JANUARY 3, 2026
- Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City's first Muslim, South Asian, and youngest mayor in generations, emphasizing progressive policies like improving public transit.
- Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire, leading to steep health insurance premium hikes for millions of Americans starting in 2026.
- Deadly New Year's incidents, including a suspected terror attack in New Orleans killing at least 15 and a 6.2-magnitude earthquake off Northern California.
- Record flu surge across the U.S., with millions sickened and thousands hospitalized by late 2025.
- President Trump threatens U.S. intervention in Iran if the regime violently suppresses ongoing economic protests.
- Trump hosts Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at a lavish New Year's party amid international tensions.
- Democrats prepare to leverage expired Obamacare subsidies as a key issue for 2026 midterms.
- Zohran Mamdani's inauguration as NYC mayor marks a historic shift toward democratic socialism in the city.
- Protests in Iran escalate over economic hardship, with deadly unrest and U.S. threats of intervention.
- Israel bans 37 international NGOs, including Doctors Without Borders, from operating in occupied Palestinian territories, drawing global condemnation.
- Ongoing crises in Gaza and the West Bank, including winter storms killing displaced children and home demolitions.
- Large protests in Istanbul demanding an end to Israel's actions in Palestine.
- Major changes to college financial aid in 2026, including curbs on student loans and new grants for career training programs.
- Higher education policy shifts from 2025, including funding cuts leading to program cancellations at universities.
- Growing adoption of AI tools in schools, with debates over their impact on teaching and learning.
- Predictions for 2026 focus on AI integration, workforce readiness, and addressing funding challenges in K-12 districts.
- U.S. dollar rebounds strongly to start 2026 after its sharpest annual decline in eight years.
- Wall Street predicts another strong year for stocks, with S&P 500 targets near 8,000 amid AI optimism.
- Expiration of health subsidies contributes to rising costs, while billionaires added record wealth in 2025.
- Goldman Sachs forecasts accelerated U.S. GDP growth to 2.6% in 2026 despite job market stagnation.
- Samsung highlights progress on next-gen HBM4 chips for AI, with customers praising competitiveness.
- Chinese AI chipmaker Biren surges in Hong Kong IPO debut, signaling strong 2026 listings wave.
- CES 2026 previews focus on robotics, AI advancements, and new chips from Nvidia and AMD.
- Shift toward pragmatic AI applications in 2026, including smaller models and edge computing.
- HHS and DEA extend telemedicine flexibilities for controlled substance prescriptions through 2026.
- ACA premium subsidies expire, causing average 114% increases for over 20 million enrollees.
- Massive holiday flu surge drives record illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.
- Concerns over AI providing misleading health advice in search overviews.
- College Football Playoff quarterfinals: Indiana dominates Alabama 38-3 to advance.
- Key NBA matchups on January 2, including Hornets vs. Bucks and Nuggets vs. Cavaliers amid injury updates.
- NFL Week 18 divisional titles on the line, with high-stakes games like Panthers-Bucs and Ravens-Steelers.
- Predictions for 2026 sports business: Rising WNBA player pay and team valuations.
North Carolina: A Charter School Goes Bankrupt https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/02/north-carolina-charters-schools-are-failing-but-no-one-cares-about-the-students-the-teachers-or/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- TISA, a new charter school in North Carolina, failed to meet minimum enrollment requirements and faced financial challenges, leading to its closure.
- The school offered unique dual-language immersion programs in Spanish and Chinese, which initially attracted parents. However, issues such as low enrollment and financial instability arose.
- North Carolina law requires charter schools to have a minimum of 80 students. TISA fell short of this requirement, with only about 50 students attending on the first day.
- TISA’s management cited construction delays and an incident involving an autistic child as factors contributing to low enrollment.
- The school’s board requested a waiver for the enrollment requirement, citing a unique student population with special education needs, but the Charter School Review Board denied the request.
- The Charter School Review Board voted unanimously to revoke TISA’s charter, effective December, though the school closed earlier than planned on October 15.
- TISA faced conflicts of interest, with its board chair and principal being married and involved in for-profit entities tied to the school.
- Parents were left scrambling to find alternative schools for their children, with some facing significant disruptions to their work and family lives.
- The broader charter school sector in North Carolina has seen a slowdown in growth, with new schools struggling to meet enrollment targets and financial sustainability.
- The pandemic and increased school choice options have contributed to enrollment challenges across various types of schools in North Carolina.
