JANUARY 6, 2026
- U.S. Military Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro: In a controversial operation, U.S. forces seized Maduro and his wife on drug-trafficking charges; he pleaded not guilty in a New York court, calling it a "kidnapping," while Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president in Venezuela.
- Trump Administration Freezes Federal Child Care Funding: Nationwide freeze amid fraud allegations in Minnesota, impacting families and providers; also linked to broader HHS changes.
- ACA Subsidies Expire, Causing Health Insurance Premium Surges: Millions face doubled or tripled premiums starting January 1, leading to potential coverage losses for over 20 million Americans.
- CDC Revises Childhood Vaccine Recommendations: Broad recommendations dropped for flu and several other vaccines, shifting to "shared decision-making" with providers.
- January 6 Anniversary Reflections: Ongoing discussions and reports on the 2021 Capitol attack, including pardons and bodycam footage reviews.
- Venezuela Crisis Dominates: Maduro's capture sparks UN debates, international condemnation (from China, Russia), and U.S. plans for oil sector involvement; polls show divided American support.
- Health Policy Overhauls: Expiration of ACA subsidies and CDC vaccine schedule changes reflect Trump administration priorities under HHS Secretary RFK Jr.
- 2026 Midterms Outlook: Stories preview key races, House/Senate control, gubernatorial elections, and potential impacts from Trump's agenda.
- January 6 Pardons and Legacy: Trump reframes the event as a rallying point ahead of midterms.
- Infighting in MAGA Movement: Reports of figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene breaking ranks.
- U.S. Intervention in Venezuela: Global backlash, UN Security Council debates legality; China accuses U.S. of acting as "world judge"; interim leadership sworn in.
- Reactions to Maduro's Capture: Condemnations from Russia, China, and Latin American nations; threats of further U.S. actions in region.
- Ongoing Global Tensions: References to ceasefires in Gaza/Ukraine holding fragilely; rising measles outbreaks threatening U.S. status.
- China-South Korea Relations: Leaders seek restoration of ties amid broader geopolitical shifts.
- UN and International Law Concerns: Warnings of precedents set by U.S. actions.
- New California School Laws Effective: Cellphone limits, gender-neutral bathrooms, healthier meals, and protections from immigration enforcement.
- Higher Education Challenges: Fears of further attacks on academia under Trump administration; declining international enrollment.
- EdTech Trends: Predictions for AI tutoring expansion, workforce readiness focus, and new products showcased.
- Winter Holidays Extended: School closures in several states due to cold weather.
- Student Success Trends: Rising persistence rates and perceptions of education quality.
- Markets React to Venezuela Events: Stocks rise (energy sector surges), oil prices up; dollar retreats amid focus on U.S. data.
- 2026 Economic Outlook: Forecasts for solid growth, stubborn inflation, job market improvement; AI boom and policy stimulus key drivers.
- Trump's Influence: Potential Fed changes, tariffs, and fiscal policies shaping "Trump's economy."
- Global Predictions: Optimism for stocks, risks from AI bubble or geopolitical tensions.
- Affordability Concerns: Lingering issues despite growth projections.
- CES 2026 Kicks Off: Major announcements expected in AI PCs, robotics, TVs (e.g., ultra-thin OLEDs, massive Micro RGB screens), and chips from Nvidia, AMD, Intel, Qualcomm.
- Samsung Expands AI Devices: Plans to double Galaxy AI-powered mobiles to 800 million units.
- Robotics and AI Focus: Humanoid platforms, new chips, and generative AI advancements highlighted.
- Laptop Wars Intensify: New Snapdragon, Ryzen, and Intel Panther Lake chips promising big performance gains.
- Other Reveals: Foldables, wearables, and automotive AI integrations.
- ACA Subsidies End: Premiums skyrocket for millions, risking widespread coverage losses.
- CDC Vaccine Changes: Drops universal recommendations for several childhood vaccines, including flu.
- Measles Outbreaks: U.S. risks losing elimination status amid rising cases.
- Longevity Tips: Studies emphasize diet, exercise, sleep, and purpose for disease-free years.
- Policy Shifts: Removal of immunization measures from quality assessments; concerns over public health dismantling.
- NFL Coaching Carousel: Firings include Pete Carroll (Raiders), Kevin Stefanski (Browns), Raheem Morris (Falcons); some coaches retained.
- 2026 Major Events Preview: Packed year with Winter Olympics, World Cup, Commonwealth Games, and more.
- NFL Week 18/Playoffs: Key games, seedings, and records (e.g., sack records).
- Transfer Windows Open: Premier League January moves underway.
- Biathlon Growth: U.S. investments boosting participation ahead of Olympics.
Heather Cox Richardson on Venezuela Invasion https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/05/heather-cox-richardson-on-venezuela-invasion/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch recounts her visit to The Morgan Library and Museum, highlighting its historical treasures, including a Gutenberg Bible and an ornate 9th-century Bible.
