JANUARY 12, 2026
U.S. NewsThe biggest domestic stories revolve around immigration enforcement tensions, investigations into federal institutions, and tragic incidents.
- Nationwide anti-ICE protests intensify after a fatal shooting of a woman (Renee Good) by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, with demonstrations spreading to multiple cities and calls for accountability.
- Federal prosecutors open criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and the Fed, focusing on headquarters renovations amid escalating political pressure from the Trump administration.
- Hundreds more federal agents deployed to Minneapolis amid ongoing unrest and restrictions on congressional visits to ICE facilities.
- Arson attack destroys Jackson, Mississippi's historic synagogue (Beth Israel), with a suspect charged; this marks another incident in the synagogue's history of attacks.
- Trump threatens military intervention in Iran over its handling of protests, while Iran warns U.S. troops and Israel would be "legitimate targets" if attacked.
- DOJ launches probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, seen as part of broader administration pressure on the central bank.
- Trump urges Cuba to "strike a deal" after cutting off Venezuelan oil support, following U.S. actions in Venezuela.
- Ongoing fallout from U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, with discussions on oil revenues and potential impacts on regional stability.
- Iran protests death toll exceeds 500, with rights groups reporting heavy crackdowns, internet blackouts, and threats of retaliation against U.S. and Israel if Trump intervenes.
- U.S. pressures on Venezuela continue post-Maduro capture, including executive orders to protect oil revenues and threats to Cuba.
- Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine with massive missile and drone strikes, worsening energy crises amid harsh winter.
- German Chancellor Merz visits India, amid calls for resolution on a child custody case involving an Indian-origin girl.
- Discussions on potential changes to public health and vaccine policies under the new administration, which could indirectly affect school immunization requirements.
- Ongoing coverage of broader societal impacts from protests and policy shifts, including community effects on schools in affected areas like Minneapolis.
- Indian stock markets open weak (Sensex and Nifty down) due to geopolitical concerns, including tensions in Iran and global risks.
- Trump administration actions on Venezuelan oil revenues and potential rare earth supply chain shifts amid U.S. push to reduce China reliance.
- Ongoing inflation and Fed scrutiny, with the Powell investigation adding uncertainty to monetary policy.
- CES 2026 wrap-up features major reveals in AI, gadgets (e.g., new laptops, imaging tech, and quantum security initiatives launching).
- New optics-breaking imaging technology unveiled, allowing ultra-sharp images without traditional lenses.
- Broader AI and quantum security focus as 2026 is dubbed the "Year of Quantum Security."
- Record flu surge across the U.S. from holiday travel, with millions sickened, high hospitalizations, and deaths reported.
- ACA subsidy expiration leads to steep insurance hikes for millions, potentially leaving many uninsured in 2026.
- Potential shifts in vaccine and immunization reporting requirements under new federal guidelines.
- NFL Wild Card weekend continues with key matchups (e.g., Chargers vs. Patriots on Monday night).
- Recent results include Bills advancing past Jaguars with Josh Allen's rally, and other playoff upsets.
- Preparations for upcoming events like the 2026 Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup trophy tour in India.
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT CALIFORNIA EDUCATION HEIST: HOW A "LIBERAL" GOVERNOR JUST HANDED THE KEYS TO THE BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-great-california-education-heist.html
### Key Points
- Governor Gavin Newsom proposed transferring control of the California Department of Education from the elected State Superintendent to a governor-appointed board, citing inefficiency in the current system.
- The Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE), a Stanford-based think tank, provided the proposal, which aligns with billionaire-backed education reform agendas.
- The article accuses billionaire-funded think tanks like PACE and the Hoover Institution of promoting policies that undermine public education in favor of privatization.
- The proposed governance changes would eliminate the only statewide education official directly accountable to voters, concentrating power in the governor's hands.
- A separate voucher initiative, the "Children's Educational Opportunity Act," would provide $17,000 per year per student for private, religious, or homeschooling, further diverting funds from public schools.
- Critics argue that these changes would create a two-tiered education system, benefiting wealthy families while underfunding public schools for lower-income families.
- Governor Newsom's proposed budget includes withholding $5.6 billion in constitutionally guaranteed school funding, which critics call a "shell game" to mask budget deficits.
- The California Teachers Association, school boards, and community groups are mobilizing against the governance overhaul and voucher initiative, citing concerns over equity and the potential dismantling of public education.
- Legal experts argue that Newsom's plan to strip power from the elected Superintendent without a constitutional amendment is unconstitutional.
- The article criticizes California's political system as being dominated by billionaire interests, using "progressive" rhetoric to promote libertarian, anti-public-sector policies.
