DECEMBER 5, 2025
- Arctic Blast Grips the Nation: A massive polar vortex is plunging temperatures across the central and eastern U.S., with wind chills as low as -25°F in the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains, leading to snow squalls and heightened frostbite risks. The cold snap is expected to persist through Friday, impacting millions.
- Pentagon Faces Scrutiny Over Caribbean Strike: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire for a September 2 military strike on an alleged drug boat that killed survivors, with new details revealing potential violations of protocol and use of Signal for sensitive discussions.
- Justice Department Ends LGBTQ Prison Protections: A memo directs inspectors to halt evaluations using standards designed to prevent sexual violence against trans and LGBTQ inmates, drawing widespread criticism from advocates.
- Tennessee Special Election Heats Up: All eyes are on the final 2025 special election in Tennessee's 7th District, where Democrat Aftyn Behn is mounting a strong challenge in a traditionally red seat, signaling potential midterm vulnerabilities.
- Trump Targets Somali Immigrants: President Trump escalates rhetoric, calling Somali communities "garbage" ahead of ICE enforcement in Minnesota, prompting backlash from local leaders and highlighting immigration tensions.
- Hegseth Cleared in Signal Leak Probe: The Pentagon exonerates Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over classified discussions on Signal, but critics question the probe's independence amid ongoing controversies.
- Trump Rolls Back Fuel Efficiency Rules: The administration scraps Biden-era standards mandating 2% annual increases for vehicles from 2027-2031, citing "expensive restrictions" to boost domestic manufacturing.
- Grand Jury Spares NY AG James: A second attempt to indict Attorney General Letitia James fails, following a dismissed prior effort by the Trump administration, easing legal pressures on a key Democratic figure.
- Bipartisan Push to Block Venezuela Strike: Senators introduce a war powers resolution to prevent unauthorized U.S. attacks on Venezuela after Trump's threats, emphasizing congressional oversight.
- U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine Yield Mixed Signals: Kremlin aide calls recent Moscow discussions "useful but difficult," as Putin and U.S. envoys like Jared Kushner explore peace paths amid stalled progress.
- DRC-Rwanda Peace Deal Signed Amid Skepticism: A U.S.-brokered agreement ends decades of conflict, but M23 rebels' advances in Goma raise doubts about implementation on the ground.
- Belgium Rejects Use of Frozen Russian Assets: Fears of financial and legal risks halt plans to fund Ukraine's economy with seized funds, complicating Western support strategies.
- Deadly Storms Devastate South and Southeast Asia: Over 1,600 dead from cyclones and monsoons in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and beyond, with climate change amplifying the crisis and displacing millions.
- Russia Bans Human Rights Watch: The group is outlawed as an "undesirable organization," escalating Moscow's crackdown on international NGOs amid global condemnation.
- Maharashtra Schools Shut for Teachers' Strike: All schools close statewide on December 5 due to protests against new education department rules, affecting millions of students.
- U.S. Department of Education Dismantled Further: Responsibilities reassigned to agencies like Labor and HHS in a move toward elimination, sparking Democratic outcry over slashed resources.
- NYSED Releases 75% of 2025 Test Questions: Instructional reports from Grades 3-8 ELA, math, and science exams aim to boost transparency and teacher preparation.
- Chile Bans Smartphones in Classrooms: New law effective 2026 restricts devices to curb distractions and harms, joining global efforts to protect student focus.
- Fed Rate Cut Odds Surge to 95%: Weak ADP jobs data (32,000 cuts in November) bolsters expectations for a December 25 bps reduction, lifting stocks despite labor concerns.
- China's Economy Softens: Fixed-asset investment down 1.7% in first 10 months, retail sales slowest since August 2024, and industrial growth at 4.9%, signaling export reliance strains.
- AI Job Cuts Rise but Broader Impact Limited: 17,375 roles eliminated due to AI in first nine months, yet Yale study finds no widespread labor disruption since ChatGPT's launch.