- The blog reflects on a historical hoax by Mary Toth in 1726, who claimed to give birth to rabbits, and how such stories would spread quickly in the internet age.
- The post explores human gullibility and conformity, referencing key psychological experiments by Milgram, Asch, and Zimbardo.
- The author critiques the tendency to idolize figures of authority, even when they are morally or intellectually deficient, using examples like Hitler and John Gotti.
- A commenter introduces the concept of "militant ignorance," highlighting how some people reject expertise and facts due to ideological biases.
- The blog juxtaposes the opulence of J.P. Morgan's library with the poverty outside, questioning the contradictions in values.
Jeff Bryant: The Death of Public Schools in Florida? https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/05/jeff-bryant-the-death-of-public-schools-in-florida/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have introduced laws enabling for-profit charter schools to occupy public school spaces under the "Schools of Hope" program.
- Charter schools can operate rent-free in public school buildings, forcing public schools to bear additional costs like transportation, food services, and maintenance.
- The "Schools of Hope" program was initially intended for low-performing schools but has expanded to include underutilized spaces in any public school, regardless of performance.
- Critics argue that the program causes public schools to lose resources and may lead to the privatization of public education assets.
- The pilot program in Jefferson County, Florida, resulted in poor outcomes, including stagnant academic performance, higher costs, and increased disciplinary issues, leading to its collapse.
- Despite the poor track record of "Schools of Hope," Florida has spent over $300 million on the program, with most participating schools receiving mediocre grades.
- Charter schools in Florida are facing slowing growth and increased competition from private schools, homeschooling, and microschools.
- Critics like Bruce Baker argue that the program compromises equity, erodes efficiency, and produces poor educational outcomes while benefiting charter operators financially.
- Grassroots organizations and coalitions are opposing the "Schools of Hope" expansion, rallying under the banner "Schools of Nope."
- The program is seen as a model for other Republican-dominated states, raising concerns about its broader impact on public education nationally.
Richard Haas Assays U.S. Invasion of Venezuela https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/04/richard-haas-assays-u-s-invasion-of-venezuela/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The U.S. military ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, raising questions about legality and motives, including access to oil reserves and strategic interests.
- Trump’s administration prioritizes commercial benefits over democracy, opting to work with remnants of Maduro's regime instead of empowering the opposition.
- The operation could lead to instability in Venezuela due to divided opposition, pro-regime elements, and an economic crisis exacerbated by decades of mismanagement.
- Global implications include the precedent set for unilateral interventions, with comparisons to Russian and Chinese geopolitical strategies.
- Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was banned from elections by Maduro, leading to her ally running as a proxy and winning the vote, which Maduro overturned.
- The Trump administration’s actions are seen as prioritizing oil wealth for U.S. companies rather than addressing Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis.
Broadband Internet Access and Adolescent Mental Health in the U.S. Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Increased broadband internet access in the U.S. has been linked to higher rates of adolescent suicide ideation, cyberbullying, and body dissatisfaction, particularly among girls, and reduced sleep among boys.
- Teacher collaboration significantly enhances the use of cognitively activating teaching practices, and this effect is strengthened in schools with high collective innovativeness.
- Any cannabis use among teens, even sporadically, is associated with emotional distress, poor academic performance, and developmental interference, with younger users at greater risk.
- Familiar video games like Super Mario Bros. boost happiness, reduce burnout risk, and provide emotional well-being benefits for young adults.
- Healthy, sustainable school meals could reduce undernourishment, diet-related illnesses, and environmental impacts while promoting food system transformation and long-term health benefits.
- Teacher noticing is influenced by cultural contexts, and frameworks for developing this skill need to be adapted to local educational settings to ensure equitable and effective teaching.
- Digital equity in schools goes beyond device access and requires school leaders to address how technology is used and the social contexts of its implementation to prevent magnifying existing inequalities.
glen brown: If we had a functional Constitution, we wouldn’t have an illegal war https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/if-we-had-functional-constitution-we.html
### Key Points
- The article highlights Trump’s unconstitutional war on Venezuela, including civilian casualties and the kidnapping of its president, as a moral and legal disgrace.
- It critiques the erosion of congressional powers, such as declaring war, appropriating funds, and confirming appointments, due to MAGA Republicans’ complicity with Trump’s actions.
- The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Roberts, is accused of undermining the Constitution by granting Trump immunity for crimes and enabling executive overreach.
- The article warns that authoritarianism thrives by weakening checks and balances and manipulating laws, leading to the destruction of democratic institutions.
- It calls for public protest, electoral reforms, and judicial changes to restore constitutional democracy and counter ongoing threats.
Teacher Tom: "Comparison is the Thief of Joy" http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/comparison-is-thief-of-joy.html
### Key Points
- The article begins with sensory experiences that highlight how perception varies from person to person, emphasizing that truth can differ based on individual perspectives.
- The concept of "normal" or "typical" is criticized as being arbitrary and harmful, especially in the context of education.