- The North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools is offering training and support to new charter schools to address challenges like low enrollment and financial issues.
- TISA’s closure underscores the risks and challenges faced by new charter schools, particularly those with ambitious plans and optimistic projections.
- TISA’s financial troubles included unpaid bills and a significant debt to the state for overestimated enrollment-based funding.
Jason Garcia: Florida May Enact a Bounty Hunter Law to Reduce Abortions https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/02/jason-garcia-florida-may-enact-a-bounty-hunter-law-to-reduce-abortions/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Florida's proposed House Bill 663 introduces financial incentives for private citizens to sue individuals or entities aiding women in obtaining abortion medication through telehealth or mail.
- The bill is modeled after a similar Texas law and aims to prevent women from accessing abortion services remotely in states where it remains legal.
- House Bill 663 challenges other states' "shield laws" by prohibiting Florida courts from recognizing judgments under these laws and allowing countersuits against such claims.
- Although the bill prohibits lawsuits directly against women seeking abortion pills, its primary goal is to discourage providers from offering these services.
Ann Telnaes: What Happened After I Quit The Washington Post https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/02/ann-telnaes-what-happened-after-i-quit-the-washington-post/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Ann Telnaes left The Washington Post after her cartoon critical of tech billionaires and Trump was not published, and she started a Substack blog.
- Her resignation and subsequent work gained global attention, leading to speaking engagements and discussions about the importance of editorial cartooning and free press.
- Telnaes won the Pulitzer Prize for Illustrative Reporting and Commentary and collaborated on a book about censorship in America.
- She expressed deep concerns about the state of democracy and press freedom in the United States.
Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge: Today! https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/01/coney-island-polar-bear-plunge-today/ via @dianeravitch
Diane Ravitch shares her experience attending the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day 2026. Participants braved freezing temperatures to take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. The event, organized by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, is held annually to raise money for local charities. People from diverse backgrounds gathered to celebrate the new year, setting aside political differences and enjoying the unique tradition.
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch attended the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge on January 1, 2026, with friends.
- The event involved participants jumping into the freezing Atlantic Ocean in festive spirits, with some wearing costumes or bikinis.
- The plunge, organized by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, is an annual charity event to support local causes.
- Participants shared their excitement and reasons for joining, highlighting the challenge and exhilaration of the experience.
- The event fostered a sense of community and joy, with people of different backgrounds coming together to celebrate the New Year.
- Diane and her friends enjoyed a warm meal after the event, encouraging others to join next year.
- The blog post includes comments from readers mentioning similar polar bear plunges on the West Coast.
Misery Loves Company: Pluribus as Allegory of Religion https://radicalscholarship.com/2026/01/02/misery-loves-company-pluribus-as-allegory-of-religion/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- *Pluribus* is analyzed as a religious allegory, critiquing fundamentalism and black-and-white moral codes.
- The show’s main character, Carol, embodies human misery and resistance, contrasting with the infected’s eerie happiness and missionary zeal.
- The infected’s moral code includes valuing all life as sacred but paradoxically consuming human-derived protein for survival.
- The article draws connections between the show and societal issues like religious extremism, pro-life movements, and the blending of church and state.
- The infected’s enforced “happiness” is compared to the performative contentment of religious fundamentalists, masking deeper misery.
glen brown: The Worst Foreign Policy Blunders of 2025 https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-worst-foreign-policy-blunders-of.html
- The article critiques Donald Trump's foreign and domestic policies during his presidency, emphasizing his lack of understanding of America's global role and his weakening of alliances such as NATO.
- It highlights Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords and his policies favoring fossil fuels over renewable energy, which have contributed to climate change and reduced U.S. global competitiveness.
- The article criticizes Trump's handling of international relations, including his support for Israel's right-wing government, failure in Iran and Russia policies, and strained relationships with allies.
- The piece discusses the economic and geopolitical consequences of Trump's tariffs, which have created tensions with allies and given economic advantages to China.
- It outlines the dismantling of key programs like USAID and anti-corruption initiatives, which have harmed U.S. credibility and global standing.
- The article also condemns Trump’s immigration policies as cruel and counterproductive, damaging international relations and hindering U.S. progress.
- Personnel decisions under Trump are criticized for promoting unqualified individuals, leading to inefficiency and instability in key government institutions.
