed; "crony capitalism" concerns with government-business ties.
- Consumer Sentiment: Persistent pessimism on affordability and inflation despite resilient GDP growth (~1.5-1.9% projected for 2025).
- Upcoming Data: Final Q3 GDP release expected, showing slowdown but no recession.
- AI Investments: Alphabet acquired clean energy firm Intersect for $4.75B to support AI data centers; AI boom drove record data-center deals and memory chip shortages affecting gaming.
- Layoffs and AI: Over 50,000 job cuts in 2025 cited AI, including major rounds at Amazon and others.
- Regulatory Moves: NIST launched AI centers for manufacturing and infrastructure; HHS proposed rules to streamline health IT and foster AI interoperability.
- Other Advances: Biodegradable artificial synapses; quantum business milestones like acquisitions and revenue records.
- Flu Season Surge: Experts concerned about tougher season with new H3N2 strain spreading quickly; antivirals effective if taken early.
- Global Wins: Breakthroughs in HIV, TB treatments; cervical cancer vaccination target met early (86 million girls protected).
- U.S. Challenges: Potential loss of subsidies risking insurance for millions; concerns over Medicaid cuts and rising barriers.
- Research Highlights: Links between ultra-processed foods and health risks; volunteering tied to slower brain aging; new tools for cancer genetics.
- NFL Action: Panthers beat Bucs 23-20 to lead NFC South; Titans upset Chiefs 26-9; Steelers edge Lions 29-24.
- College Football Bowls: Ongoing bowl season, including ReliaQuest Bowl (Iowa vs. Vanderbilt); recent CFP games like Alabama over Georgia in championship.
- Other Highlights: Ousmane Dembélé named FIFA Men's Player of 2025; high school rankings finalized with Buford (GA) as national champions.
- Records: New Zealand's Jacob Duffy broke a 40-year wicket record; Arsenal topped Premier League temporarily.
Did This Exam Increase Suicide Rate for South Korean Youth? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/22/did-this-exam-increase-suicide-rate-for-south-korean-youth/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- South Korea’s national college entrance exam, the Suneung, faced backlash due to its extreme difficulty, leading to the resignation of the exam body’s top official and a formal apology.
- Only 3% of test-takers achieved top scores in the English section, the lowest since a new grading system was introduced in 2018, sparking outrage among students and parents.
- The Suneung is notorious for its intense difficulty and immense pressure, with students often spending years in preparation, attending cram schools (hagwons) and enduring long hours of study.
- The exam is seen as both a symptom and a contributor to wealth inequality, as wealthier families can afford private tutoring, giving their children an advantage.
- The pressure associated with the Suneung is linked to mental health issues, including South Korea's high suicide rate, and is believed to contribute to the country’s declining birth rates due to financial burdens on families.
- Efforts to reduce the exam’s difficulty and remove “killer questions” that go beyond the school curriculum have been made, but concerns about the well-being of students remain.
- Critics argue that the education system’s focus on hyper-competitive standardized testing perpetuates inequality and negatively impacts students’ mental health and social mobility.
Australia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16 https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/22/australia-bans-social-media-for-children-under-16/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Australia bans social media for children under 16, aiming to protect mental health and childhood experiences while reducing exposure to harmful content.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasizes the importance of reclaiming control from big tech companies and enabling kids to enjoy their childhood.
- Critics highlight challenges with implementation, potential mental health repercussions, and the need for broader societal changes to support children's independence.
- Suggestions for alternative solutions include limiting access through flip phones and holding platforms accountable for harmful content.
- Historical concerns about restricting access to media and technology for children are revisited, showing recurring debates over parenting and societal control.
Pulitzer Prize Board Fights Trump Lawsuit with Great Demand: Full Disclosure https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/22/pulitzer-prize-board-fights-trump-lawsuit-with-great-demand-full-disclosure/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Donald Trump sued the Pulitzer Prize Board in 2022 over awards given for reporting on Russian interference in the 2016 election.
- Independent reviews upheld the integrity of the Pulitzer-winning reports, confirming no discrediting facts emerged after the awards.
- The Pulitzer Board requested Trump’s medical, psychological, and tax records as part of the legal case.
- Trump has a documented history of using lawsuits as a tool for retribution and pressure against critics and adversaries.
Big Education Ape: HI-HO, HI-HO, IT'S OFF TO WAR WE GO PART II: A CENTURY OF AMERICAN BOYS DYING FOR OIL (AND THE BILLIONAIRES WHO LOVE THEM) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/hi-ho-hi-ho-its-off-to-war-we-go-part.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. has a history of interventions in Latin America, often driven by corporate interests rather than democratic or humanitarian goals.
- Venezuela's oil wealth has historically attracted foreign exploitation, starting with American oil companies in the early 20th century.
