DECEMBER 2, 2025
- White House Tightens Immigration Reviews After Shooting: Following the shooting of two National Guard members, the administration is accelerating stricter legal immigration processes, including enhanced background checks.
- Fired Immigration Judge Sues Over Discrimination: A judge claims dismissal due to gender, Lebanese citizenship, and past Democratic candidacy, highlighting tensions in federal judiciary.
- AI Targets Independent Candidates in Districts: The Independent Center uses AI to map winnable congressional seats for independents, aiming to challenge the two-party system.
- Winter Storm Threatens Northeast: A bomb cyclone is forecast to bring up to a foot of snow from Michigan to New England, affecting over 16 million people.
- Democrats Gain in 2025 Off-Year Elections: Wins in key races like New York City mayoral (Zohran Mamdani) and Virginia AG signal backlash against Trump policies and the government shutdown.
- Government Shutdown Becomes Longest in History: Now on day 36, the impasse over spending and tariffs has stalled federal operations, impacting elections and public services.
- Trump's Approval Hits New Low: Polls show his ratings dipping below historical benchmarks for presidents, amid economic concerns and foreign policy debates.
- AI Disrupts Two-Party System Push: Efforts to back independents using tech gain traction, with calls for broader reforms.
- Zelenskyy Pushes Revised US Peace Plan: In Paris talks with Macron, Ukraine's leader hails updates to end the war, amid Trump's envoy heading to Russia.
- US-Venezuela Tensions Escalate: Trump convenes on strikes against alleged drug boats, called "self-defense" by White House but criticized as potential war crimes.
- Putin Claims Control of Two Ukrainian Cities: Russia advances amid ongoing conflict, as Zelenskyy seeks European support.
- Haiti Gangs Launch Major Attack: Hundreds flee central region violence, exacerbating humanitarian crisis.
- Trump Administration Advances Dismantling of Dept. of Education: Six interagency agreements shift programs, fulfilling pledge to devolve power to states; critics warn of funding chaos.
- Billionaires Influence University Overhauls: New donors aid Trump efforts to reshape higher ed, ousting presidents and curbing "ideology" in curricula.
- CAT 2025 Fees Rise 31%, Sparking Debate: Parliament questions hike rationale; impacts MBA aspirants amid affordability concerns.
- AI Workgroup Formed for Public Schools: California convenes experts to integrate tech ethically, focusing on equity and privacy.
- Black Friday Spending Hits Record $11.8B Online: Up from last year, but inflation drives price hikes over volume; Cyber Monday deals extend trends.
- Core CPI at 3%, Above Fed Target: Inflation eases from peaks but persists, complicating rate cut debates amid tariffs.
- China's Investment Declines 1.7%: Fixed assets drop amid property woes; retail sales slow, signaling broader slowdown.
- OECD Economic Outlook Due Tuesday: Projections expected to highlight trade barriers' drag on global growth to 2.3% in 2025.
- Apple Replaces AI Chief with Microsoft Exec: John Giannandrea out, Amar Subramanya in, to boost generative AI amid lag behind Google/OpenAI.
- Media Giants Back Reuters in AI Copyright Suit: Disney, Paramount support against Ross Intelligence for using legal data to train models.
- xAI Nears $15B Funding Close: Elon Musk's venture eyes December wrap, fueling AI infrastructure race.
- CyrusOne Boosts Data Center Cooling: Post-outage upgrades address AI-driven power demands.
- Congress Races to Extend ACA Subsidies: Expiring credits threaten premium hikes for millions; Trump signals support but with restrictions.
- Trump Ends World AIDS Day Commemoration: State Dept. bars funding/promotion, drawing criticism on global health eve.
- Mediterranean Diets Cut Constipation Risk: Long-term study links plant-based eating to prevention in seniors, beyond fiber alone.
- Bird Flu Claims First US Fatality: Washington man dies from rare strain; officials stress low public risk.
- Patriots Surge to AFC Top Under Vrabel: Mike Vrabel's leadership turns New England around in one year, eyeing playoffs.
- Cowboys Streak to 3 Wins: Schottenheimer's tactics fuel belief in Dallas turnaround.