Teacher Tom: The "Magic Circle": Play as the Source of Culture http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-magic-circle-play-as-source-of.html
### Key Points
- Play is a self-driven activity where children create rules and boundaries within a "magic circle," fostering cooperation and shared culture.
- Johan Huizinga's theory highlights play as the origin of culture, with rules agreed upon by participants within the play space.
- Educators must respect the "magic circle" of play and avoid disrupting it, while guiding children to resolve conflicts or exclusions.
- Encouraging excluded children to form their own games or adapt to existing rules nurtures their social and cultural development.
Wanted! Presidents/Leaders Who Protect ALL Children! - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2026/01/02/wanted-presidents-leaders-who-protect-all-children-2/
### Key Points
- Leadership must prioritize protecting children globally, addressing AI risks, child labor, and trafficking.
- Climate change is described as a child rights crisis, with severe impacts on children’s health, hunger, and development.
- The dismantling of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and lack of support for children with disabilities are concerning.
- The importance of public education is highlighted, with concerns over privatization and inequitable systems.
- Food insecurity affects millions of children, impacting their ability to learn.
- Gun safety laws, like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, are steps forward but more measures are needed.
- Access to quality healthcare, including vaccines, is crucial for children’s well-being.
- Homelessness among families with children is at an all-time high, with over half affected being minors.
- Immigration policies should protect families and children instead of separating them.
- International development efforts to support children have declined, leading to preventable deaths.
- LGBTQ+ children face discrimination, homelessness, and mental health struggles due to a lack of support.
- Mental health resources in schools are insufficient, with funding challenges for psychologists and counselors.
- Poverty affects millions of children globally, with many living in extreme conditions.
- The devastating impact of war on children in Gaza, Israel, and Ukraine is highlighted.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Hello and Welcome to the new year, 2026 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/01/hello-and-welcome-to-new-year-2026.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Seattle Public Schools aims to become one of the top districts in the nation, as stated by acting superintendent Fred Pedestal.
- SPS calendar includes key meetings in January, such as the BEX and BTA Capital Levies Oversight Committee meeting and several Board meetings.
- Updates on the Highly Capable Program include enrollment statistics, school capacities, and pathways for HC students.
- Friends of HiCap Seattle is organizing "HC Sip and Chats" to connect HC families across the district.
- Concerns about nepotism in SPS were raised, highlighting instances of staff promotions based on personal connections rather than merit.
- Discussions on advanced learning services and district policies were noted in past board meetings.
Isaac Asimov, 1920 STU https://bloom2.substack.com/p/isaac-asimov-1920
### Key Points
- Asimov criticized the "cult of ignorance" in the U.S., emphasizing the dangerous belief that ignorance is equivalent to knowledge.
- He noted that denying problems is an easy but futile way to address them, as facts remain facts regardless of denial.
- Asimov lamented that society's wisdom lags behind the rapid accumulation of scientific knowledge.
- He stressed the importance of scientific literacy for addressing global issues like climate change and questioned whether democracy can function effectively in an ignorant society.
- He advocated for prioritizing what is right over rigid moral codes.
- Violence, according to Asimov, is a tool of the incompetent.
- Science, for Asimov, is a method of understanding the universe through evidence, observation, and reasoning, which should apply to all areas of life.
We Demand Premium-Free Health Insurance If DC37 can offer it, so can UFT. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/we-demand-premium-free-health-insurance
### Key Points
- UFT leadership is criticized for failing to deliver genuinely premium-free health insurance, despite claiming otherwise.
- Many retirees face financial hardships due to increased health insurance costs, with some needing to work as substitutes to make ends meet.
- The Unity caucus is accused of stifling activism, manipulating meetings, and prioritizing their own interests over members.
- Retirees have organized against Unity's policies, particularly regarding health care, and have called for more democratic practices in union meetings.
- Unity's leadership has been accused of ageism and using tactics to prevent meaningful action from being taken by members.
- The article calls for collective action, including petitions, press engagement, and collaboration with outside groups, to demand premium-free insurance and hold Unity accountable.
Where the Students Are Leaving—and Who Is Left to Absorb the Cost https://norinrad10.com/2026/01/02/where-the-students-are-leaving-and-who-is-left-to-absorb-the-cost/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points
- MNPS lost 1,481 students between August 12 and October 1, 2025, which represents a structural issue rather than seasonal fluctuations.