- Business Investment Steady at 3.6% Growth: Deloitte forecasts modest 2025 rise amid tariffs and rates, with intellectual property spending up 3.8% but durable goods slowing.
- AWS Unveils AI Agents at re:Invent: CEO Matt Garman emphasizes agents unlocking AI's enterprise value; new tools include Graviton5 CPU and LLM customization for custom models.
- Databricks Eyes $5B Raise at $134B Valuation: The AI platform revises 2025 revenue to $4.1B (55% growth) but notes slipping margins to 74%, highlighting compute-intensive AI challenges.
- Google Rolls Out Gemini 3: Updated model boasts 72% accuracy in coding and search, matching rivals like OpenAI and Anthropic in rapid AI advancements.
- Russia Blocks Snapchat: Regulator cites national security, part of broader tech crackdown including Human Rights Watch ban, amid escalating digital isolation.
- Airbus A320 Software Update Grounds Flights: Emergency patch for solar radiation risks affects 6,000 planes worldwide, causing major disruptions.
- Shingles Vaccine Linked to Lower Dementia Risk: Welsh study shows 20% reduced odds among seniors, potentially slowing brain aging by years via immune boost.
- Coffee Consumption Tied to Slower Aging: Up to four cups daily correlates with longer telomeres in psychiatric patients, suggesting 5-year biological youth gain.
- Lubiprostone Protects Kidneys from Constipation: Drug trial reveals gut health link to renal function, offering new preventive strategy for chronic cases.
- RSV Early Infection Raises Asthma Odds: Genetic studies confirm heightened risk in allergy-prone kids, urging targeted infant vaccinations.
- U.S. Health Care Crisis Deepens: One year after UnitedHealthcare CEO's killing, denied claims and costs fuel outcry, with insurers like UnitedHealth facing slumps and scrutiny.
- Ovechkin Nears Gretzky's Goal Record: Back from injury, the Capitals star needs 24 goals in 44 games for NHL history; pace suggests 2025-26 breakthrough.
- Chiefs Eye Historic Three-Peat: Kansas City favored for NFL repeat amid Mahomes' dominance, but shorthanded receivers test dynasty limits in playoffs.
- Purdue Reclaims No. 1 in Men's Hoops: Boilermakers top AP poll after Houston's brief reign; UConn holds at No. 3, with Michigan surging to No. 18.
- India Blanks Switzerland 5-0 in Junior Hockey: Unbeaten Indians top Pool B at FIH World Cup, advancing with momentum toward knockout stages.
- Starc Breaks Akram's Test Record: Australia's left-arm pacer surpasses Wasim Akram as most successful in history during India series.
Gary Rubinstein Reviews "An Education" with Gusto! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/04/gary-rubinstein-reviews-an-education-with-gusto/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Gary Rubinstein reviews Diane Ravitch's memoir, highlighting her journey and evolving views on education.
- The memoir covers Ravitch's personal and professional life, including her childhood, education, relationships, and career milestones.
- Ravitch's writing style is praised for its precision and ability to convey complex emotions and events succinctly.
- The book emphasizes Ravitch’s resilience, integrity, and commitment to following evidence over comfort or popularity.
- It reflects on the value of relationships and encourages readers to analyze their own lives and stories.
Peter Greene: Trump Is Not Sending Education Back to the States https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/04/peter-greene-trump-is-not-sending-education-back-to-the-states/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration is dismantling the U.S. Department of Education without congressional approval by reallocating its programs to other departments.
- The Department of Education was originally created to ensure equitable education and enforce civil rights laws, but its dismantling undermines these goals.
- The administration's actions reflect a broader right-wing agenda to privatize education and reduce federal oversight, while falsely claiming to return control to the states.
- Shifting programs to other departments does not reduce bureaucracy but complicates education governance and weakens civil rights protections.
- Critics argue that the move is largely symbolic and does not address systemic issues in education policy.
Florida: Wife of GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Builds a For-Profit Charter School Empire https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/04/florida-wife-of-gop-gubernatorial-candidate-builds-a-for-profit-charter-school-empire/ via @dianeravitch
- Erika Donalds, wife of GOP gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, is building a for-profit charter school chain in Florida, raising concerns about transparency and the use of public funds.