- Broncos Edge OT Thriller: Nik Bonitto's swat seals win, preserving playoff hopes.
- Man United Stages Comeback Win: Zirkzee's goal helps 2-1 victory over Palace in Premier League.
Our Pressure Cooker Schools Are Destroying Children and Childhood https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/01/our-pressure-cooker-schools-are-destroying-children-and-childhood/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The rise in mental health issues among children is linked to academic pressures, social media, and misdiagnoses.
- Educational reforms since the 1980s have focused on metrics and test scores, altering the experience of childhood and increasing stress.
- Standardized testing and accountability measures have created winners and losers, exacerbating social class divides and stigmatizing children from less affluent families.
- The decline of play and recess in schools has negatively impacted children's development and well-being.
- Increased diagnoses of ADHD and autism are tied to educational policies and pressures to improve test scores.
- The article criticizes both political parties for their role in perpetuating harmful education policies and calls for a return to student-centered learning.
Carol Burris: Another Religious Charter School Applies for Public Funding in Oklahoma, Backed by For-Profit Corporation https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/01/carol-burris-religious-charter-school-applies-for-public-funding-in-oklahoma-backed-by-for-profit-corporation/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A religious school associated with the for-profit Academica corporation is seeking public funding for an online charter school in Oklahoma, raising concerns about the separation of church and state.
- The Ben Gamla Jewish Charter Foundation, founded by Peter Deutsch, aims to provide Jewish cultural education and Hebrew language instruction to students, with religious teachings offered as optional after-school programs.
- Ben Gamla schools have been closely tied to Academica, the largest for-profit charter management corporation in the U.S., which handles their operations, administration, and finances.
- Academica operates multiple charter school networks across the U.S., including Somerset Academy, Mater Academy, Doral Academy, and others, often generating significant revenue through management fees and related real estate ventures.
- Concerns have been raised about the potential approval of the Oklahoma application, as it could set a precedent for publicly funded religious charter schools and further erode the distinction between public education and religious instruction.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 1, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog.html
### Key Points
- Advocacy groups criticize the DOE for pausing efforts to reduce class sizes, citing inequity and negative impacts on education.
- A mass shooting in Stockton, California, claimed four lives and injured ten, raising concerns about gun violence.
- U.S. e-commerce sales hit a record $11.8 billion on Black Friday due to inflation and economic recovery.
- A winter storm disrupted Midwest travel, causing delays and closures post-Thanksgiving.
- Non-U.S. residents will face new entry fees for national parks starting January 2026 to fund conservation.
- Democrats achieved significant victories in 2025 elections, signaling anti-Trump momentum ahead of midterms.
- Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica, killing dozens and highlighting AI's role in accurate storm forecasting.
- Thailand faces severe flooding, prompting recovery plans from its Prime Minister.
- Myanmar elections proceed amid violence and repression, risking deeper instability.
- Ukrainian civilians face challenges in repatriation from Russian jails amidst peace talks.
- Philippine protests highlight frustrations over corruption under President Marcos Jr.
- Cyclone Ditwah forced school closures in Indian regions, with red alerts issued for safety.
- AI integration in U.S. classrooms expands, teaching ethics and data analysis through innovative curricula.
- Stanford's breakthrough in Type 1 diabetes treatment using stem cells offers hope for human trials.
- GLP-1 drugs improve colon cancer survival rates, linking metabolic health to oncology outcomes.
- Rising consumption of ultra-processed foods correlates with worsening health metrics globally.
- Democratic socialist candidates like Zohran Mamdani gain traction with progressive policies addressing inequality.
- Diane Ravitch's memoir reflects her journey in education and her advocacy for truth and integrity.
- Advocacy groups fight against billionaire-led privatization efforts, emphasizing public education as a fundamental right.
- AI could replace 12% of the U.S. workforce, with middle America being highly affected.
- Privacy concerns rise as DOE fails to enforce compliance with student data protection laws.
- Thanksgiving myths are challenged, calling for acknowledgment of Indigenous history and resilience.
- Researchers face funding cuts under Trump, risking a "brain drain" in U.S. scientific leadership.