- The article highlights the role of Stanford University and its affiliated think tanks in providing intellectual support for the privatization of public education.
- The fight against these proposals is framed as a battle between democracy and oligarchy, with voters having the final say in November 2026.
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/looking-back-week-in-review-sunday_0796870299.html
### Key Points
- The "Great California Education Heist" highlights concerns about the influence of wealthy elites on public education policy.
- Criticism of billionaire-funded education reforms and their impact on public education, emphasizing the monetization of disruption.
- Analysis of systemic racism in education, referencing a waiver named after Jim Crow.
- Coverage of ICE tactics in cities, labeled as "American Gestapo," and immigration-related controversies.
- Discussion of the rise of AI, particularly agentic AI, and its potential impact on jobs.
- Weekly reviews of news stories and blog posts, summarizing key events and issues.
- Advocacy for public education through blogs, podcasts, and organizations, emphasizing the fight against oligarchic influence.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST JANUARY 11, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0375444545.html
### Key Points
- The fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests and debates over accountability and ICE's role.
- "Operation Metro Surge" targeted immigrant communities, particularly Somali-Americans, fostering fear and criticism of ICE's militarized actions.
- The Trump administration erased thousands of federal web pages and datasets, undermining transparency and accountability.
- The administration used propaganda, including AI-generated deepfakes, to distract the public from critical issues like federal overreach.
- Federal judge blocked Trump’s attempt to freeze $10 billion in social services funding.
- Public education faces challenges such as privatization, charter schools, school vouchers, and inequitable funding, which threaten inclusivity and quality.
- The "Returning Education to Our States Act" allows states to manage federal education funds through block grants, raising concerns about equity and accountability.
- Critics argue that "Title I Portability" could lead to defunding public schools in favor of private and charter schools.
- Minneapolis Public Schools implemented "E-learning" following ICE-related incidents, highlighting safety concerns near schools.
- The Trump administration proposed decentralizing the Department of Education and freezing federal research funding.
- The CDC reduced childhood vaccine recommendations, sparking medical and public health debates.
- Technological advancements showcased at CES 2026 included AI integration, foldable devices, and health-connected tools.
- Protests in Iran and Venezuela continue amid government crackdowns and U.S. involvement.
- The U.S. launched retaliatory airstrikes on ISIS targets in Syria after an ambush killed three Americans.
- A state takeover of Pittsburgh Public Schools was proposed, raising concerns about unaccountable leadership and ineffective governance models.
- Wisconsin proposed additional funding for charter schools meeting specific criteria, raising questions about equity and purpose.
- The U.S. withdrew from 65 international agreements, including the UNFCCC, raising concerns over global cooperation.
- Trump proposed capping credit card interest rates at 10%, though implementation details remain unclear.
- The U.S. expanded natural gas exports and considered tapping Venezuela’s oil reserves to lower energy prices.
- The article critiques systemic oppression, political corruption, and the role of progressive movements in addressing these issues.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 11, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/morning-news-update-january-11-2026.html
### Key Points
- California Governor criticized for policies favoring billionaires, potentially impacting public education.
- Nationwide protests erupt after a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, sparking debates on immigration enforcement and federal investigations.
- U.S. conducts retaliatory airstrikes on ISIS in Syria following an ambush, while tensions rise over Iranian protests and potential U.S. intervention.
- President Trump proposes a 10% cap on credit card interest rates and announces further involvement in Venezuelan affairs.
- Iranian protests against the theocracy intensify, with over 200 deaths reported amidst accusations against the U.S. and Israel.
- California teachers' unions signal potential widespread strikes over contract negotiations.
- Global economic growth is projected to remain subdued in 2026, with U.S. job growth slowing but unemployment slightly decreasing.
- CES 2026 showcases advancements in AI, robotics, and space-based data centers, with companies like NVIDIA and Uber presenting innovations.
- Health updates include rising norovirus outbreaks, measles concerns, and a new U.S. nutrition policy focused on reducing processed additives.
- Sports highlights include Aryna Sabalenka's victory, Rishabh Pant's injury, and NFL playoff buzz.
Big Education Ape: WHEN THE SPECTACLE BECOMES THE WEAPON: TRUMP'S MINISTRY OF DISTRACTION AND THE DEATH OF RENEE GOOD #JusticeForReneeGood #EndMetroSurge #RestoreTransparency https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/when-spectacle-becomes-weapon-trumps.html
### Key Points
- Minneapolis Public Schools offer "E-learning" following protests over an ICE shooting incident.
