DECEMBER 22, 2025
- Epstein Files Controversy: The Justice Department faced backlash over heavy redactions and the apparent temporary removal of newly released Jeffrey Epstein-related documents from its website, with ongoing defenses that victim privacy is being protected.
- U.S. Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Tanker: U.S. forces intercepted and seized another oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, escalating pressure on President Nicolás Maduro amid sanctions.
- Healthcare Policy Shifts: Rising concerns over potential loss of subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans, leading to higher premiums for millions, alongside debates on Medicaid cuts to fund tax reductions.
- Luigi Mangione Case Update: Lawyers for the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson sought to dismiss federal charges, citing bias from Attorney General Pam Bondi.
- Trump Administration Actions: Continued focus on foreign policy pressures, including Venezuela interventions and reported constructive U.S.-Russia talks on ending the Ukraine war.
- Epstein Documents and Redactions: Political anger grows over handling of files, with implications for the Justice Department under the current administration.
- Healthcare and Budget Cuts: Republican-led cuts to Medicaid and children's health programs to offset tax cuts, impacting low-income Americans.
- Drug Pricing Agreements: Trump administration announces deals with pharmaceutical companies to align U.S. prices with international "most-favored-nation" rates.
- U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine: Described as "constructive," part of broader efforts toward peace, amid ongoing Russian strikes (e.g., Iskander missile attack on Dnipro killing several).
- U.S. Airstrikes on ISIS in Syria: Operation targeting 70 sites in multiple locations.
- Mass Shooting in South Africa: Nine killed and 10 injured in a pub attack in Bekkersdal.
- Assassination in Peru: Councilwoman killed in targeted shooting at a Christmas event.
- EU Loan to Ukraine: €90 billion approved from internal budget after issues with frozen Russian assets.
- Trump Administration Changes: Steps toward eliminating or restructuring the U.S. Department of Education, including premature termination of Community Schools grants.
- Executive Order on AI Regulations: Blocking state-level AI rules to promote growth, impacting education tech.
- Higher Education Leadership Shifts: Multiple university president changes and proposed budget cuts affecting programs.
- Immigrant Workforce in Child Care: Growing reliance on immigrants for early education roles amid staffing challenges.
- Trade Policy and Tariffs Impact: Ongoing uncertainty from Trump-era tariffs affecting growth projections; global economy resilient but fragile.
- U.S. Growth Forecasts: Expected 1.9% year-over-year in 2025, slowing slightly in 2026 amid policy crosswinds.
- Inflation and Bond Yields: Services inflation up, but overall risks shifting from inflation to trade disruptions and supply chains.
- India Surpasses as Fourth-Largest Economy: GDP around $4.5 trillion, per recent announcements (global context).
- AI Advancements and Investments: Major deals like Google Cloud with Palo Alto Networks (~$10B) and Nvidia's $2B in Synopsys for AI-driven chip design.
- Microsoft AI Focus: CEO Mustafa Suleyman aims for self-sufficiency in frontier AI development.
- Biodegradable Tech: New fully biodegradable artificial synapse for neuromorphic computing.
- Windows 11 Updates: December Insider build adds AI integrations and new features.
- Rising Respiratory Illnesses: COVID-19, flu, and norovirus (stomach bug) increasing in many U.S. states; whooping cough concerns.
- Healthcare Access Issues: Potential premium hikes on ACA plans without subsidies; criticisms of system impacting poor Americans.
- Medical Breakthroughs Recap: Advances in gene editing, pancreatic cancer detection, and neural regrowth for vision restoration highlighted in year-end reviews.
- Tick-Borne Allergy: First confirmed deadly case of alpha-gal syndrome from red meat.
- College Football Bowls: Ongoing bowl season, including Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 22; Pop-Tarts Bowl featuring BYU vs. Georgia Tech.
- U19 Asia Cup Cricket Final: High-stakes India vs. Pakistan rematch.
- NBA and College Basketball: Key games like Kentucky rally over St. John's; TCU and Houston wins.
- Soccer: Arsenal tops Premier League with win over Everton.
- FIFA Award: Ousmane Dembélé named 2025 Men's Player of the Year.
Big Education Ape: THE PROFITCARE PARADOX: HOW AMERICA'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM BECAME A BILLIONAIRE'S PLAYGROUND AND A PATIENT'S NIGHTMARE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-profitcare-paradox-how-americas.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. healthcare system has shifted from community-driven care to a profit-centered model, fueled by Reagan-era economic policies and the rise of HMOs.
- Managed care introduced profit-maximizing middlemen, leading to reduced hospital stays and prioritization of profits over patient care.