- Erika Donalds has been a prominent advocate for "classical" charter schools, which emphasize traditional values and a Eurocentric curriculum, often critiqued as a response to perceived "woke" public education.
- Despite her efforts, some of the schools faced operational challenges, such as delayed openings, large class sizes, and legal disputes over management contracts.
- Financial records reveal that a significant portion of public funding for these schools was spent on firms tied to Erika Donalds, raising ethical questions.
- Academic performance at the schools associated with Erika Donalds has been mixed, with some performing below average and others showing improvement.
- Some schools have severed ties with Donalds' company, Optima, citing concerns about its operation and management practices.
Big Education Ape: JUST ANOTHER BIG EDUCATION APE RANT: MAKE AMERICA HONORABLE AGAIN: THE BLOCKBUSTER TRAILER WE KEEP FALLING FOR https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/just-another-big-education-ape-rant.html
### Key Points
- Traditional note-taking methods improve reading comprehension and retention, particularly when combined with AI tools.
- The Atlanta Public Schools system has become fragmented due to the rise of charter schools, undermining democratic principles of public education.
- Trump administration policies, such as immigration raids and fuel standard rollbacks, have sparked controversy and criticism.
- AI is emerging as a top college major, reflecting growing demand for tech skills amid industry expansion.
- Excessive screen time correlates with ADHD symptoms and altered brain development, highlighting the need for reduced digital exposure among children.
- Charter schools face stagnation and criticism for scandals, mismanagement, and weak accountability.
- Florida's "Schools of Hope" initiative prioritizes charter schools over public schools, raising concerns over resource allocation and transparency.
- Public education advocates fight privatization efforts through independent platforms and political engagement.
- AI poses risks to 11.7% of U.S. jobs, but roles requiring empathy and creativity are less likely to be replaced.
- The justice system fails traumatized children by prosecuting them as adults, calling for systemic reforms to prioritize care and rehabilitation.
- Advocacy for public education continues as activists counter privatization efforts and promote equity.
- The Trump administration’s controversial drug-trafficking policies raise legal and ethical concerns.
- The song "This Little Light of Mine" serves as a symbol of collective resilience and resistance against oppression.
- Modern management critiques highlight the erosion of accountability in governance, emphasizing the role of voting in restoring responsibility.
- Critics reject "crisis rhetoric" in education reform, advocating for systemic solutions instead of perpetual reform cycles.
- Technology advancements, such as AI and quantum research, continue to reshape industries and workforce dynamics.
- Health findings link ultra-processed foods to various diseases, stressing the importance of dietary changes.
- Sports updates include India's cricket achievements, Haaland's historic Premier League streak, and debates on Serena Williams' comeback.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 4, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-4-2025.html
### Key Points
- Traditional note-taking enhances learning and memory retention.
- A powerful nor'easter storm disrupts the eastern U.S., and political attention is drawn to Tennessee's special election.
- President Trump pardons Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar and rolls back fuel efficiency standards.
- Disability advocates challenge the U.S. Department of Education's program outsourcing plan.
- AI emerges as a top college major, reflecting its growing influence in education and the economy.
- Global economic shifts include slowed growth and changes in energy and trade dynamics.
- A UN report highlights Myanmar's rise in methamphetamine production amid instability.
- Health challenges include rising measles cases, maternal health disparities, and drug resistance threatening malaria progress.
- AI and tech innovations, such as Waymo's robotaxi expansion and AWS's DevOps Agent, signal rapid advancements.
- Sports updates include South Africa's cricket victory and Arsenal's Premier League lead extension.
Big Education Ape: THE ONE "THING" A MANAGER CAN'T DELEGATE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-one-thing-manager-cant-delegate.html
First Focus on Children's Bruce Lesley Decries Trump's Abandonment of Our Society's Vulnerable Children https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/12/04/first-focus-on-childrens-bruce-lesley-decries-trumps-abandonment-of-our-societys-vulnerable-children/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The Trump administration's policies reflect a retreat from public investment in children’s well-being, including proposals to dismantle the Department of Education and cut essential programs like Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP.