- The Trump administration uses propaganda and distractions, such as AI-generated deepfakes, to divert public attention from serious issues like federal overreach and data erasure.
- "Operation Metro Surge" led to a militarized crackdown in Minneapolis, disproportionately targeting Somali-American communities and resulting in the death of Renee Good.
- The administration has erased thousands of federal web pages and datasets, undermining transparency and accountability.
- Strategies like "Contraspeak" and "Doublethink" are used to disguise harmful policies with misleading names.
- The article emphasizes the importance of resisting authoritarianism through actions such as filing FOIA requests, supporting independent archives, organizing for elections, and protesting strategically.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 1-4-26 TO 1-10-26 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-top-news-stories-this-week-1-4-26.html
### Key Points
- Fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests and investigations.
- ICE conducted its largest immigration operation in Minneapolis-St. Paul, deploying 2,000 agents.
- U.S. military intervention in Venezuela captured Nicolás Maduro, with Trump claiming the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela.
- The U.S. withdrew from the UNFCCC and 65 other international agreements, raising concerns over global cooperation.
- California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, and New York sued the administration for freezing billions in social services funding.
- The Trump administration announced dismantling federal aid for sewer systems in poor communities.
- The trial began for a former Uvalde officer accused of failing to protect students during the 2022 school shooting.
- Federal aid for university research was frozen, affecting billions in funding.
- Trump signed executive orders to decentralize the Department of Education.
- The NCAA transfer portal system faced criticism for instability.
- Trump proposed capping credit card rates and discussed reviving Venezuela’s oil industry with executives.
- CES 2026 featured advancements in AI, robotics, and consumer electronics, including Nvidia’s "Cosmos" AI model and Intel’s "Panther Lake" chip.
- The CDC reduced the number of recommended childhood vaccines, sparking medical debate.
- Rising ACA premiums led to predictions of a surge in the uninsured population.
- The U.S. expanded natural gas exports and considered tapping Venezuela’s oil reserves to lower domestic energy prices.
- The Denver Broncos clinched the #1 seed in the AFC during NFL Week 18.
- The U.S. prepared for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with updated security and logistics plans.
- Protests in Iran intensified, with calls for regime change.
- Russia escalated its Ukraine conflict with the use of hypersonic missiles.
- The U.S. seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST JANUARY 10, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01984315678.html
ICYMI: Noncompliance Edition (1/11) PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/icymi-noncompliance-edition-111
### Key Points
- Criticism of American schools and the historical trend of denigrating public education.
- Vouchers and school choice are scrutinized as a potential scam diverting public funds to private education.
- Advocacy for celebrating and supporting traditional K-12 public education.
- Minneapolis schools disrupted after ICE clash during dismissal.
- Increase in charter school failures and closures, reflecting systemic issues.
- Concerns about the sources of information for students online.
- Complex issues surrounding the decision to close Cleveland schools.
- Proposal for mayor-appointed boards in Indianapolis schools and charter schools.
- Supreme Court case addressing trans rights in school sports.
- Criticism of the argument that AI eliminates the need for students to learn content.
- Texas faith leaders oppose mandated prayer and Bible readings in schools.
- Importance of discussing AI responsibly and avoiding anthropomorphizing it.
- California enacts strict privacy laws affecting data brokers, including those collecting school data.
- Personal story about the role of AI in the death of a father.
- Reflection on building community amidst challenges to safety.
- Report on fair funding for education across states.
- Highlighting the contributions of Mario Casteinuovo-Tedesco, a significant composer and educator.
- Criticism of Bill Gates' involvement in education and his repeated failures.
- Advocacy for the continued importance of teaching content knowledge.
- Florida's "anti-woke" college initiative struggles to achieve its goals.
glen brown: The Machinery of Terror https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-machinery-of-terror.html
### Key Points
- A writer's role involves resisting oppression and embracing isolation, as stated by Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- The Trump administration is accused of consolidating authoritarian mechanisms, likened to historical examples of state terror.
- The article draws parallels between modern ICE actions and historical authoritarian regimes, describing the use of fear, violence, and suppression to control populations.
- Resistance against authoritarianism requires collective action, including protests, strikes, and support for affected communities.
- Authoritarian regimes erode civil liberties incrementally, often unnoticed, as described by Alexander Solzhenitsyn and other intellectuals.
- Fear and self-doubt foster societal conformity and complicity in authoritarian regimes, as documented by Czesław Miłosz and others.
- The rise of ICE and its militarized tactics are criticized, with concerns about human rights violations and the erosion of due process.