- The 1943 Hydrocarbons Law introduced a 50/50 profit split between Venezuela and foreign oil companies, but this arrangement still heavily favored corporations.
- Venezuela nationalized its oil industry in 1976 under President Carlos Andrés Pérez, creating PDVSA, but later reopened to foreign investment in the 1990s due to economic challenges.
- Hugo Chávez’s presidency marked a shift toward reclaiming control of Venezuela’s oil wealth, leading to conflicts with corporations like ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips.
- Legal battles over oil assets have resulted in significant arbitration awards for ExxonMobil ($1.6 billion) and ConocoPhillips ($8.7 billion), but Venezuela lacks the funds to pay, leading to the auctioning of CITGO.
- The U.S. has escalated its approach with a naval blockade of Venezuela, justified as a "counterterrorism operation," despite international law considering such blockades acts of war.
- Russia, Iran, and China are aiding Venezuela with advanced military technology, including hypersonic missiles, drones, and satellite intelligence, raising the stakes of U.S. intervention.
- Regional tensions are increasing, with Colombia criticizing U.S. actions and refusing cooperation, while internal conflicts with groups like the ELN and Clan del Golfo are exacerbated by U.S. policies.
- The U.S.'s transactional foreign policy under Trump, including threats against Cuba, Greenland, and Panama, reflects a focus on resources and leverage rather than alliances or principles.
- The article critiques the long-term implications of U.S. actions, including the erosion of the Monroe Doctrine, loss of global credibility, and worsening humanitarian crises in Venezuela.
- The author argues that U.S. foreign policy is primarily motivated by corporate profits, particularly for oil companies, rather than national or global interests.
- A proposal is made to invest in renewable energy and infrastructure instead of engaging in costly wars over oil.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 22, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01827579297.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. healthcare system has transitioned from community-driven care to a profit-centered model, resulting in high costs, reduced accessibility, and dissatisfaction.
- Medicare for All is proposed as a transformative solution to address inefficiencies and inequities in the U.S. healthcare system.
- Public education faces challenges such as funding cuts, teacher shortages, declining enrollments, and the impact of AI on educational practices.
- The Trump administration's policies, including Medicaid cuts, trade wars, and immigration policies, have faced criticism for their impact on low-income Americans and systemic neglect of children’s welfare.
- The release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files by the Justice Department has sparked public outrage over redactions and transparency issues.
- U.S.-Russia talks on ending the Ukraine war are described as "constructive," despite ongoing Russian strikes and EU loans to Ukraine.
- The U.S. seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, intensifying tensions with Venezuela amid sanctions.
- The Trump administration announced changes in the Department of Education, including the restructuring of Community Schools grants and blocking state-level AI regulations.
- AI advancements, including deals by companies like Google Cloud and Nvidia, are reshaping industries, but concerns about its impact on education and the workforce are growing.
- Rising respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and norovirus, are causing health concerns in the U.S., alongside medical breakthroughs in gene editing and cancer detection.
- International tensions remain high with conflicts in Ukraine, Venezuela, and Syria, alongside global advancements in renewable energy and semiconductor technology.
- Declining international student enrollment in U.S. colleges is linked to restrictive immigration policies.
- Public education reforms are being explored, including dual enrollment programs, equitable funding, and climate resilience initiatives.
- Criticism of the Trump administration includes allegations of cruelty, corruption, and failures in addressing systemic injustices.
- The article highlights the importance of democracy, resistance, and moral values in combating authoritarianism.
- There is increased advocacy for better regulation and thoughtful integration of technology in classrooms to address concerns about over-digitization and its effects on learning and mental health.
- Cultural reflections include the significance of the Winter Solstice and the role of humor in social and political discourse.
- The article features updates on Kelly Reynolds’ romance novels and recommendations for holiday-themed books.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 22, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-22-2025.html
### Key Points
- A forum discussed the risks of using AI in schools, urging a moratorium on its implementation.
- Immigration court no-show rates have increased, leading to more in-absentia deportation orders under Trump-era policies.
- U.S. forces intercepted a Venezuelan oil tanker, escalating tensions and contributing to rising oil prices.
- The Department of Government Efficiency Review (DOGE) initiative under Elon Musk faced mixed outcomes in reducing federal bureaucracy.
- Rising ACA marketplace costs are pushing individuals towards alternative health plans with trade-offs.
- Russia is reportedly developing weapons to target SpaceX's Starlink satellites amidst the Ukraine conflict.
- U.S. airstrikes targeted ISIS in Syria, while peace talks between Russia and Ukraine showed progress.
- The Trump administration is restructuring the State Department, removing nearly 30 career diplomats.
- Cyberbullying incidents involving deepfake technology are on the rise, prompting calls for stricter digital safety standards.
