DECEMBER 6, 2025
- FBI Arrests Suspect in Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Case: After a four-year investigation, the FBI arrested 30-year-old Brian J. Cole Jr. from Virginia, accused of planting pipe bombs near the RNC and DNC headquarters on the eve of the 2021 Capitol riot. Cole reportedly told investigators he believed the 2020 election was stolen, marking a potential motive breakthrough.
- Supreme Court Approves Texas' New GOP-Favorable Congressional Map: The Court overturned a lower ruling, allowing Texas to use redrawn districts that could net Republicans five additional House seats in 2026, boosting Trump's party amid ongoing gerrymandering battles.
- Deadly Caribbean Drug Boat Strikes Under Scrutiny: Lawmakers reviewed footage of U.S. military strikes on alleged drug vessels, killing at least nine, including two survivors in a second attack. Questions arise over legality and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of Signal for Yemen strike discussions.
- Epstein Investigation Transcripts Ordered Released: A Florida judge mandated the unsealing of grand jury records from Jeffrey Epstein's abandoned probe, following Trump's signing of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
- Supreme Court to Rule on Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order: The justices agreed to review the constitutionality of Trump's executive action denying citizenship to children of undocumented or temporary immigrants, a pivotal case on the 14th Amendment.
- Federal Judge Blocks Mass Immigration Arrests in D.C.: A ruling prohibits warrantless sweeps without probable cause, amid Trump's targeting of Somali communities and broader deportation efforts.
- California Sues Trump Over Tariffs: Gov. Gavin Newsom and AG Rob Bonta filed the first state lawsuit against Trump's tariffs, claiming economic harm; the U.S. also suspended WTO contributions.
- Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter Faces New Threats: The DOJ seeks to re-incarcerate Taylor Taranto after he threatened Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, highlighting fallout from Trump's mass Jan. 6 pardons.
- U.S.-Russia Ukraine Peace Talks Stall: Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Putin in Moscow, but no progress emerged on a U.S. proposal; Ukraine calls it a "time-waster" amid ongoing strikes.
- Four Nations Exit 2026 Eurovision Over Israel: Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia withdrew, protesting Israel's participation amid Gaza tensions; the contest faces boycott calls.
- Taliban Executes Man Publicly in Afghanistan: Authorities carried out a hanging in Khost for alleged murder, drawing international condemnation for human rights violations.
- Russia Blocks Snapchat and FaceTime: Nationwide bans on foreign apps escalate amid tech crackdowns; Putin vows uninterrupted fuel to India despite U.S. tariffs.
- Drop in Indian Students Studying Abroad: Parliament data shows fewer Indians pursuing higher education overseas, with Gulf nations now top destinations; CBSE/ICSE failures shift to flexible NIOS programs.
- Tezpur University Shutdown Ends with Acting VC: Protests over corruption led to a week-long closure; senior faculty appointed interim vice chancellor to restore operations.
- U.S. Dept. of Ed. Targets UC Berkeley Over Protest: Federal review launched after violent clashes at a Turning Point USA event; Secretary McMahon pushes reforms against "left-wing ideological capture."
- NYSED Releases 75% of 2025 Test Questions: Instructional reports from Grades 3-8 ELA/Math and science exams now public to aid teaching; applications open for 2025 Summer Food Service Program.
- Fed Eyes December Rate Cut Amid Soft Labor Data: Markets price 90% chance of a quarter-point reduction; mortgage rates dip, but minimum wage rises in 22 states signal uneven recovery.
- Global Growth Slows to 2.6% in 2025: UNCTAD warns of trade barriers and volatility; developing nations face high borrowing costs and climate risks, per OECD outlook.
- China's Investment and Retail Sales Weaken: Fixed-asset investment down 1.7% in 10 months; retail up just 2.9%, with auto spending dropping amid export/inventory buildup.
- Dell Foundation's $6.25B for Child Investment Accounts: Largest U.S. kids' charity gift funds $250 seeds for 25M low-income children under 10; Treasury adds $1,000 for newborns through 2028.
- AWS Unveils Graviton5 CPU at re:Invent: New chip promises peak efficiency for AI workloads; CEO Garman emphasizes AI agents unlocking enterprise value.