- Hospital consolidations have replaced community and rural hospitals with specialty centers focused on profitable procedures, leaving underserved areas vulnerable.
- Deregulation and corporate consolidation have created a medical-industrial complex, enabling insurers and pharmaceutical companies to dominate the market.
- Artificial scarcity of doctors due to limited medical school enrollment and residency slots exacerbates the doctor shortage and patient care issues.
- Medicare Advantage plans, introduced in 2003, privatized parts of Medicare, prioritizing profits over patient needs through claim denials and fraud.
- The U.S. spends more on healthcare per capita than any other nation but has poorer outcomes, including higher maternal and infant mortality rates.
- Compared to universal healthcare systems in other developed nations, the U.S. system is inefficient, costly, and inequitable.
- Medicare for All is proposed as a solution to reduce costs, improve accessibility, and eliminate administrative waste.
- Objections to Medicare for All, such as concerns about socialism, taxes, and government inefficiency, are addressed with evidence supporting its benefits.
- Alternatives like a public option or gradual Medicare expansion are explored but deemed less effective than single-payer systems.
- Immediate actions suggested include making ACA subsidies permanent, negotiating drug prices, breaking up healthcare monopolies, and increasing doctor supply.
- The article concludes with a call to political action to overhaul the profit-driven healthcare system and ensure healthcare as a right.
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/sunday-december-14-2025-looking-back.html
### Key Points
- Articles explore public education challenges, including the impact of AI, gerrymandering, and the influence of billionaire oligarchs.
- The blog features a roundup of weekly news and insights, including posts on school shootings and the importance of public education.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 21, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0519205474.html
### Key Points
- U.S. launches retaliatory strikes on ISIS in Syria, escalating military involvement in the region.
- U.S. pressure on Venezuela intensifies with oil tanker blockades and sanctions impacting the economy.
- Release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files by the Justice Department sparks public scrutiny.
- Federal judge orders special elections in Mississippi due to concerns over voter suppression.
- Trump administration faces challenges in its second term, including trade wars, economic criticisms, and immigration policies.
- Escalation in Ukraine-Russia conflict, with EU providing loans to Ukraine and missile strikes continuing.
- Trump's prime-time address is criticized for false claims about inflation, economic achievements, and comparisons to Marie Antoinette.
- Education sector faces challenges such as funding cuts, teacher shortages, and declining enrollments.
- Advances in AI and technology, including GPT-5, photonic computing chips, and AI-driven medical imaging.
- Rising respiratory illnesses and medical breakthroughs in areas like gene editing and cancer detection.
- Advocacy for public education, challenges from AI, and the importance of parent engagement are emphasized.
- Indianapolis proposes a new governing body, raising concerns over privatization and accountability in public education.
- The U.S. government faces criticism for policies harming children, including cuts to healthcare, education, and safety programs.
- The Winter Solstice 2025 is explored for its astronomical, cultural, and historical significance, along with modern ways to celebrate.
- Timothy Snyder emphasizes the importance of democracy, resistance, and moral values in combating authoritarianism.
- Stride, Inc. faces a class action lawsuit for securities fraud and allegations of prioritizing profits over education quality.
- Global conflicts and tensions, such as Cambodia-Thailand disputes and U.S. foreign policy actions, are highlighted.
- Renewable energy surpasses coal in global production for the first time, with China leading advancements.
- The article discusses the mental health benefits of in-person learning resumption post-COVID.
- The importance of parent engagement in schools is emphasized through various resources and strategies.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: DECEMBER 21, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/morning-news-update-december-21-2025.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. healthcare system is criticized for prioritizing profit over patient care, creating challenges for Americans.
- U.S. forces seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, escalating tensions amid sanctions.
- California faces disruptions due to a weeklong storm, while holiday travel safety concerns rise.
- U.S.-Russia talks on the Ukraine war continue despite ongoing conflict and Russian advances.
- Decline in international student enrollment in U.S. colleges is linked to immigration policies.
- Stock markets rebound, driven by tech gains and improved inflation data.
- AI reshaping the workforce, with significant layoffs and automation potential.
- Rising health concerns include respiratory illnesses and debates over procedures for minors.
- Major sports updates include Arsenal regaining the Premier League lead and Anthony Joshua defeating Jake Paul in boxing.
Big Education Ape: TRUMP CHANNELS MARIE ANTOINETTE IN PRIME-TIME ADDRESS: "LET THEM EAT CHEAPER EGGS" https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/trump-channels-marie-antoinette-in.html
The article primarily discusses various topics, including Donald Trump's controversial prime-time address, public education updates, and other educational and political insights. Trump's speech is criticized for its perceived disconnect from reality, misleading claims about inflation, and comparisons to historical figures like Marie Antoinette. Additionally, the article highlights resources and discussions related to public education, cultural context in teaching, and activism.