- Economic updates include record-high gold prices, rising oil prices, and India becoming the fourth-largest economy.
- Advances in health include breakthroughs in brain cancer treatment, mental health research, and global vaccination achievements.
- Sports updates highlight the college football bowl season, Arsenal reclaiming the Premier League top spot, and Ousmane Dembélé winning FIFA Player of the Year.
- Disney's acquisition of the NFL Network and RedZone reflects a significant shift in media rights.
Big Education Ape: THE PROFITCARE PARADOX: HOW AMERICA'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM BECAME A BILLIONAIRE'S PLAYGROUND AND A PATIENT'S NIGHTMARE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-profitcare-paradox-how-americas.html
The article titled "The Profitcare Paradox: How America’s Healthcare System Became a Billionaire’s Playground and a Patient’s Nightmare" critically examines the evolution of the American healthcare system into a profit-driven model. It highlights the historical shifts, systemic inefficiencies, and corporate monopolies that have led to exorbitant costs, reduced accessibility, and widespread dissatisfaction. The article advocates for transformative solutions such as Medicare for All or a robust public option to address these challenges.
### Key Points
- The U.S. healthcare system has shifted from community-driven care to a profit-centered model, fueled by Reagan-era economic policies and the rise of HMOs.
- Managed care introduced profit-maximizing middlemen, leading to reduced hospital stays and prioritization of profits over patient care.
- Hospital consolidations have replaced community and rural hospitals with specialty centers focused on profitable procedures, leaving underserved areas vulnerable.
- Deregulation and corporate consolidation have created a medical-industrial complex, enabling insurers and pharmaceutical companies to dominate the market.
- Artificial scarcity of doctors due to limited medical school enrollment and residency slots exacerbates the doctor shortage and patient care issues.
- Medicare Advantage plans, introduced in 2003, privatized parts of Medicare, prioritizing profits over patient needs through claim denials and fraud.
- The U.S. spends more on healthcare per capita than any other nation but has poorer outcomes, including higher maternal and infant mortality rates.
- Compared to universal healthcare systems in other developed nations, the U.S. system is inefficient, costly, and inequitable.
- Medicare for All is proposed as a solution to reduce costs, improve accessibility, and eliminate administrative waste.
- Objections to Medicare for All, such as concerns about socialism, taxes, and government inefficiency, are addressed with evidence supporting its benefits.
- Alternatives like a public option or gradual Medicare expansion are explored but deemed less effective than single-payer systems.
- Immediate actions suggested include making ACA subsidies permanent, negotiating drug prices, breaking up healthcare monopolies, and increasing doctor supply.
- The article concludes with a call to political action to overhaul the profit-driven healthcare system and ensure healthcare as a right.
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/sunday-december-14-2025-looking-back.html
The article also touches on public education, political issues, and various societal topics, including healthcare reform, the influence of oligarchies, and current events.
### Key Points
- Articles explore public education challenges, including the impact of AI, gerrymandering, and the influence of billionaire oligarchs.
- The blog features a roundup of weekly news and insights, including posts on school shootings and the importance of public education.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 21, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0519205474.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments across various sectors, including healthcare, education, politics, world affairs, technology, economy, health, and sports. Key topics include the U.S. healthcare system's challenges, political policies and controversies, advancements in technology and health, global conflicts, and education reforms. The article also highlights the Winter Solstice's cultural and historical significance, as well as the importance of resistance, democracy, and addressing systemic neglect in policies affecting children.
How UFT Unity Stole Christmas (And what it will do if it is NOT full of crap) ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/how-uft-unity-stole-christmas
### Key Points
- The Unity faction uses procedural tactics to delay votes and hinder progress on retiree health care resolutions like 1096.
- Retiree Advocate leadership has been inconsistent in supporting retiree interests, with some leaders opposing key resolutions like 1096.
- Unity's actions are seen as ageist and manipulative, prioritizing their own agenda over retiree needs.
- The author calls for collective action, demonstrations, and accountability to protect retiree health care benefits.
- The importance of electing leaders who genuinely represent retirees' interests in future elections is emphasized.
Teacher Tom: When Even the Sun Stands Still http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/when-even-sun-stands-still.html
- The article reflects on the Winter Solstice, its significance, and the metaphorical connection between winter, reflection, and new beginnings.
- It emphasizes the importance of slowing down during winter, taking stock of life, and appreciating stillness as a form of renewal.
- The author mentions their long-term commitment to play-based learning and offers a free download of their favorite blog posts.
- Teacher Tom invites readers to support his blog, subscribe to his email list, and consider booking him for events.
- The blog provides a rich archive of content on various topics related to preschool education, parenting, and play-based learning.