- Harvey AI Raises $160M at $8B Valuation: Legal tech startup, backed by OpenAI, hits milestone amid AI boom; Micro1 crosses $100M ARR in infrastructure.
- EU Fines X $140M Over Tech Policing: U.S. officials decry it as an "attack on American platforms"; Florida pushes "AI Bill of Rights" despite Trump opposition.
- Google's Gemini 2.5 Powers "AI Mode" in Search: Enables conversational queries; WEF lists quantum computing, carbon capture as top emerging tech for 2025.
- CDC Panel Delays Infant Hepatitis B Vaccine: Controversial vote allows opting out for low-risk newborns, reversing 1991 universal recommendation; Trump praises, experts warn of infection risks.
- Promising HIV Cure Path Emerges: Small trial shows six participants controlled virus for months post-treatment; one sustained remission over 1.5 years via immune boost.
- Coffee Linked to Slower Aging in Psychiatric Patients: Up to four cups daily tied to longer telomeres, potentially adding five years; polyphenol-rich foods boost heart health.
- Wildfire Smoke Raises Preterm Birth Risk: UW study of 20K+ births finds exposure increases premature delivery odds; universal school meals cut student hypertension.
- FIFA Awards Trump Inaugural Peace Prize: President honored at 2026 World Cup draw for diplomacy; trophy displayed amid U.S. hosting buzz.
- India Faces South Africa in ODI Series Decider: Rohit-Kohli duo eyes win; tickets sell out on centuries hype; Jaiswal, bowlers key.
- East Bengal Reaches AIFF Super Cup Final: 3-1 win over Punjab FC; India juniors vs. Belgium in Hockey World Cup quarters.
- UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs. Yan Rematch Headlines PPV: Bantamweight title fight caps year at T-Mobile Arena; Jake Paul vs. Joshua set for Dec. 19.
### Key Points
- The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Texas' racially gerrymandered congressional map, benefiting Republicans and overturning an Appeals Court decision.
- The gerrymandered map was created to add five Republican seats by targeting districts represented by Black and Hispanic representatives.
- Leticia James, New York Attorney General, faced politically motivated charges of mortgage fraud, but the grand jury refused to indict her due to insufficient evidence.
Why an Advocate of High-Stakes Testing and School Choice Did a 180 https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/05/why-an-advicate-of-high-stakes-testing-and-school-choice-did-a-180/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch reflects on how her views on high-stakes testing and school choice have evolved over time, as discussed in her new book.
- Readers share their experiences with public and private schools, emphasizing the importance of supporting public education and addressing systemic inequities.
- Ravitch highlights her belief that charter schools were initially intended to collaborate with public schools, but they have deviated from that purpose.
- Criticism of high-stakes testing is discussed, pointing out its focus on isolated metrics rather than broader educational goals and systemic issues like poverty and funding inequities.
- Concerns are raised about the privatization of education, including the misuse of public funds and lack of accountability in the charter school sector.
Florida: School Board Leaders Boo State Commissioner of Education https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/05/florida-school-board-leaders-boo-state-commissioner-of-education/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Florida Education Commissioner Kamoutsas was booed for comments defending "Schools of Hope" and suggesting the closure of failing school districts.
- Kamoutsas claimed that "Schools of Hope" charter operators are held to the same standards as public schools but emphasized their performance-based agreements.
- Critics argue the initiative is a strategy to weaken public education by favoring private operators and creating competition that harms public schools.
RFK Jr. Endangers the Lives of Children with His Extremist, Anti-Vax Views https://dianeravitch.net/2025/12/05/rfk-jr-endangers-the-lives-of-children-with-his-extremist-anti-vax-views/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- RFK Jr. dismissed the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and replaced them with his allies, leading to controversial vaccine policy changes.
- The new panel voted to stop recommending Hepatitis B vaccines for newborns, risking a rise in infections and public health issues.
- Medical experts and public health leaders condemned the decision, citing the vaccine's proven safety and effectiveness.
- RFK Jr.'s administration has been accused of removing respected scientists and promoting unsubstantiated anti-vaccine claims.
- Trust in federal health authorities has eroded due to these actions, prompting calls for reliance on reputable medical organizations.
