JANUARY 5, 2026
U.S. NewsThe dominant story is the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Maduro is scheduled to appear in a New York federal court, facing drug-trafficking charges. President Trump has stated the U.S. will temporarily run the country during a transition, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized it's not a war against Venezuela but against drug organizations. Reactions include protests and international concern over the precedent.Other notable stories:
- Expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, leading to sharp increases in health insurance premiums for millions of Americans starting 2026.
- Ongoing debates over Trump's economic policies, including tariffs and potential Fed changes.
- The Venezuela intervention marks a significant foreign policy action by President Trump, departing from isolationist rhetoric, with threats of further strikes if cooperation fails.
- Domestic focus on upcoming midterm elections, economic perceptions, and health policy changes like expiring ACA subsidies.
- Trump warns of potential military actions in other Latin American countries over drug issues.
- Venezuela Crisis: U.S. capture of Maduro sparks global reactions; UN Security Council meeting scheduled, with concerns over international law violations from figures like UN Secretary-General Guterres.
- Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Middle East tensions.
- Other events: Earthquake in Mexico, protests in Iran, and regional issues in Yemen and Taiwan.
- Changes to college financial aid and student loans taking effect in 2026, including curbs on loan access and new repayment configurations.
- Global adoption of AI tools in schools, with partnerships (e.g., Microsoft in Thailand and UAE) but concerns over impacts on teaching.
- Predictions for edtech in 2026: Increased AI tutoring, workforce readiness focus, and cybersecurity emphasis.
- Policy shifts under Trump affecting higher education funding and programs.
- Trump's policies officially shaping the "Trump economy" in 2026, with expectations of Fed chair nomination and potential rate changes amid tariff impacts.
- Wall Street optimism for stock gains, but risks from AI bubble, inflation, and geopolitical events like Venezuela.
- Global outlook cautious on tech valuations and U.S. central bank stability.
- CES 2026 underway in Las Vegas: Major announcements expected from Nvidia, Samsung, LG, Intel on AI chips, robots, TVs (brighter OLEDs, Micro RGB), laptops, and wearables.
- Focus on AI pragmatism, robotics, and new processors (e.g., Intel Panther Lake, Nvidia gaming/AI updates).
- Broader trends: Shift to practical AI applications, edge computing, and immersive tech.
- Expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies causing millions to face higher premiums or lose coverage.
- Wellness trends: Emphasis on recovery, basic habits (diet, exercise, sleep) for longevity; skepticism on some supplements.
- Concerns over measles outbreaks risking U.S. elimination status, and rising early-onset cancers linked to processed foods.
- Potential new therapies (e.g., immune cell treatments) and AI in disease prediction.
- NFL playoffs shaping up: Final regular season games deciding seeds; teams like Rams, Seahawks, and Buccaneers securing positions.
- Upcoming events: Australian Open tennis starting soon; buildup to Winter Olympics, World Cup, and other 2026 majors.
- Transfer window open in soccer; college football playoffs ongoing.
Big Education Ape: BILLIONAIRE ETHICS: AN OXYMORON? THE MORAL BANKRUPTCY OF AMERICA'S NEW OLIGARCHY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/billionaire-ethics-oxymoron-moral.html
### Key Points
- Billionaires avoid paying over $150 billion in taxes annually while dismantling public institutions that enable social mobility.
- The wealthy use cost-benefit analyses to justify decisions that prioritize profit over public welfare, such as privatizing public education and neglecting social responsibility.
- Billionaires employ strategies like "buy, borrow, die" to accumulate and preserve wealth while avoiding taxes.
- The privatization of public goods, including education, healthcare, water, housing, infrastructure, and prisons, has led to a system where basic needs are commodified and controlled by a few.
- Large corporations and monopolies dominate markets, suppress competition, and influence regulations through lobbying, creating an oligarchic system that undermines democracy.
- Billionaires exploit tax loopholes like Roth IRAs, capital gains taxes, and private foundations to avoid contributing their fair share to society.
- The article critiques the libertarian ideology that justifies extreme wealth inequality and opposes taxation, regulation, and public services, arguing it is detached from reality and harmful to society.
- Billionaires target public education for privatization, driven by profit motives, ideological control, and the suppression of democratic values.
