JANUARY 8, 2026
- Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis — Federal agents shot and killed a 37-year-old woman during an immigration operation; state and local officials dispute the federal account and demand an end to the crackdown.
- Salt Lake City Church Shooting — A shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints venue left two dead and several wounded.
- China Hacking U.S. Congressional Emails — A Chinese group ("Salt Typhoon") compromised emails of staffers on key House committees, including China, foreign affairs, and intelligence.
- Enhanced ACA Subsidies Expire — Tax credits reducing health insurance costs for millions ended, leading to steep premium hikes.
- U.S. Withdraws from 66 International Organizations — President Trump signed an executive order exiting UN-related agencies focused on climate, labor, and other issues deemed "woke."
- Freezing Childcare and Family Funds to Five States — The administration froze over $10 billion in funds to Democratic-led states, citing fraud concerns.
- Visa Bond Policy Expansion — Added countries like Venezuela to a list requiring up to $15,000 bonds for visitors.
- Trump's Greenland Pursuit Continues — Administration considers options, including military, with Rubio meeting Danish leaders.
- U.S. Seizure of Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker — Forces seized a Russian-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic for sanctions violations; Russia calls it illegal.
- Ongoing Venezuela Tensions — Follows recent events, with U.S. asserting control over oil and Russia responding.
- U.S. Retreat from Global Cooperation — Withdrawal from dozens of international bodies, including climate treaty.
- Chinese Cyberattack on U.S. Congress — Hacking of committee staff emails escalates U.S.-China tensions.
- AI Shaping Higher Education — Predictions for 2026 include expanded AI tutoring, personalized learning, and integration in wearables/admin processes.
- Medical College MBBS Course Controversy — National Medical Commission withdraws permission for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute, sparking debates on regulation and politics.
- U.S. Visa Warnings for Students — Embassy stresses compliance risks like revocation for overstaying or unauthorized work.
- Trends: Cellphone Bans and STEM Focus — States like Indiana prioritize stricter policies and efficiency in schools.
- Global Growth Moderates — UN report forecasts slower 2026 growth due to weaker trade, offset partially by monetary easing.
- Wall Street Optimism — Forecasts for S&P 500 rise to 7,500-8,200 by year-end, driven by AI and policy.
- U.S. GDP Projection — Government estimates 7.4% real growth for 2025-26.
- Potential Stimulus Checks — Discussions on "tariff dividends" or payments funded by revenues, though not confirmed.
- CES 2026 Highlights — Major announcements include new OLED/Micro RGB TVs from LG/Samsung, foldables like Motorola Razr, and AI-integrated gadgets.
- NVIDIA/AMD Gaming Advances — DLSS updates, new chips for laptops, and high-refresh monitors.
- Innovative Gadgets — Smart lights (Govee), wearable AI (Razer), rollable laptops (Lenovo concept), and quirky items like musical lollipops.
- Wi-Fi 8 and Computing Wars — Asus demos, Qualcomm/Intel/AMD rival chips for 2026 laptops.
- AI in Design and Devices — Samsung emphasizes human-centered tech; broader AI integration in smart home and wearables.
- Rising Flu Activity — CDC warns flu could increase for weeks; estimates 11 million illnesses so far.
- GLP-1 Drugs Trend — Expanded use for chronic conditions tops 2026 predictions; new forms like Wegovy pill available.
- Hepatitis B Therapy Promise — GSK's experimental treatment meets goals in studies, potential functional cure.
- Wellness Trends — AI wearables, food as medicine, and personalized health via tech.
- College Football Playoff — Semifinals set with Oregon, Indiana, Ole Miss advancing; Fiesta Bowl upcoming.
- NFL Coaching Changes — Cowboys fire DC; player movements and playoff prep.
- Transfer Portal Activity — Key QB commits, players declaring for NFL Draft.
- Cricket Updates — India youth whitewash; Dhoni expands padel ventures; BCB-ICC talks on T20 World Cup.
- 2026 Preview — Packed year with World Cup, Olympics, World Baseball Classic.
Republicans in Congress Decline to Change Name of Kennedy Center https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/07/republicans-in-congress-decline-to-change-name-of-kennedy-center/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Stephen Miller, despite his immigrant heritage, advocates anti-immigration policies and displays hostility toward immigrants.