Big Education Ape: History Rocks or Democracy Crumbles? Linda McMahon's Christian Nationalist Road Show Rolls Into New Jersey https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/history-rocks-or-democracy-crumbles.html
### Key Points
- Linda McMahon's "History Rocks!" tour is criticized for promoting Christian nationalist propaganda in public schools, whitewashing history, and undermining democracy.
- Organizations like Turning Point USA, PragerU, and Hillsdale College play key roles in advancing right-wing, revisionist education agendas, focusing on Christian values and dismissing structural racism and inequality.
- Critics argue these efforts threaten the separation of church and state and seek to indoctrinate children into far-right ideologies.
- New Jersey educators and parents oppose McMahon's visit, emphasizing the importance of teaching honest, inclusive history and resisting political and ideological indoctrination.
- The movement to transform public education into a right-wing propaganda tool is part of a larger, well-funded campaign with significant political and financial backing.
- The article calls for resistance through community action, support for educators, and political engagement to protect democratic, evidence-based education.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 5, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01468509600.html
### Key Points
- Putin’s aggression against Ukraine threatens its cultural heritage and independence.
- Feminism and body positivity are celebrated in fiction, emphasizing diverse representation.
- Linda McMahon's Christian Nationalist RoadShow raises concerns about democracy and history education.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine views endanger public health, especially for children.
- Arctic Blast grips the U.S., causing extreme cold and risks of frostbite.
- The Pentagon faces scrutiny over a controversial Caribbean strike and classified discussions on Signal.
- LGBTQ prison protections are being dismantled, drawing criticism from advocates.
- Tennessee’s special election signals potential vulnerabilities for Republicans.
- Trump escalates anti-Somali immigrant rhetoric, sparking backlash.
- Trump rolls back fuel efficiency rules, citing manufacturing priorities.
- U.S.-Russia discussions on Ukraine yield mixed signals, highlighting stalled peace efforts.
- Deadly storms in South Asia displace millions due to climate change.
- Russia bans Human Rights Watch, intensifying its crackdown on NGOs.
- Maharashtra schools shut amid teacher protests, affecting millions of students.
- U.S. Department of Education faces further dismantling, sparking outcry.
- Chile bans smartphones in classrooms to curb distractions.
- AI-related job cuts rise, but broader labor disruptions remain limited.
- AWS unveils new AI tools, emphasizing enterprise value.
- Google launches Gemini 3, advancing coding and search capabilities.
- Airbus software update causes flight disruptions globally.
- Coffee consumption correlates with slower aging, offering health benefits.
- Shingles vaccine linked to reduced dementia risk.
- RSV infection in infants linked to higher asthma risk later in life.
- Ovechkin nears Gretzky’s NHL goal record, showcasing sports achievement.
- Purdue tops AP poll in men’s basketball rankings.
- Gary Rubinstein praises Diane Ravitch's memoir for its impactful storytelling and insights on education reform.
- Trump administration dismantles the Department of Education, shifting programs to other departments, undermining equity.
- Erika Donalds builds a for-profit charter school empire in Florida, raising ethical concerns over public funding.
- The gap between American ideals and actions continues to widen, with calls for compassion and systemic change.
- Advocacy for public education counters privatization efforts and promotes equity.
- NYPD violates sanctuary city laws, raising concerns over immigration enforcement.
- Social media amplifies controversies in higher education, highlighting systemic issues in grading and accommodations.
- Glenn Beck’s AI-driven historical library raises ethical and educational concerns.
- Teacher Tom advocates creative classroom environments, promoting agency and play-based learning.
- EdTech companies prioritize business interests over educational outcomes, raising concerns about student focus and mental health.
- California announces grants to improve school meal services and support food service staff.
- USSYP selects outstanding high school students for scholarships and leadership programs.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 5, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-5-2025.html
### Key Points
- Russia continues its aggressive actions against Ukraine, with cultural and national implications.
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces scrutiny over controversial military strikes in the Caribbean.
- A suspect has been arrested in the decade-old Long Island serial killings case.
- The U.S. Treasury imposes fines on companies tied to Russian oligarchs.
- The U.S. Supreme Court approves redistricting maps favoring Texas Republicans.