- The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few threatens democracy and leads to societal instability and potential collapse.
- The article calls for democratic reforms, including tax reform, antitrust enforcement, labor rights, public investment, and education reform, to counteract the negative effects of oligarchy.
- The piece concludes that the current system prioritizes profits over human dignity and democracy, urging society to choose reforms over a dystopian future.
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/looking-back-week-in-review-sunday.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. military operation in Venezuela, including the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, is a dominant news topic.
- Analysis of the "Donroe Doctrine" and its alignment with Putin's spheres of influence philosophy.
- Concerns about the rise of agentic AI and its potential to disrupt jobs in 2026.
- Critical perspectives on billionaires' influence on public education, with concerns about privatization and monetization.
- Historical and current analysis of U.S. interventions in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela, and their links to economic interests.
- A look back at 2025, highlighting challenges in public education, the role of AI, and political developments in the U.S.
- Advocacy for public education and resources for educators, including blogs, podcasts, and organizations supporting education reform.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST JANUARY 4, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01799306465.html
### Key Points
- U.S. President Trump launched an unauthorized military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who now face drug-trafficking charges in the U.S.
- The U.S. plans to temporarily govern Venezuela, including control over its oil reserves, leading to mixed reactions domestically and internationally.
- The military action in Venezuela was criticized for bypassing Congress, violating international norms, and being a return to "gunboat diplomacy."
- Critics argue the Venezuela operation was a distraction from domestic issues, such as the Epstein files, and an attempt to boost Trump’s low approval ratings through military posturing.
- The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned California's ban on open carry of guns.
- Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expired, resulting in steep health insurance premium hikes for millions of Americans.
- The U.S. imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese products, leading to retaliatory measures by China and potential inflation risks.
- Predictions for 2026 include increasing integration of AI in education and other sectors, economic growth despite inflation risks, and a surge in copper prices due to green energy initiatives.
- The article highlights the rising influence of technology and privatization in public education, leading to equity issues and the erosion of traditional teaching methods.
- AI is transforming education by automating tasks like grading and lectures, but it exacerbates inequities, especially in low-income schools where it often replaces teachers.
- The "Illustrative Math" curriculum in NYC faced criticism for being too rigid and difficult, failing to improve student performance in some schools.
- The article discusses the concept of "principled resistance," where teachers adapt or oppose mandated curricula to better serve their students’ needs.
- The U.S. military operation in Venezuela drew condemnation from neighboring countries and global leaders for violating Venezuelan sovereignty.
- The article highlights the potential long-term consequences of U.S. actions in Venezuela, including international isolation and further erosion of constitutional norms.
- Other global events include escalating tensions in Yemen, North Korea's missile launches, the ongoing Ukraine war, and China's military drills near Taiwan.
- Severe winter storms, wildfires in California, and a deadly earthquake in Northern California caused significant destruction.
- The U.S. announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, effective January 22, 2026.
- Predictions for the 2026 midterm elections suggest challenges for Republicans amid political and societal turbulence.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 4, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/morning-news-update-january-4-2026.html
### Key Points
- U.S. forces conducted a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro, leading to international backlash and domestic protests.
- President Trump announced temporary U.S. control over Venezuela to stabilize oil production and manage a government transition, sparking intense political debates.
- Major policy changes in the U.S. include the expiration of ACA subsidies, leading to higher premiums, and alterations to Medicaid/CHIP reporting requirements.
- Global geopolitical tensions rise, with China, Cuba, and North Korea condemning U.S. actions in Venezuela, and North Korea launching a missile in response.
- Education sector faces challenges like funding cuts, new laws, and the integration of AI-driven Learning Management Systems in 2026.
- The economy shows optimism with predictions of global growth and an AI spending boom but faces risks of a potential AI bubble burst and geopolitical instability.
- CES 2026 highlights advancements in AI and robotics, with significant innovations in autonomous driving and public service automation.
- Health concerns include higher insurance premiums, limited access to obesity treatments, and the extension of telemedicine services for controlled substances.
- Sports updates include NFL playoffs, college football, and major global events like the Winter Olympics and World Cup in 2026.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 12-28-25 TO 1-3-26 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-top-news-stories-this-week-12-28-25.html
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST JANUARY 3, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01178767371.html
ICYMI: Back To It Edition (1/4) PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/icymi-back-to-it-edition-14
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education denies an appeal to save $30M in grant funds for Idaho rural schools, affecting students due to concerns over DEI-related terms.