- Hegseth's controversial military orders spark debates on ethics and legality.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 1, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-1-2025.html
International Politics: Trump pardons ex-Honduran president; Netanyahu seeks pardon; Pope visits Lebanon amid tensions; Russia-Ukraine peace talks progress.
Education: Cyclonic storm disrupts schools in India; U.S. investigates campus protests; AI projects introduced in schools; international student enrollment drops.
Economy: China's investment slowdown; AI-driven job cuts; Taiwan seeks tariff reductions; Fed debates rate cuts.
Technology: Amazon-Google multicloud partnership; Ukraine builds sovereign AI; Mexico plans a supercomputer; AI innovation in sports.
Health: Stanford's diabetes cure in mice; WHO obesity guidelines; Medicare drug price cuts; early lung cancer detection emphasized.
Sports: Arsenal-Chelsea draw; McLaren's F1 blunder; Bruins' NHL win; NCAA volleyball seeds revealed; first FBS game in South America announced.
### Key Points
- Tightened U.S. immigration reviews, Stockton shooting, record Black Friday sales, AI hurricane forecasting, and travel disruptions.
- Global events: Trump pardons ex-president, Netanyahu seeks pardon, Pope visits Lebanon, Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
- Education updates: School closures in India, U.S. probes campus protests, AI in schools, international student enrollment drops.
- Economic insights: China's slowed investments, AI job cuts, Taiwan's tariff talks, Fed rate cut debates.
- Tech advancements: Amazon-Google partnership, Ukraine's sovereign AI, Mexico's supercomputer plans, AI in sports innovation.
- Health breakthroughs: Diabetes treatment in mice, WHO obesity guidelines, Medicare drug savings, lung cancer detection focus.
- Sports highlights: Arsenal-Chelsea draw, McLaren's F1 misstep, Bruins' NHL win, NCAA volleyball seeds, South American FBS game.
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/looking-back-week-in-review-sunday_0218094292.html
This article provides a collection of blogs, posts, and updates focused on public education, social issues, and broader societal challenges. It highlights topics like anti-intellectualism, AI impact on jobs, H-1B visas, and the defense of public education, while also showcasing curated content from various contributors.
### Key Points
- Charitable organizations, such as The Anti-Cruelty Society, encourage donations and offer thank-you letters.
- Discussions on church-state challenges in schools and anti-intellectualism in the U.S. are featured.
- A review of major educational and societal themes, including AI's impact on jobs and public education advocacy.
- Posts emphasize the role of educators, writers, and organizations as advocates for public education.
- Analysis of H-1B visa policies and their implications for the American workforce and education system.
- Weekly and monthly reviews of top news stories, blog posts, and insights.
- Promotion of initiatives like Black Lives Matter at school and Sandy Hook Promise campaigns.
- Diane Ravitch's blog and the Badass Teacher Association are highlighted as resources for educational discussions.
- Advocacy for public education against billionaire oligarchy influence.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 30, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0868082577.html
The article discusses the challenges faced by public education, likening it to a battlefield where grassroots advocates, such as bloggers, writers, podcasters, and organizations, fight against billionaire-backed privatization efforts. It highlights the role of these "patron saints and warriors" in defending public schools through various platforms and initiatives. The article also lists numerous influential voices and organizations dedicated to protecting and improving public education.
For Every Student Finding Their Way – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/12/01/for-every-student-finding-their-way/
### Key Points
- Students today face invisible pressures, including academic expectations, social adjustments, and future planning, often leading to hidden stress.
- Encouragement and preparation are crucial for building confidence and navigating challenges effectively.
- Preparation is cumulative and involves consistent effort, such as rewriting essays, asking meaningful questions, and revisiting concepts to understand them better.
- Confidence stems from preparation, which helps students stay calm and grounded under pressure, turning challenges into growth opportunities.
- Preparation is a sign of belief in one's future and helps students handle intimidating situations and build resilience over time.
- The quiet work behind the scenes shapes a student's ability to succeed and instills a sense of belonging in new spaces.
- Preparation carries long-term benefits, becoming a foundation for confidence and growth that lasts beyond individual events.