- A U.S.-mediated peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda faces challenges due to ongoing rebel activity.
- Putin and Modi strengthen Russia-India ties during the 23rd Annual Summit, focusing on trade and defense.
- The U.S. Department of Education reallocates responsibilities, sparking criticism from Democrats.
- Chile bans smartphone use in classrooms to reduce distractions among students.
- U.S. Republicans push for transparency and cost reductions in higher education.
- Global economic growth slows to 2.6% in 2025 due to trade and geopolitical pressures.
- Google launches Gemini 3 AI, while AWS and Anthropic unveil new AI tools.
- New fuel cell technology and advancements in chip design promise breakthroughs in energy efficiency.
- WHO endorses GLP-1 drugs for obesity management, while coffee consumption is linked to slower aging in psychiatric patients.
- Purdue returns to the top of the AP Men's Basketball Poll, while Coco Gauff wins her second French Open title.
- Luka Dončić is traded to the Lakers, and OKC Thunder secures its first NBA title.
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
A New Vision for Our Retired Teacher Chapter We've gone astray and need to regroup. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/a-new-vision-for-our-retired-teacher
### Key Points
- Trust is essential in relationships, and when trust is absent, loyalty is often demanded instead.
- Retired teachers overthrew Unity's control in the union, aiming for member-driven leadership to protect healthcare and other benefits.
- Unity passed a resolution against "election interference" to weaken the retirees' influence and maintain control.
- Unity betrayed retirees with misleading promises about Medicare Advantage plans, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
- Retirees must actively communicate and advocate for their interests through media, social platforms, and direct action.
- Unity's scripted events and resistance to retiree resolutions highlight the need for smarter strategies to ensure retiree voices are heard.
- Retirees have achieved victories in court and public opinion, but Unity continues to undermine their efforts, necessitating stronger leadership and solidarity.
- Transparency and responsiveness are critical for building trust, which some leaders in the Retired Teacher Chapter lack.
The Narcissist Who Has Gunned For Your Job Since Day One – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/12/05/the-narcissist-who-has-gunned-for-your-job-since-day-one/
### Key Points
- The article explores the behaviors and traits of individuals who target others' professional roles, often driven by insecurity and narcissism.
- These individuals observe and imitate their targets to position themselves as indispensable, while their actions are rooted in manipulation rather than genuine ambition.
- Narcissists often use subtle undermining tactics, such as soft criticisms, selective praise, and spreading half-truths, to erode trust and credibility in their targets.
- They seek validation through titles and positions, rather than focusing on the responsibilities and work associated with the role.
- Over time, their behavior exposes them, leading to a loss of trust and credibility among colleagues and supervisors.
- The article provides strategies for maintaining composure and integrity when targeted, emphasizing the importance of calmness, consistency, and purpose-driven work.
- Ultimately, narcissists’ self-centered behavior leads to their downfall, while those targeted can grow as leaders by maintaining resilience and integrity.
Youth. For Christ. At School? NANCY FLANAGAN https://flanagann.substack.com/p/youth-for-christ
### Key Points
- The article reflects on the author's experiences as a liberal Christian, highlighting the complexity of religion in public school settings, particularly during December holiday programs.
- A local Youth for Christ chapter was established by salaried leaders who recruited high school students through their volunteer work in schools, raising concerns about the separation of church and state.
- Parents in the community expressed opposition to the recruitment efforts, filing non-consent forms for their children, representing a significant portion of the small school population.
- The Youth for Christ group plans to create a teen hangout downtown despite zoning issues and resistance from local merchants.
- The article questions why there is minimal outrage over religious proselytizing in schools while other topics like equity and inclusion in curricula face heavy criticism.
- The author reflects on the effectiveness of conservative youth organizations like Turning Point USA and contrasts it with the lack of similar liberal activism among young men.
OK: That Anti-Trans Essay and OSU's Shame PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/ok-that-anti-trans-essay-and-osus
### Key Points
- Oklahoma State University student Samantha Fulnecky failed an assignment for not adhering to the requirements, submitting a paper that lacked references to the assigned reading and instead included anti-trans rhetoric and personal ideology.