- Miller falsely claims immigrants perpetuate welfare dependency and crime, contrary to research showing their upward mobility.
- Historical data demonstrates immigrants' success in assimilating and achieving middle-class status across generations.
- Miller's family history reflects the immigrant experience, contradicting his current views.
- Trump and Miller's policies include halting naturalizations, targeting specific communities, and promoting unconstitutional actions.
- Ronald Reagan's inclusive perspective on American identity contrasts sharply with Miller's divisive rhetoric.
Andy Spears: The Dangers of AI Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/07/andy-spears-the-dangers-of-ai-schools/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Andy Spears discusses the push by tech companies to replace teachers with AI, focusing on cost savings but ignoring the importance of human interaction in learning.
- Some private and charter schools use AI-driven instruction, with students spending hours on laptops without teacher involvement.
- Studies show that AI companions are increasingly used by students, often for companionship, but raise concerns over issues like promoting violent or inappropriate interactions.
- Overreliance on AI for education and companionship can hinder the development of critical human connection skills and increase social disconnection.
Late Night Comics Explain Venezuela https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/07/late-night-comics-explain-venezuela/ via @dianeravitch
- Diane Ravitch's blog serves as a platform to discuss topics related to education, democracy, and current events.
- The blog highlights the role of late-night comedians in providing insights on political and social issues, such as Venezuela's situation, through humor.
- The site archives a vast number of posts dating back to 2012, covering various topics like education reform, politics, and social justice.
- Recent posts include discussions on AI schools, abortion bans, and critiques of political figures like Stephen Miller.
- The blog provides updates on significant events, including the January 6 Capitol riot and other political and educational issues.
- Diane Ravitch's blog encourages reader interaction through comments, subscriptions, and sharing via email or RSS feeds.
Gov. Bill Lee Has Not Heard the Cry of the Needy He has failed to be a Governor for all of Tennessee ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/gov-bill-lee-has-not-heard-the-cry
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has declined to secure $84 million in federal Summer EBT funding, which previously helped feed 700,000 low-income kids during summer months.
- In 2025, Lee implemented a smaller state-funded food assistance program, reaching only 18,000 children, leaving 682,000 kids without aid.
- Lee's decision aligns with a group of GOP governors rejecting federal funding to reduce dependence on the federal government, despite Tennessee receiving more federal funds than it contributes.
- Tennessee received $14,730 per capita in federal funding as of 2022 but only contributed $11,510 per capita, highlighting the state's reliance on federal support.
- Critics argue that Lee’s refusal to accept federal aid negatively impacts low-income children who rely on food assistance during summer breaks.
glen brown: "What is at stake is not Greenland itself. It is the precedent its treatment sets" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/what-is-at-stake-is-not-greenland.html
### Key Points
- Former Trump adviser Fiona Hill revealed that Russia informally proposed a "swap" in 2019, offering to relinquish influence in Venezuela in exchange for unimpeded control of Ukraine.
- Trump invoked the Monroe Doctrine to justify the U.S. attack on Venezuela, capturing Nicolás Maduro and seizing control of the country's oil resources.
- Trump announced that Venezuela would hand over 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., with him claiming control over the profits. He also demanded Venezuela sever ties with Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba.
- Russia condemned the U.S. aggression in Venezuela but has provided little material support to Venezuela post-Maduro’s capture. Analysts suggest Putin may prioritize European ambitions over Latin American influence.
- Broader criticism of Trump’s foreign policy includes accusations of colonialism, unconstitutional actions, and disregard for international norms.
MO: A New School Surveillance Idea PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/mo-a-new-school-surveillance-idea
### Key Points
- Missouri is launching a $7 million project to monitor school wastewater for drugs, with $4 million allocated to K-12 schools and $3 million to law enforcement-related testing.
- Schools are invited to participate, with 40 signed up and 12 already conducting weekly testing. The data will help schools identify substance misuse trends and plan interventions.
- The contracted company for the project, Stercus Bioanalytics, is experienced in wastewater analysis and is part of Mighty Good Solutions, which shifted to health products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Experts caution that such monitoring could stigmatize communities and schools, affecting factors like real estate and college applications for students.