- Billionaire-backed efforts aim to dismantle public education, as discussed by Mike Simpson.
- Charter school industry practices are critiqued in a report by the Network for Public Education.
- Mercedes Schneider investigates the challenges faced by the last direct-run public school in Orleans Parish.
- Robert Pondiscio advocates for taxation to support schools, countering proposals to cut school taxes for property owners without children.
- Audrey Watters reflects on the risks of using AI in education, particularly for young students.
- Nancy Bailey calls for leaders who prioritize protecting children in various areas.
- Nashville school enrollment faces unusual and costly shifts, analyzed by TC Weber.
- Frances Wilkinson reviews the history of censorship and its resurgence under MAGA influence.
- Christina Samuels updates on Project 2025's progress in reshaping education under the Trump administration.
- Katherine Stewart examines censorship trends in 2025 under authoritarian leadership.
- A humorous critique by Cezary Jan Strusiewicz on propaganda and unnecessary wars.
- Reflections on Pennsylvania’s education year and findings about youth interactions with AI companions.
CURMUDGUCATION: A Dumb Act About Faculty Merit https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-dumb-act-about-faculty-merit.html
- The article critiques the Faculty Merit Act proposed by right-wing organizations, which suggests hiring college professors based on standardized test scores like SATs.
- The National Association of Scholars (NAS) and the Civics Alliance are behind the bill, aiming to combat affirmative action and promote their conservative ideology.
- The bill's intent is to highlight supposed intellectual inferiority in liberal or minority-focused academic departments to erode public support for them.
- The proposal is criticized as a flawed and impractical idea, as standardized test scores are a poor measure of teaching or research capabilities.
- The article calls for public opposition to such bills, labeling them as ideologically driven and not serious educational reforms.
glen brown: "The Next Step in the United States' Campaign of Regime Change" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-next-step-in-united-states-campaign.html
### Key Points
- The article opens with quotes from notable figures like Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus about the role of writers and their perspective on society.
- It discusses a recent U.S. military assault on Venezuela, including the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, as part of a broader regime-change campaign in Latin America under Donald Trump's administration.
- The Trump administration justifies its actions using the Monroe Doctrine, asserting U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. This has drawn criticism from leaders of Latin American countries like Colombia and Mexico.
- Progressive International and other organizations condemn the U.S.'s actions, viewing them as threats to global sovereignty and peace.
- The article reflects on the political chaos of 2025, attributing it largely to Trump's return to the presidency and his controversial policies.
- Broader themes include critiques of U.S. foreign policy, social justice issues, environmental concerns, and the challenges facing democracy and global peace.
glen brown: Regime Change in Venezuela is the Marriage of Colonialism and Gangster Capitalism https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/regime-change-in-venezuela-is-marriage.html
The article critiques the role of media in normalizing imperial violence, focusing on the U.S. assault on Venezuela and its broader implications for democracy, international law, and global power dynamics. It highlights the lack of journalistic integrity, the influence of neoliberalism, and the parallels to historical fascist ideologies.
Venezuela, the "Donroe Doctrine" and China. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/venezuela-the-donroe-doctrine-and
### Key Points
Schools Matter: The Dangers of AI to Children http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/01/the-dangers-of-ai-to-children.html
Studies Show Issues With Students and AI Companions
As AI Schools Advance, Researchers Raise Alarm While AI can be a useful tool, the downsides for young users are pretty terrible ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/as-ai-schools-advance-researchers
As AI Schools Advance, Researchers Raise Alarm While AI can be a useful tool, the downsides for young users are pretty terrible Andy Spears Jan 04, 2026 1 1 Share Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash I’ve written before about a network of private (and now charter) schools that use AI to drive instruction. To be clear: In these schools, students learn using laptops and AI, no teacher needed. Kurt Vonnegut's Player Piano Nightmare Is Here Andy Spears · October 29, 2025 Read full story Upgrade to paid Katya Schwenk takes a deeper dive into this horror-scape. Academic instruction in Price’s schools is delivered via a suite of online education apps for two hours per day, leaving the afternoons free for Cybertruck construction and tech CEO make-believe. This is the brand around which her work revolves: 2 Hour Learning, which is billed as an “AI tutor” that can entirely replace
The article discusses the controversial "Donroe Doctrine" announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which replaces the historical Monroe Doctrine. The doctrine aligns with Russian President Vladimir Putin's philosophy of regional spheres of influence, undermining the post-World War II international order. Trump's actions, including the U.S. intervention in Venezuela and threats to other nations, are seen as a shift toward colonialism and a potential trigger for global conflict. The article raises concerns about the implications of this doctrine for global stability and the role of Congress in addressing these actions.