### Key Points
- Donald Trump's prime-time speech draws criticism for false claims about inflation, grocery prices, and economic achievements.
- Comparisons are made between Trump and Marie Antoinette regarding their perceived detachment from public struggles.
- Updates on public education, including resources for parent engagement and teacher noticing research, are shared.
- Advocacy for public education and discussions on the challenges posed by AI and other societal factors are included.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 12-14-25 TO 12-20-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-top-news-stories-this-week-12-14-25.html
The article provides a comprehensive summary of major news stories from December 14–20, 2025, covering various topics such as education, politics, world affairs, technology, economy, health, and sports. Key highlights include political developments, international conflicts, breakthroughs in technology and health, and notable events in education and sports.
### Key Points
- Indianapolis schools face disruption as structural changes are proposed to reform public education.
- The importance of parent engagement in schools is emphasized in December’s issue of "The School Community Journal."
- Research highlights how cultural context impacts teacher noticing, a critical skill for effective teaching.
- Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new public health initiative involving former CDC officials.
- President Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug.
- A series of political violence incidents, including the death of Charlie Kirk, sparked calls for reduced political hostility.
- The Department of Justice released Jeffrey Epstein-related files under a transparency law.
- A shooting at Brown University raised concerns about campus security.
- Congress adjourned without extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, risking higher premiums in 2026.
- President Trump delivered a year-end address, claiming economic and military achievements.
- The Kennedy Center was renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center.
- Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela escalated with oil tanker blockades and naval strikes.
- NYC school bus complaints revealed systemic issues, prompting reform calls.
- AI usage in classrooms is increasing, leading to policy adjustments in schools.
- Cornell Tech launched a scholarship program for legal technology students.
- The unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, with 108,000 jobs lost in October.
- Tariffs have cost American families an additional $1,200 since January 2025.
- TikTok agreed to sell its U.S. operations to avoid a ban.
- OpenAI launched GPT-5, while a Chinese startup released a competitive AI model.
- Chinese researchers unveiled a photonic computing chip significantly faster than traditional chips.
- Japanese scientists discovered a gut bacterium that eliminates colorectal tumors in mice.
- New York reached an agreement on physician-assisted dying for terminally ill patients.
- The Vancouver Canucks traded captain Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild in a major NHL trade.
- Brown University shooting and its aftermath continue to dominate education-related discussions.
- Declining birth rates are negatively affecting U.S. school enrollments.
- Studies show AI can reduce administrative burdens for special education teachers.
- China's semiconductor advancements challenge global tech leaders.
- Netflix acquired Warner Bros. Discovery for $72 billion.
- Advancements in AI medical imaging detect chronic stress and biological aging.
- Measles outbreaks reported in multiple U.S. states.
- College football playoff games and NFL Week 16 generated significant sports buzz.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST DECEMBER 20, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/12/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_02101147114.html
This article provides a comprehensive overview of recent news and developments in various sectors, including education, politics, world affairs, economy, technology, health, sports, and entertainment. It discusses topics such as federal and state-level education policies, international relations, advancements in technology and health, and cultural phenomena. Key issues such as immigration policies, public education funding, and the rise of renewable energy are explored in detail.
CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Hope You're Ready Edition (12/21) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/12/icymi-hope-youre-ready-edition-1221.html
- The article reflects on the end of the year, encouraging readers to focus on enjoying time with loved ones and preparing for the holiday season.
- Analysis of Florida's flawed education funding system and its negative impact on students, particularly in rural schools.
- Discussion on how federal grant cuts under the Trump administration have affected rural schools and families.
- Concerns about the expansion of school voucher programs and charter school policies in Florida and Colorado, which could undermine public education.
- Examination of the Trump administration's weakening of civil rights protections in K-12 and higher education.
- Issues in Alabama regarding the identification of unnecessary paperwork burdens on teachers.
- Lack of oversight in New Hampshire's school voucher program despite its expansion.
- Challenges faced by charter schools and their assets when they are shut down, with a focus on Erie, Pennsylvania.
- Criticism of ideological influences and indoctrination in education, particularly from political movements.
- Exploration of empathy in education, the role of teachers, and the limitations of AI in fostering genuine connections with students.
- Positive story about Black barbershops helping boys develop a love for reading.
- Concerns about the use of AI by Texas universities to revise course content related to race and gender.
- Critique of tech giants' influence and their perceived "God complex," with an interview featuring Paris Marx.