- Concerns also include the potential misuse of data by law enforcement and unintended consequences of increased surveillance on students.
Grading Covid-Era Students: More on Grade Contracts https://radicalscholarship.com/2026/01/07/grading-covid-era-students-more-on-grade-contracts/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- Dr. Thomas structures his courses as workshops, prioritizing revisions and learning over traditional assessments.
- He uses grade contracts to encourage engagement and clarify expectations, emphasizing that students earn grades through meeting minimum requirements.
- Despite his efforts, many students still struggle with the approach, particularly first-year students and those influenced by traditional grading methods.
- Allowing revisions fosters deeper learning, but students often find the process challenging and stress-inducing, especially in a system that values grades over learning.
- Dr. Thomas critiques traditional grading and testing as barriers to learning and highlights the tension between grades and education quality.
Teacher Tom: Modern Schools Would Have Failed Einstein http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/modern-schools-would-have-failed.html
### Key Points
- Albert Einstein's success stemmed from his natural curiosity, thought experiments, and embodied learning, which modern schools might suppress.
- Modern education often focuses on addressing deficits in children with learning differences rather than nurturing their unique strengths.
- Standardized schooling lacks the flexibility to adapt to diverse learning styles, viewing differences as problems rather than opportunities.
- Play-based preschools encourage creativity, experimentation, and social-emotional development, fostering a child's natural learning process.
- The author promotes the value of play-based learning and offers resources to support educators and parents in creating such environments.
How students strategically use GenAI for critical reading revision Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Postgraduate students use GenAI tools strategically for critical reading revision, focusing on analytical dimensions influenced by academic goals, supervisor demands, and career aspirations.
- GenAI tools assist but do not replace critical thinking, emphasizing the importance of teacher guidance and student agency.
- In fall 2024, 16.8 million undergraduate students were enrolled in Title IV institutions, with varying statistics on distance education and tuition revenue.
- Disparities in smartphone use during school hours were observed among U.S. adolescents, with Black and low-income students spending more time on smartphones.
- Broadband internet access correlates with increased adolescent suicide ideation, cyberbullying, and body dissatisfaction, particularly among girls.
- Teacher collaboration predicts cognitively activating teaching practices, moderated by collective teacher innovativeness and school climate.
- Even occasional cannabis use among teens is linked to emotional distress and academic struggles, with greater risks for frequent users and younger adolescents.
- Familiar video games like Super Mario Bros. and Yoshi evoke childlike wonder, boosting happiness and reducing burnout risk in young adults.
The Schools Are Failing (Again) What’s behind the latest round of public education panic? JENNIFER BERKSHIRE https://educationwars.substack.com/p/the-schools-are-failing-again?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true
### Key Points
- Education panic is a recurring theme in American history, dating back to the 19th century, with complaints about declining standards and ineffective reforms.
- Contradictory data about student achievement, such as rising test scores despite claims of declining performance, complicates the narrative of educational decline.
- The rise of the "hot take" economy, where sensationalist opinions dominate, fuels the current education panic.
- Neoliberal education reform, focused on accountability and market-driven solutions, is losing support, but no clear alternative has emerged.
- The idea that education can solve economic inequality is losing credibility as economic struggles persist, and bipartisan education reform is no longer a viable solution.
- Race science and hereditarian theories of intelligence are resurfacing, echoing historical patterns of blaming genetic factors for educational shortcomings.
- The backlash against higher education focuses on the belief that "the wrong kids" are attending college, with affluent parents and pundits playing into divisive narratives.
- Billionaires are increasingly influencing public education policies, sparking growing public resentment and bipartisan backlash.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has distorted public and media narratives about education, with exaggerated claims about school closures and their impact.
- Education reform organizations have shifted priorities, aligning with controversial policies like school vouchers, despite warnings about associating with harmful actors.
Schools Matter: Murder http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/01/murder.html
Schools Matter blog post discusses various issues in education, including the impact of poverty on learning, critiques of the "No Excuses" teaching model, and concerns about corporate influence in education. The article also highlights the dangers of AI for children, ICE's controversial actions, and the need for systemic changes in education policy.