- Julian Vasquez Heilig shares these insights to support students, educators, and families, emphasizing the transformative power of preparation and self-belief.
Schools Matter: Final Push for Aftyn! http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/12/final-push-for-aftyn.html
- A virtual phone banking event called "All In for Aftyn" is being organized by Indivisible to support flipping Tennessee's 7th congressional district from red to blue during a special election.
- The event will take place on Monday, December 1, from 6–7:30 pm EST, and participants can join from anywhere.
- Volunteers will use the Scale to Win calling tool to connect with voters, with a short training provided at the start for both new and experienced phone bankers.
- Participants need a computer and phone to make calls, and accessibility options like closed captioning via Zoom are available.
- Registration requires basic information, and Mobilize will share participant details with the event organizer for further contact.
Labor Market Strength and Declining Community College Enrollment Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Declining community college enrollments are driven by labor market strength, with over 60% of the decline linked to improved job opportunities.
- Training MBA students in listening skills enhances humility and ethical leadership, but face-to-face interactions are more effective than online formats.
- A strong sense of belonging in college significantly increases the likelihood of graduation within four to six years.
- Excessive screen time in children is linked to increased ADHD symptoms and developmental abnormalities in brain structure.
- Many parents have unrealistic expectations about their children's athletic success, influenced by factors like socioeconomic status, race, and sports fandom.
- Accountability measures for underperforming schools lead to long-term reductions in student criminal activity without significant increases in spending.
ICE plan a raid. New York shows up. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/ice-plan-a-raid-new-york-shows-up
- Immigration activists in New York successfully blocked ICE vans from conducting a planned raid in Manhattan, leading Homeland Security to cancel the operation and retreat to New Jersey.
- The NYPD’s involvement in the ICE raid raised questions, as New York is a sanctuary city where police are supposedly prohibited from assisting ICE operations.
- Police Commissioner Tisch, returning under the Mamdani administration, has the authority to prevent NYPD officers from participating in such situations, as demonstrated in a previous ICE raid where Tisch directed officers to avoid involvement.
- Elected officials, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and City Council Members, demanded the dismissal of charges against arrested activists, emphasizing their constitutional rights and the importance of protecting vulnerable New Yorkers.
- Activists and officials reiterated their commitment to standing against ICE operations and defending community members targeted by such raids.
Teacher Tom: Play-Based Classroom Management is Based on Love, Not Power https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/play-based-classroom-management-is.html
### Key Points
- Play-based classroom management prioritizes love over power, rejecting adult-centered approaches.
- Methods based on power often rely on control, rigid schedules, and future-focused preparation, contrasting with love-driven teaching.
- Love in education fosters connection, understanding, and acceptance, allowing children to thrive in their present lives.
- Teacher Tom offers a course to help educators adopt play-based classroom management and break away from traditional control-based methods.
FROM LOBSTER TAILS TO TALL TALES: MY SUMMER OF CIVIL RIGHTS, RACISTS AND COCA-COLA https://ru4people.substack.com/p/from-lobster-tails-to-tall-tales?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true
FROM LOBSTER TAILS TO TALL TALES: MY SUMMER OF CIVIL RIGHTS, RACISTS AND COCA-COLA recounts the author’s humorous and reflective experiences during the summer of 1974 in Georgia, where he encountered both civil rights legends and staunch racists. Through his job as a manager at Red Lobster, he crossed paths with figures like Hosea Williams, a prominent civil rights activist, and J.B. Stoner, a notorious racist. The article weaves personal anecdotes with historical context, showcasing moments of moral dilemmas, courage, and the absurdity of human behavior.
### Key Points
- The author reflects on his summer of 1974, working as a manager at Red Lobster in Georgia, encountering civil rights history and personalities.
- He met Hosea Williams, a civil rights leader, during a union protest at Red Lobster and shared a memorable interaction with him.
- The author also dealt with J.B. Stoner, a racist figure, and recounted instances of standing up against his discriminatory behavior in the restaurant.
- The narrative emphasizes the lesson that heroes come in all forms and highlights the importance of doing the right thing.