### Key Points
- The U.S. media's coverage of the assault on Venezuela was propaganda, avoiding critical questions about legality and sovereignty.
- The attack on Venezuela was condemned internationally, but U.S. media ignored these criticisms.
- Trump’s administration openly admitted imperial motives, including exploiting Venezuela's oil reserves for U.S. corporate interests.
- The media's failure to question power contributes to normalizing authoritarianism and imperialism.
- Historical parallels are drawn between U.S. actions and fascist ideologies, highlighting the danger of unchecked power.
- The article underscores the media's complicity in enabling state violence and undermining democratic norms.
Venezuela, the "Donroe Doctrine" and China. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/venezuela-the-donroe-doctrine-and
- The article compares Trump's foreign policy to Teddy Roosevelt's Monroe Doctrine, branding it the "Donroe Doctrine," which involves economic pressure, diplomatic bullying, and military action in Latin America and Asia, particularly targeting Venezuela and China.
- The U.S. is taking aggressive measures to counter China's influence in Latin America, including pressuring Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Peru, and Cuba to reduce or eliminate their cooperation with China in areas like trade, infrastructure, and science.
- The U.S. views independent decisions by Latin American countries to collaborate with China as disobedience and seeks to maintain dominance in the region by limiting China's activities.
Schools Matter: The Dangers of AI to Children http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/01/the-dangers-of-ai-to-children.html
### Key Points
- Schools are concerned about the impact of AI tools like large language models (LLMs) and chatbots on academic integrity, but studies reveal additional concerns regarding their use for companionship.
- A study by Aura shows that 42% of children use AI for companionship, with over a third of these interactions involving discussions about violence, and half combining violence with sexual roleplay.
- Common Sense Media reports that 72% of teens have used AI companions, with 52% using them a few times a month or more.
- Aura's data highlights that 11-year-olds engaging with AI for companionship discuss violence 44% of the time, while 13-year-olds engage in conversations about sex and romance 63% of the time.
- A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that children who received cell phones at age 12 are at a higher risk for poor sleep, obesity, depression, and mental health issues compared to those who received phones a year later.
As AI Schools Advance, Researchers Raise Alarm While AI can be a useful tool, the downsides for young users are pretty terrible ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/as-ai-schools-advance-researchers
### Key Points
- The article critiques the use of AI-driven instruction in private and charter schools where students rely on laptops and AI tutors without teachers. It discusses the concept of "2 Hour Learning" and its potential to replace traditional classroom teaching.
- Research highlights concerns about AI companions for young users, including their use for companionship and problematic interactions involving violence and sexual roleplay.
- The article raises alarms about children relying on AI for companionship, which can hinder their ability to form real human connections and develop essential social skills.
- The author questions whether the benefits of AI-driven education outweigh its significant drawbacks, emphasizing the risks of increased reliance on AI for basic tasks and disconnection from human interaction.
Donroe Doctrine of Decline https://rlratto.wordpress.com/2026/01/04/donroe-doctrine-of-decline/ via @ratto_rr
### Key Points
- Trump announced the "Donroe Doctrine," replacing the Monroe Doctrine, and aligning with Putin's vision of regional spheres of influence.
- The Monroe Doctrine historically opposed colonization in the Western Hemisphere, but the "Donroe Doctrine" undermines this principle.
- Trump's actions include intervening in Venezuela, taking control of its oil production, and threatening other Latin American countries, raising fears of global instability.
- The doctrine contradicts the post-World War II international order and could justify authoritarian actions by other nations.
- The article questions whether Congress will intervene to stop Trump's actions, which are seen as unconstitutional and dangerous.