### Key Points
- The influence of classmates on a child's learning is more significant than that of the teacher.
- Criticism of ICE's practices, including alleged violence.
- The role of poverty as a major factor affecting education, not just teacher quality.
- Concerns about the increasing focus on testing in education and its implications.
- The dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) to children and its potential misuse in education.
- Corporate and political agendas negatively impacting education reforms, including the "No Excuses" teaching model and funding cuts.
- Reviews and critiques of books and policies related to education reform, including the impact of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and testing culture.
### Key Points
- Socioeconomic factors and peer characteristics are more influential on a child's learning than teacher quality.
- Criticism of ICE for allegedly killing a citizen in Minneapolis.
- Concerns about AI's impact on children and education.
- Emphasis on poverty as a major factor affecting education, not teacher quality.
- Extensive archive of articles discussing education reform, testing, and systemic issues.
Trump threatens to cancel midterms admitting he’ll be impeached if GOP defeated The 'Cartel of the Suns' went the way of 'weapons of mass destruction.' MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/trump-threatens-to-cancel-midterms
### Key Points
- Trump suggested canceling elections during wartime, citing fears of impeachment if Republicans lose.
- U.S. involvement in Venezuela was based on false claims about the "Cartel of the Suns," which has now been discredited.
- Trump proposed annexing Greenland, leading to tensions with Denmark and NATO allies.
- Denmark and other European nations strongly opposed U.S. claims on Greenland, emphasizing its sovereignty and historical ties to Denmark.
Hochul and Jeffries endorse Dan Goldman on the first day of his campaign. It won't save him. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/hochul-and-jeffries-endorse-dan-goldman
### Key Points
- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed Congressman Dan Goldman for re-election on the first day of his campaign.
- The district has consistently rejected centrist and establishment candidates, as seen in Zohran Mamdani's decisive victories over Andrew Cuomo and Brad Lander's success in the recent primary.
- Goldman's initial 2022 victory was due to a split progressive vote, but this time a unified progressive base supports Brad Lander.
- Goldman's support for Israel during the Gaza conflict and financial ties to AIPAC have alienated many voters in the district, which leans progressive.
- Endorsements from Jeffries and Hochul may help Goldman with fundraising and party insiders but are unlikely to sway voters who oppose machine-backed candidates.
- The election outcome will likely depend on turnout and ideology, with the district already favoring progressive candidates over establishment-backed ones.
Where Do Kids Get Their Information? https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2026/01/06/where-do-kids-get-their-information/ via @nancyflanagan
### Key Points
- The article discusses the influence of media and music on young people, emphasizing how they are often misled by flashy content that promotes individualism while economic opportunities are limited.
- It reflects on the shift in media consumption patterns among younger generations, from Barack Obama's digital engagement in 2008 to the current popularity of figures like Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, and Nick Fuentes.
- The author shares personal experiences with middle school students, highlighting their reliance on chatbots for homework and the challenges they face in critically evaluating information sources.
- While students display intelligence and skills in games and conversations, their understanding of the world and current events seems limited or influenced by biased media.
- The article critiques the role of social media and independent media bubbles in spreading misinformation, as well as the decline of trust in traditional media outlets.
- The author calls for teaching critical media literacy to young people to help them discern truth from misinformation and navigate the complex media landscape.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Public Education News Round-Up - January 7, 2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/01/public-education-news-round-up-january.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Incoming superintendent Ben Shuldiner plans to visit all Seattle schools within 100 days and hold community meetings in each district to address disconnection between the school district and the community.
- Shuldiner questions the decline in student enrollment despite maintaining a similar number of schools since 1964 and emphasizes the need for change.
- Microschools and personalized education programs are gaining traction post-pandemic, with examples like Issaquah’s program focusing on small, customized learning environments.
- Concerns arise over Washington students being sent out of state for special education services, highlighting the need for local solutions.
- Turning Point USA’s growth in high schools sparks debates about political influence in student clubs.
- A drug trafficking investigation involving Marty Jackson, tied to Seattle Public Schools contracts, uncovers significant illegal activities and raises questions about oversight.
- Allegations of nepotism in Seattle Schools highlight personnel being promoted based on personal connections rather than merit.