- The shift to privatization and "parental rights" rhetoric undermines public systems, leaving families to navigate challenges in isolation, fostering inequality.
- Historical parallels are drawn to the post-Reconstruction era, emphasizing how dismantling federal protections leads to systemic inequity, especially for marginalized groups.
- Wealthier families turning to private solutions perpetuate a cycle of disinvestment in public systems, worsening inequality for low-income families.
- The article concludes by warning that dismantling public systems, such as the Department of Education, threatens the idea of children’s well-being as a collective public responsibility.
### Key Points
- The article reflects on the publication of the "Pathways to Graduate School" series, a significant research project that examines equity in graduate education, focusing on prospective students' aspirations, barriers, and trajectories.
- The research, led by Dr. Catherine Millett, analyzes data from 1.2 million U.S. citizens and highlights subgroup differences in Hispanic communities, Pell Grant eligibility, parental education, and the intersectional experiences of women and Black students.
- The reports challenge simplistic narratives about graduate education, revealing that aspirations are widespread but opportunities are unequally distributed.
- The findings emphasize the need for nuanced recruitment, mentoring, and advising strategies to address inequities and support diverse populations.
- The series underscores the role of graduate education as a public good and calls for institutions to meet students' aspirations with equity-centered practices.
glen brown: "A new sense of urgency is needed. Our national crisis has grown much more acute" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-new-sense-of-urgency-is-needed-our.html
### Key Points
- Franz Stigler, a German fighter pilot, chose mercy over duty by sparing and guiding Charles Brown’s crippled bomber to safety during World War II.
- Stigler risked his life by defying Nazi commands, as showing mercy could have led to his execution.
- Decades later, Charles Brown tracked down Franz Stigler, and the two formed a deep friendship, sharing their story to demonstrate the power of compassion.
- Their story highlights the triumph of humanity over hatred and the enduring impact of acts of kindness.
Teacher Tom: Creating a Learning Environment for Creative Thinking and New Ideas https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/creating-learning-environment-for.html
### Key Points
- Tidy classrooms are often seen as ideal for focus and rule-following, but they may stifle creativity and independent thought.
- Messy environments encourage creativity and the generation of new ideas, as they allow for breaking free from traditional norms.
- Outdoor spaces, being uncontrollable and vast, inherently promote freedom and creativity, unlike controlled indoor spaces.
- Shared classroom spaces should prioritize children's agency and creativity rather than solely reflecting adult control.
- The author advocates for "tidy enough" classrooms that balance structure and freedom, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
- Teacher Tom promotes his course on play-based classroom management, aiming to transform how educators approach classroom dynamics.
Note- taking alone or combined with large language models helps students understand and remember better Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
First Fish Chronicles: EdTech Companies are Surveillance Companies. (Guest Post by Andrew Liddell) | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/edtech-companies
### Key Points
- EdTech products are designed to serve business models that prioritize data monetization over educational benefits.
- Persuasive design techniques, such as autoplay and endless scrolling, are used to maximize user time and attention, often at the expense of student focus and learning.
- The introduction of 1:1 EdTech programs has coincided with a decline in student academic performance and mental health, contrary to initial promises of educational advancement.
- Despite increased screen time, students today are less computer literate than a decade ago, raising concerns about the efficacy of EdTech in fostering digital skills.
- Sustained attention is critical for learning, yet the digital environment created by EdTech fractures student focus, negatively impacting educational outcomes.
State Superintendent Thurmond Announces California High School Student Representatives for the 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program CA USSYP Student Representatives Announced - Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel52.asp
### Key Points
- Cindy Chen and Gabrielle Listana were chosen as California's delegates for the 2026 USSYP due to their exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to community service.
- Cindy Chen is recognized for her work in youth advocacy, founding IgniteHER, and serving as a U.S. United Nations Ambassador for Gender Equality. She aspires to become a U.S. senator or Supreme Court justice.