The Blogosphere Brigade: Public Education’s Last, Best Hope Against the Oligarchy’s Onslaught https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-blogosphere-brigade-public-educations
glen brown: How a bunch of high school misfits exposed a massive environmental scandal—and took on the mob https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/how-bunch-of-high-school-misfits.html
### Key Points
- The role of a writer in resisting societal oppression and remaining independent of doctrines, citing Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- Coverage of recent ecological disasters in Southeast Asia, including floods in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, with significant loss of life and ongoing rescue efforts.
- Criticism of political and social issues such as Trump-era policies, corruption, and systemic injustices, alongside reflections on historical and current events like the Ukraine war and U.S. social policies.
- Literary and cultural references, including poetry by Gwendolyn Brooks, the Beatles, and reflections on figures like Camus and Dylan.
- Advocacy for social justice, fair taxation, and environmental awareness, as well as discussions on pensions, education reforms, and healthcare.
Class size applications due, AI forum, and how 3 Gates-funded organizations are on the wrong side of equity | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/class-size-applications-due-ai-forum-and-how-how-3-gates-funded-organizations-are-on-the-wrong-side-of-equity/
### Key Points
- Advocacy groups funded by corporate reform interests urged NYC to halt efforts to reduce class sizes, citing inequitable funding allocations for schools with high proportions of Black, Hispanic, and low-income students.
- The argument against class size reduction does not justify pausing the initiative but highlights the need for better targeting of resources to high-need schools.
- Claims that high-need students already have smaller class sizes are based on flawed data analysis by the DOE, which misrepresents economic need by dividing schools into quartiles without considering actual enrollment numbers.
- Weighted need analysis shows that schools with the highest need enroll significantly more disadvantaged students, yet these schools are less likely to meet class size caps.
- Disadvantaged students benefit disproportionately from smaller class sizes, reinforcing the need for continued investment in class size reduction, particularly through expanded school construction and aligned enrollment policies.
- The Mamdani administration is expected to implement a more equitable and efficient class size reduction plan, as mandated by law.
Weekend Quotables Top military lawyers say Hegseth committed “war crimes, murder, or both.” MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-49c
- Former U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is accused of committing war crimes for allegedly issuing illegal orders during a military operation targeting suspected narcotrafficking vessels in the Caribbean.
- Witnesses claim Hegseth gave a verbal directive to "kill everybody," including ordering a second strike on survivors, which violates international law.
- A bipartisan congressional investigation has been launched into Hegseth's actions, with criticism from both political sides and calls for his removal.
- Former President Trump has publicly supported Hegseth, denying the allegations and claiming Hegseth did not issue such orders.
- Broader criticism of the Trump administration includes accusations of fostering a corrupt kleptocracy and undermining democratic institutions.
- Trump’s history of hostility toward journalists and his controversial rhetoric are highlighted as part of his broader behavior.
- Additional commentary includes criticism of Cory Booker’s political decisions and The New York Times’ refusal to run ads criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Trump Is Not Sending Education Back To The States PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/trump-is-not-sending-education-back
### Key Points
- The Department of Education was initially created to ensure equitable access to education, regardless of socioeconomic status.
- The Trump administration's actions aim to dismantle the Department of Education, redistributing its functions to other federal departments, which may lead to more bureaucracy and inefficiency.
- These changes are part of a broader right-wing agenda to privatize education, weaken civil rights protections, and turn education into a commodity.
- Claims of reducing red tape or returning education control to states are misleading; the federal government still retains control over major programs like IDEA and Title I.
- The long-term goal of this movement appears to be reducing the federal role in education while promoting privatization and ideological agendas.
- There is concern about the impact on vulnerable students, including those with special needs, as programs may lose funding or support.
Florida's Schools of Despair State-funded charter school boondoggle costs taxpayers millions ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/floridas-schools-of-despair
### Key Points
- Florida’s “Schools of Hope” program redirects millions of taxpayer dollars from public schools to charter schools, many of which are run by for-profit companies.
- Since 2017, the program has cost over $300 million but has not significantly improved student achievement, with many “Hope” schools performing no better than the public schools they were meant to replace.
- NAEP test scores for Florida students have shown no meaningful improvement despite the state’s heavy investment in school choice initiatives.