- Graduate teaching assistant Mel Curth, who assigned and graded the paper, provided detailed feedback, emphasizing that the grade was due to the paper's failure to meet academic standards, not the student's beliefs.
- Fulnecky escalated the situation by involving right-wing figures, her mother (a lawyer and conservative activist), and media outlets, framing the issue as an example of conservative oppression in academia.
- Oklahoma State University responded by benching Curth and ensuring no academic harm to Fulnecky, drawing criticism for yielding to external pressure.
- This incident highlights broader issues in academia, including fear of legal action, media influence, and the politicization of educational disputes.
Parental attitudes linked to college binge drinking Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- College students who binge drink often come from homes with permissive attitudes toward drinking, and these students are more likely to join Greek organizations. Parental attitudes play a significant role in shaping students' drinking behaviors.
- Parental programs like "Letting Go and Staying Connected" can help reduce binge drinking by encouraging parents to set clear guidelines and discuss risks with their children.
- Note-taking, either alone or combined with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, enhances reading comprehension and retention compared to using LLMs alone.
- Students enjoy using LLMs for exploring topics but benefit more from structured note-taking. Teachers and students should be trained on how to use LLMs effectively for learning.
- Global recommendations emphasize mandatory strength warm-ups and safe environments to reduce injuries in female athletes. These include specific exercises, protective equipment, and cultural changes in sports environments.
- Research highlights a lack of evidence-based medication treatments for adolescents with substance use disorders (SUD), calling for more studies and policy initiatives to address gaps in treatment for diverse youth.
- A Florida school district's all-day cell phone ban improved test scores over two years, particularly among male students and in middle and high schools, despite initial disciplinary challenges.
- Listening training for MBA students significantly boosts their humility and leadership integrity. Face-to-face experiences are more effective than online sessions in fostering these traits.
glen brown: "Judge Florence Pan starts her dissent by explaining why it’s important for some parts of government to retain independence from the White House" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/judge-florence-pan-starts-her-dissent.html
### Key Points
- The D.C. Circuit Court ruled that the president can remove members of the NLRB and MSPB at will, challenging laws meant to protect their independence.
- Judge Florence Pan dissented, warning that the decision undermines the independence of nonpartisan government agencies and could lead to increased political control over traditionally independent entities.
- The ruling is tied to the broader debate over the unitary executive theory and may influence the Supreme Court’s pending decision in Trump v. Slaughter.
- Judge Pan highlighted the historical importance of agency independence and its role in safeguarding democracy, warning of the risk of autocracy if the decision stands.
- The case underscores the need for Congress to clarify constitutional standards to preserve agency independence and prevent excessive executive power.
glen brown: Glory to Ukraine (Слава Україні!) https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/glory-to-ukraine.html
### Key Points
- Writers should resist oppression and maintain independence from societal doctrines, theories, and politics.
- The article criticizes Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a crime against humanity, highlighting the atrocities committed and dismissing justifications for the war.
- Advocacy for social justice, fair taxation, and addressing systemic issues like racism, healthcare inequality, and environmental destruction.
- Critiques of political corruption, corporate greed, and specific figures such as Donald Trump and other political leaders.
- Discussions on various topics including education reform, pensions, healthcare, and global conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian war.
- Reflections on cultural and literary topics, including poetry, literature, and the role of writers in society.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: This and That, December 5, 2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/12/this-and-that-december-5-2025.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Seattle Schools webinar changes due to legal restrictions on board members' quorum.
- Controversy over racist comments targeting Somali Americans and their impact on the community in Seattle.
- Updates on Seattle Public Schools graduation dates due to Memorial Stadium construction.
- Ongoing legal battles over public funding for religious charter schools, with potential Supreme Court implications.
- Rise of classical education models in Florida, including new teaching certifications and alternative college entrance exams.
- Allegations of nepotism and questionable promotions within Seattle Public Schools.
The 2nd Day of Boobsmas All I want for Christmas is Scott Hunter from "Heated Rivalry" KELLY REYNOLDS https://authorkellyrey.substack.com/p/the-2nd-day-of-boobsmas
The Publisher Of "Franklin" Is Going Viral For Their Response To The Cover Pete Hegseth Posted https://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/franklin-the-turtle-publisher-slammed-pete-hegseth