- Historical patterns of imperialism and colonialism are linked to the current domestic use of repressive tactics, described as an "imperial boomerang."
- The article warns against complacency and highlights the systematic targeting of vulnerable groups as a precursor to broader repression.
glen brown: The man who saved 740 children https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-man-who-saved-740-children.html
The article narrates the remarkable story of Jam Sahib Digvijay Singhji, Maharaja of Navanagar, who saved 740 Polish children stranded at sea during World War II. Despite opposition from the British Empire, he provided refuge, shelter, and care for these orphans, treating them as his own children. The children, who had been rejected by other nations, found a home in Balachadi, India, where the Maharaja created a nurturing environment that preserved their Polish culture and identity. This act of compassion left a lasting legacy, with the children growing up to honor the Maharaja's humanity and courage.
Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses issues in Seattle Public Schools, including performance metrics, nepotism concerns, and updates on school policies and programs. The article covers various topics such as declining student readiness and academic performance, increasing dual credit participation, and concerns over nepotism in district leadership.
Three Overlooked Reasons Why Children Struggle with Reading - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2026/01/11/three-overlooked-reasons-why-children-struggle-with-reading/
Three overlooked reasons for children's reading struggles are unreasonable expectations, disabilities and inclusion, and fast-tracking teachers. The article emphasizes the negative impact of pushing children to read before they are developmentally ready, the challenges of inclusive education without adequate teacher preparation, and the harm caused by insufficiently trained fast-track teachers. It advocates for age-appropriate learning, individualized instruction for children with disabilities, and robust teacher preparation programs.
New Orleans: Leah Chase School to Remain Open in Unanimous Vote | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2026/01/11/new-orleans-leah-chase-school-to-remain-open-in-unanimous-vote/
New Orleans’ only traditional board-run public school, The Leah Chase School (TLC), will remain open for at least two more years following a unanimous vote by the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) on January 8, 2026. The decision came after strong community advocacy and a $2M donation from Karen Oser Edmunds, along with additional contributions from the Chase family and other community members. The board emphasized the importance of financial stability and increased enrollment for the school's long-term sustainability. The decision reflects the community's desire for stability in a city predominantly dominated by charter schools.
### Key Points
- Jam Sahib Digvijay Singhji, Maharaja of Navanagar, offered refuge to 740 Polish orphans stranded at sea during World War II despite British opposition.
- The Maharaja welcomed the children, declaring them his own, and created a safe haven in Balachadi, India, where he preserved their Polish culture and traditions.
- His selfless actions ensured the children lived as a family, not as refugees, during the war, and his legacy is honored globally, including in Poland.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: OSPI Dashboard for Seattle Schools, January 2026 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/01/ospi-dashboard-for-seattle-schools.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Kindergarten readiness dropped significantly from 73.6% to 67.9%, raising concerns about early learning preparation.
- 8th-grade reading scores are declining, while math scores have remained stable.
- High school math performance saw a sharp drop from 58.3% in 2024 to 49.7% in 2025, despite a previous increase.
- Dual credit participation, both with and without Career and Technical Education (CTE), is rising.
- The 4-year graduation rate remains above 80%, but skepticism exists about its accuracy due to grade manipulation.
- Concerns about nepotism in Seattle Public Schools, particularly regarding the promotion and movement of principals and senior staff based on personal connections.
Three Overlooked Reasons Why Children Struggle with Reading - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2026/01/11/three-overlooked-reasons-why-children-struggle-with-reading/
### Key Points
- Unreasonable expectations in kindergarten push children to read before they are ready, leading to reading difficulties and dislike of reading later.
- Inclusion of students with disabilities in general education often lacks proper teacher preparation and individualized support, hindering their progress.
- Fast-track teacher programs harm the teaching profession, as they fail to provide adequate training for educators to meet diverse student needs, especially for children with reading disabilities.
New Orleans: Leah Chase School to Remain Open in Unanimous Vote | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2026/01/11/new-orleans-leah-chase-school-to-remain-open-in-unanimous-vote/
### Key Points
- The Leah Chase School (TLC), New Orleans’ only board-run public school, will remain open for two more years after a unanimous OPSB vote on January 8, 2026.
- The school faced closure due to financial constraints and low enrollment but received strong community support to remain operational.
- Karen Oser Edmunds pledged $2M to support the school, with additional contributions from the Chase family and community members, contingent on public accountability for fund usage.
- The OPSB emphasized the need for increased enrollment and financial sustainability to ensure the school’s future beyond the next two years.
- The decision highlights the community’s push for stability in public education, which has been disrupted by New Orleans’ shift to an all-charter school system.