- Gabrielle Listana has led significant youth policies in San Francisco, co-founded Young Leaders in Climate Action, and aims to pursue a career in environmental policy and education.
- Alternates Leanne Fan and Jerry Yang were also acknowledged for their contributions to student advocacy, innovative projects, and leadership in their communities.
- The USSYP is a competitive program providing scholarships and opportunities to meet government officials, fostering future leaders in public service.
he CA Dept of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) message to announce the availability of the 2025 Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) Grants and Retention and Recruitment (R&R) Grants. 2025 KIT & Retention & Recruitment Grant RFA https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/kitretentionrecruitment.asp
### Key Points
- The California Department of Education (CDE) is offering 2025 KIT and R&R Grants to improve school meal services and support food service staff retention and recruitment.
- A total of $155 million has been allocated, with $145 million for KIT Grants and $10 million for R&R Grants.
- Applications must be submitted online via Snap Survey software by January 30, 2026, at 4 p.m.
- Detailed application instructions and eligibility criteria are available on the CDE website.
- The KIT Grant focuses on enhancing meal quality in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP), while the R&R Grant supports food service staff.
- Contact information for inquiries: KIT Team at KIT2025@cde.ca.gov or 800-952-5609.
Misreading What's Wrong with College: Social Media Edition https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/12/04/misreading-whats-wrong-with-college-social-media-edition/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- Social media has amplified controversies in higher education, such as a student receiving a zero on an essay and the increase in students with accommodations.
- The author critiques traditional grading systems, arguing they hinder learning and perpetuate systemic issues.
- The rise in accommodations reflects better diagnoses and societal challenges, not student frailty.
- Education should shift from punitive assessments to teaching and learning experiences that accommodate all students.
CURMUDGUCATION: Glenn Beck's Patriotic AI Zombie https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/12/glenn-becks-patriotic-ai-zombie.html
### Key Points
- The growing market for AI-generated "zombie" avatars of historical figures and deceased relatives raises ethical concerns, as these simulations lack true inner lives and reflect users' perceptions rather than reality.
- Glenn Beck plans to launch an AI-driven American historical library featuring a George Washington AI avatar, claiming it will provide unbiased and factual historical education.
- The author doubts the feasibility of Beck's claims, suggesting the AI project is either a misunderstanding of AI technology or a marketing strategy.
- The commercialization of AI "zombies" for education and public use is criticized as a form of grift, with the potential to mislead users and distort historical understanding.
CURMUDGUCATION: School Sports https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/12/school-sports.html
### Key Points
- The author shares personal reflections on school sports, acknowledging their role in fostering school spirit and community engagement.
- Concerns are raised about the increasing competitiveness in high school sports, driven by parental expectations for scholarships and fame.
- The author critiques the growing influence of non-teacher coaches who may lack understanding of students' broader lives and educational needs.
- Tribalism in sports is compared to toxic socio-political behaviors, with the author expressing discomfort over its growing intensity.
- The author highlights the need for sports to build positive character traits and suggests promoting a more thoughtful approach to sports enthusiasm among young people.
How the NYPD violates sanctuary city laws. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/how-the-nypd-violates-sanctuary-city
How the NYPD violates sanctuary city laws.
### Key Points
- The NYPD has violated sanctuary city laws by assisting federal immigration enforcement, including setting up automated alerts for civil immigration enforcement, which contradicts city law.
- The NYPD handed over Merwil Gutiérrez Flores to the FBI, who transferred him to ICE, leading to his imprisonment in El Salvador despite city protections.
- Arrest records of Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian immigrant, were improperly disclosed by the NYPD, aiding her deportation proceedings.
- The Department of Investigation highlights multiple incidents where the NYPD exploited loopholes or disregarded sanctuary laws, raising concerns about the department’s commitment to city protections.
- Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has an opportunity to restore New York’s sanctuary city status and ensure the NYPD adheres to sanctuary laws under Commissioner Jessica Tisch's leadership.