- Mention of various education-related blogs, resources, and commentary platforms for further exploration.
The Classroom Tech Backlash (Ruth Reader) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/12/21/the-classroom-tech-backlash-ruth-reader/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Some parents are turning to low-tech schools or homeschooling due to concerns about excessive screen use in classrooms.
- Advocacy groups are pushing for schools to reconsider their tech-heavy approaches, citing over-digitization and its impact on educational goals.
- Technology is widely used in classrooms, with 88% of schools providing personal devices, but heavy screen use has been linked to mental health issues and reduced physical activity.
- Many teachers believe school-issued devices can be a distraction in class, despite their potential to mirror real-world technology use.
- Studies suggest analog learning methods, like handwriting, can enhance learning, and social interaction is vital for cognitive development.
- Parents express concerns about the lack of personal interaction in tech-heavy classrooms, with videos often replacing human engagement.
- Advocacy groups highlight the poor quality of many educational apps and call for better evaluation and regulation of ed-tech tools.
- Experts acknowledge the difficulty of reversing schools' significant investments in technology, emphasizing the need for thoughtful integration.
When You’re Joking, You’re 70 Percent Serious? – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/12/21/when-youre-joking-youre-70-percent-serious/
### Key Points
- Humor often conveys underlying truths about a person’s values, beliefs, and emotions, even when framed as a joke.
- Jokes serve as a way to express thoughts or feelings that might be censored by social norms, providing a safer way to communicate high-risk meanings.
- Humor allows individuals to test the reception of their ideas while maintaining emotional distance, offering plausible deniability if the response is negative.
- Psychological research highlights humor as a coping mechanism for stress, reframing difficult experiences and signaling meaningful emotional processing.
- Jokes require a balance between literal meaning and playful reinterpretation, creating insight through dual interpretations.
- Humor can influence social and political discourse, engaging audiences more deeply with ideas while lowering their defenses.
- While humor can enhance perceptions of confidence and warmth, it also carries risks such as reputational damage if it fails.
- Humor is rarely accidental; it often reflects genuine emotions, values, and intentions, even when disguised as play.
glen brown: "Will it be the cruelty, or the corruption, or the sex scandals, or the bullying, or the war crimes?" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/12/will-it-be-cruelty-or-corruption-or-sex.html
### Key Points
- The nobility of writing lies in resisting oppression and embracing isolation, as reflected in quotes by Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- Critiques of Donald Trump’s presidency, including abuses of power, threats to democracy, and moral failures.
- Commentary on global issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the genocide in Gaza, and Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression.
- Reflections on injustice, including racial inequality, ecological disasters, and the impact of corporate greed.
- Importance of social justice, fair taxation, education reform, and healthcare, along with critiques of political systems and figures.
- A collection of famous quotes emphasizing wisdom, resilience, and the importance of thought and action.
- Personal anecdotes and tributes to family members and individuals significant to the author.
On the Record: Dr. Rocío Rivas on Promises, Progress, and What’s Next https://www.changethelausd.com/on_the_record_dr_roc_o_rivas_on_promises_progress_and_what_s_next
### Key Points
- Dr. Rocío Rivas evaluates her first term on the LAUSD Board, recognizing systemic challenges in education funding but highlighting measurable progress such as improved academic scores and the passing of Measure US, a $9 billion bond to modernize schools.
- She plans to push for revenue reform, expand successful programs like dual enrollment and community schools, and integrate climate resilience into district planning.
- Dr. Rivas emphasizes the importance of collaboration among district staff, labor partners, and the community to achieve districtwide implementation of initiatives.
- She acknowledges the challenges posed by systemic underfunding, immigration issues, and political pressures but remains optimistic due to the board's collaborative spirit.
- Her proudest accomplishment is the expansion of dual enrollment programs, which provide high school students with college-level courses and credits, promoting equity and career readiness.
9th Day of Boobsmas A very merry sneak peek for Christmas... plus a book rec or two. KELLY REYNOLDS https://authorkellyrey.substack.com/p/9th-day-of-boobsmas
### Key Points
- Kelly Reynolds reveals updates on her queer baseball romance series, including the title and sneak peek of her upcoming book, "Catch Got Your Tongue," set for release in April 2026.
- The article highlights the audiobook adaptations of her Rose City Roasters series and the character art reveal for "Addicted to Glove."
- Recommendations for Christmas romance reads, including "Bah Humbug" by Liz Lincoln and "Merry Little Mishap" by Vivian Mae, are shared.
- Kelly promotes her "Holidays in L.A." novellas, her sapphic short story, and invites readers to join her inclusive Facebook group, Kelly’s Book Baddies.