- The idea of "grade level" is questioned, as it is rooted in outdated methods of standardization and categorization, which can marginalize children.
- Neurodivergence is acknowledged as a step forward, but the focus on "typicality" in education still perpetuates harmful comparisons.
- The author argues that learning is a personal and unique process, which should not be constrained by standardized benchmarks.
- Play and exploration are emphasized as essential elements of joyful and effective education.
Weekend Quotables “It was a brilliant operation.” The patient died. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-a9a
- The article critiques the use of euphemistic language in journalism, particularly regarding Trump’s military actions in Venezuela, highlighting how extreme actions are normalized through language.
- There is a lack of Western media coverage on anti-US protests in Venezuela and Latin America, with only minimal mentions from networks like ABC.
- Trump’s comments during a meeting with Zelensky suggest a disregard for democratic norms, implying elections could be suspended during wartime.
- Criticism of the United States' military actions in Venezuela, including airstrikes and the capture of the Venezuelan head of state, is highlighted as imperialist and dangerous for international sovereignty.
- Trump’s statements about American dominance in the Western Hemisphere and threats toward leaders in Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico are cited as examples of aggressive foreign policy.
- Broader criticism of American imperialism and military aggression is expressed, with commentary on the bipartisan support for the military-industrial complex.
- The article also touches on unrelated topics like Cory Booker’s political decisions and Marco Rubio’s controversial statements.
The Accountability Era of Education Reform Failed Because the Reform Never Matched the Problems PAUL THOMAS https://substack.com/home/post/p-183558729
### Key Points
- The accountability era of education reform, rooted in standards and high-stakes testing, emerged in the 1970s but has failed to address systemic problems.
- The belief in an education crisis, often based on political rhetoric rather than evidence, perpetuates ineffective reforms like exit exams and standardized testing.
- Standardized tests largely reflect external factors such as poverty and inequity, rather than actual student learning or teacher quality.
- The persistence of accountability reforms is tied to cultural narratives like "bootstrapping" and serves political and market interests rather than educational improvement.
- Despite changes in standards and reforms like Common Core, the race and poverty achievement gaps have remained consistent since the late 1990s.
- True educational improvement requires addressing social inequities (e.g., food insecurity, housing, healthcare) rather than solely focusing on in-school reforms.
- The debate on education reform is often oversimplified into false dichotomies, ignoring the need for evidence-based, nuanced approaches.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Heads Up for Seattle Schools Enrollment https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/01/heads-up-for-seattle-schools-enrollment.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Elon Musk's Grok AI is being misused to create sexualized images of women and minors, raising ethical concerns.
- The Take It Down Act criminalizes sharing nonconsensual intimate images and mandates their removal within 48 hours of a verified request.
- Grok AI's accessibility has lowered barriers for generating explicit AI-edited content, sparking warnings from experts about its misuse.
- Parents are advised to be cautious about sharing photos of children online due to AI's ability to sexualize innocent images.
Choosing Democracy: Snyder, and why democracy needs defending. https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/01/snyder-and-why-democracy-needs-defending.html
- The article references the poem “Ozymandias” by Shelley, reflecting on themes of destruction and creation in the context of modern politics, particularly drawing parallels to figures like Donald Trump.
- It mentions the podcast series "Thinking about..." by Timothy Snyder, which explores political and historical topics, with this specific entry being part of the 2025 audio series.
- The content highlights other episodes in the series, discussing topics such as state terror, the Russo-Ukrainian war, and the logic of destruction, showcasing Snyder’s focus on political and historical analysis.
- The platform Substack is promoted as the host for Timothy Snyder’s content and other cultural discussions.
Curmudgucation: The Push to End Public Schools | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/push
### Key Points
- The term "school choice" is being used by certain groups to advocate for taxpayer-funded private schools while dismantling public education.
- Linda McMahon and her team are actively working to weaken public education, with ties to organizations like the Heritage Foundation and the America First Policy Institute.
- The push for voucher programs aims to shift students from public schools to private institutions, leaving public education underfunded and marginalized.
- Advocates like Tiffany Justice and others aligned with conservative organizations are openly calling for the complete eradication of public schools in favor of privatized education systems.
- The movement emphasizes individual responsibility for education, rejecting the idea of collective responsibility for educating all children.
The Danger of a Nation Distracted | Opine I will https://rlratto.wordpress.com/2026/01/05/the-danger-of-a-nation-distracted/
### Key Points
- The media and public are often distracted by sensational news, neglecting vital domestic issues.
- The healthcare crisis, including unaffordable insurance and medical costs, is a critical issue affecting millions of Americans.
- Rising food prices are making staple items inaccessible for many, increasing reliance on struggling food pantries.
- Skyrocketing energy costs pose challenges for those unable to afford basic necessities, especially during harsh weather.
- The focus should shift from sensational news to addressing critical everyday issues that impact citizens' lives.