NYC Public School Parents: Our forum on the risks of using AI in schools, and sign our petition calling for a moratorium! https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/12/our-forum-on-risks-of-using-ai-in.html
### Key Points
- NYC parents, teachers, and professionals highlight the risks of AI in schools, including its negative impact on privacy, learning, and mental health.
- Studies show AI use in education undermines cognitive skills, critical thinking, creativity, and teacher-student relationships, with no proven learning benefits.
- AI raises concerns over student data privacy, with companies collecting sensitive biometric data without parental consent, violating laws.
- AI's environmental impact includes increased energy consumption and contribution to climate change, which disproportionately affects vulnerable communities.
- Expensive AI contracts could divert resources from essential educational needs like reducing class sizes and improving school infrastructure.
- A broad coalition of parents, educators, and organizations supports the AI moratorium and urges immediate action to prevent long-term harm.
Weekend Quotables Netanyahu uses his tool, Lindsey Graham, to warm the bed for his visit with Trump MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-da3
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used Senator Lindsey Graham to advocate for military escalation in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon, aiming to influence MAGA's isolationist wing within the Republican Party.
- The Republican Party appears divided on its stance toward Israel, with a growing anti-interventionist faction viewing Israel as a liability. Graham's visit to Israel is seen as an attempt to counter this narrative.
- J.D. Vance emphasized themes of white identity and Christianity as central to America during a Turning Point USA convention, while the organization faced criticism for not condemning antisemitic associations.
- FBI Director Kash Patel claimed there was no credible evidence of Jeffrey Epstein trafficking women to others, raising questions about the credibility of victim testimonies and the lack of legal action.
- CBS journalist Sharyn Alfonsi criticized CBS News for canceling a story on CECOT deportations, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent for government influence over journalism.
You can watch the spiked 60 Minutes piece by teacherken https://www.dailykos.com/story/2025/12/22/2359672/-You-can-watch-the-spiked-60-Minutes-piece?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source=teacherken
### Key Points
- A 60 Minutes piece aired in Canada, sparking discussions about its content and implications.
- The Trump administration argued against providing ASL interpreters for press briefings, raising accessibility concerns.
- Daily Kos emphasizes its financial reliance on reader donations due to declining ad revenue.
- The Streisand Effect is mentioned regarding attempts to suppress the 60 Minutes story.
- CBS plans to air the story in the U.S. after further fact-checking and editing, with concerns about potential content changes.
- Discussions on Epstein files, media censorship, and broader political implications are included.
glen brown: Will Trump Pardon Ghislaine Maxwell? What His 10 Worst Pardons Teach Us https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/will-trump-pardon-ghislaine-maxwell.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump has extensively used his presidential pardon powers in his second term, often for self-serving or controversial purposes.
- Trump pardoned over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol insurrection, including those charged with violent crimes.
- Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, convicted of drug trafficking, was pardoned, with Trump’s administration labeling the prosecution as politically motivated.
- Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road online marketplace, despite his role in facilitating illegal drug trade.
- Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, a crypto executive, received clemency after alleged financial ties to Trump’s interests.
- Trump pardoned 77 individuals involved in the 2020 election scheme, signaling support for those who attempted to overturn the election results.
- Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) was pardoned after bribery allegations, with Trump reportedly hoping for political loyalty in return.
- Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley were pardoned for fraud, clearing them of financial obligations to their victims.
- Trump extended clemency to the crypto exchange BitMEX and its founders, despite their violations of U.S. anti-money laundering laws.
- Other notable pardons include MAGA supporter Scott Jenkins, fraudster Trevor Milton, and disgraced former congressman George Santos.
The 10th Day of Boobsmas Holiday Romance Recs, 2026 Reading Goals, & my Top 5 Boobsmas podcast episodes KELLY REYNOLDS https://authorkellyrey.substack.com/p/the-10th-day-of-boobsmas
### Key Points
- The article celebrates the 10th day of "Boobsmas," reflecting on the podcast's six-year journey, its milestones, and its festive traditions.
- It discusses 2026 reading goals, encouraging readers to set intentions such as reading diversely, balancing reading and writing, or finishing their TBR lists.
- A romance recommendation, "Wishing for You" by Marissa James, is provided, featuring themes like fake dating, secret billionaire, and emotional payoff.
- The author shares her top five favorite "Boobsmas" podcast episodes, highlighting standout moments and guest appearances over the years.
- The newsletter offers additional holiday romance recommendations, including the author’s own novellas featuring diverse, inclusive characters.
- Readers are invited to join the "Kelly’s Book Baddies" Facebook group for discussions, giveaways, and book-related activities.
- Subscribers to the author's Substack gain access to exclusive content, such as a sapphic novella.
- The article ends with an invitation to explore more content on the Substack platform and engage with the author’s community.