- High schools accounted for over half of the enrollment decline, with middle and elementary schools also losing students.
- Enrollment losses were concentrated in Southeast Nashville, North Nashville, and high-poverty areas, raising equity concerns.
- Charter schools gained only 56 students during the same period, disproving the narrative that charter growth is the main cause of MNPS enrollment decline.
- The financial impact of the enrollment loss is estimated at $16–$20 million annually, primarily affecting schools rather than the central office.
- Staffing pressure due to enrollment loss could result in cuts to teachers, counselors, and other school staff, further exacerbating challenges.
- Key questions about equity, accountability, and governance are raised, including how MNPS plans to address enrollment loss and stabilize affected schools.
- The district is focusing on marginal changes to school start times while ignoring major systemic issues.
- The Tennessee General Assembly may eliminate Collaborative Conferencing, which could lead to increased union membership and influence.
- The article emphasizes the need for governance and accountability, urging the school board to address the system’s failures instead of focusing on messaging.
Taxi driver Richard Chow drove his friend Zohran Mamdani to the inauguration. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/taxi-driver-richard-chow-drove-his
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as Mayor of New York City, arriving at the ceremony in a yellow taxi driven by Richard Chow.
- Four years prior, Mamdani, then a state assemblyman, joined a hunger strike with taxi drivers to address medallion debt issues.
- Richard Chow and his late brother, Kenny Chow, were among many immigrant drivers burdened by inflated medallion debt, which led to suicides, including Kenny’s.
- The New York Taxi Workers Alliance, with Mamdani's support, successfully advocated for medallion debt relief after prolonged protests and hunger strikes.
Choosing Democracy: Trump's Takeover of Education is Taking A Page from the Confederacy https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/01/trumps-takeover-of-education-is-taking.html
### Key Points
- Trump's administration, inspired by historical efforts like the UDC, seeks to control educational narratives, focusing on "patriotism" and traditional values.
- Partnerships with conservative groups like PragerU, Turning Point USA, and the Heritage Foundation aim to influence school curriculums and promote a nationalist agenda.
- The UDC historically influenced Southern school curriculums, whitewashing history and promoting pro-Confederate narratives, a tactic mirrored in current efforts.
- Critics argue that this approach threatens diversity, inclusion, and accurate historical education, potentially shaping political opinions of future generations.
- The federal role in education is being leveraged to push anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) perspectives, echoing past conservative strategies.
In Their Own Words: The New Orleans Community Wants Their Direct-run, Leah Chase School. | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2026/01/02/in-their-own-words-the-new-orleans-community-wants-their-direct-run-leah-chase-school/
The article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding The Leah Chase School (TLC), the only direct-run public school in New Orleans, operated by the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB). The community is advocating for the school to remain open amidst financial challenges, slower-than-expected enrollment growth, and OPSB's lack of experience in directly running schools. The article highlights public comments from stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community leaders, who emphasize the importance of stability, community involvement, and the need for direct-run schools as an alternative to charter schools.
### Key Points
- The Leah Chase School (TLC) is the only direct-run public school in New Orleans, operated by OPSB.
- OPSB assumed responsibility for TLC after Lafayette Academy lost its charter due to poor performance. TLC was reopened as a K-5 school with plans to expand to K-8.
- Financial challenges and slower-than-expected enrollment growth have led OPSB to consider closing TLC.
- Community members expressed strong support for keeping TLC open, citing stability, trust, and the importance of direct-run schools.
- Stakeholders criticized OPSB for its lack of experience in managing direct-run schools and questioned its commitment to maintaining TLC.
- Public comments highlighted the positive impact of TLC on students, including improved academic performance, mental health, and community engagement.
- Concerns were raised about the financial management of TLC, including unspent funds and discrepancies in budget presentations.
- A $1.5M donation was offered to fund TLC, contingent on keeping the school open for two years, but OPSB rejected the conditions tied to the donation.
- Community members emphasized the need for transparency in financial decisions and better advertising to increase enrollment at TLC.
- Parents and educators criticized the charter school system for lack of accountability, support for special needs students, and stability.
- Calls were made for OPSB to rebuild its capacity to run traditional public schools and provide a true choice for families.
- Stakeholders urged OPSB to prioritize community needs and invest in TLC as a model for direct-run schools.
- The community emphasized the historical and cultural importance of TLC, named after Louisiana chef Leah Chase, as a symbol of stability and resilience.
