JANUARY 13, 2026
- Ongoing tensions over Federal Reserve independence continue, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell rejecting threats of criminal indictments from the Trump administration's DOJ subpoenas related to Fed headquarters renovations; markets steadied despite the drama.
- Protests against ICE enforcement intensify nationwide, with Minnesota suing to block Trump's immigration crackdown and demonstrations in multiple cities following incidents like the killing of Renee Good.
- A federal judge rules that work on a major offshore wind farm can resume, countering Trump's push to halt such projects amid his criticisms of wind energy.
- Trump announces a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran amid its deadly crackdown on nationwide protests; he weighs military options but notes Tehran has signaled openness to talks.
- Trump calls for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10% starting January 20, sparking debate over lending impacts and bank stocks.
- Ongoing fallout from the Trump administration's threats against Fed independence dominates headlines, with Powell's strong defense highlighting central bank tensions.
- Iran protests escalate into a major crisis, with verified deaths exceeding 500 (including protesters and security forces); Trump imposes tariffs on Iran's trading partners and considers responses, while Tehran keeps communication channels open.
- U.S. and allies conduct strikes against Islamic State in Syria following an attack that killed three Americans.
- India and Germany sign agreements to enhance defense trade and co-production, with PM Modi welcoming Chancellor Merz.
- Many schools in northern India (e.g., Punjab, Delhi NCR, Noida) remain closed or extended due to severe cold waves, overlapping with festivals like Lohri and Pongal.
- Proposed central government measures include capping coaching class hours, aligning curricula with competitive exams, and emphasizing board results for admissions.
- Delhi University invites internship applications across departments to boost practical exposure.
- Wall Street hits records (S&P 500 at ~6,977, Dow at ~49,590) despite Fed indictment jitters; dollar weakens, gold surges to record highs near $4,600/oz.
- Porsche shares drop sharply on 2026 earnings concerns; broader markets calm after initial volatility from Trump-Fed tensions and credit card rate cap proposal.
- Trump's Iran tariffs and geopolitical moves add uncertainty, but stocks shrug off drama for now.
- CES 2026 highlights include AI advancements (e.g., Nvidia's G-Assist updates, brain chips, foldable devices) and innovations like inductive EV charging.
- China advances in AI despite U.S. constraints, with startups like DeepSeek planning coding-focused models; ongoing global AI competition.
- DHS launches new office for drone/counter-drone tech procurement, focusing on security for events like America250 and FIFA 2026.
- Two suspected Nipah virus cases detected in West Bengal (healthcare workers); central government steps in for monitoring and treatment.
- ACA enhanced subsidies expire, leading to steep premium hikes (average 114% rise) for millions; millions could lose coverage without extensions.
- Ongoing concerns over measles outbreaks threatening U.S. elimination status; broader public health debates amid policy shifts.
- NFL divisional round set: Seahawks host 49ers, Broncos host Bills, and other matchups follow wild-card results.
- WWE RAW highlights include Gunther defeating AJ Styles and CM Punk developments.
- Cricket and other leagues active, with WPL matches and ongoing tournaments.
How Florida Cheats Public School Students By Lavishly Funding Kids in Non-Public Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/12/how-florida-cheats-public-school-students-by-lavishly-funding-kids-in-non-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Florida provides significantly more financial aid to students in private, religious, and home schools than to public school students, with most of the funds going to students who never attended public schools.
- Analysis of Monroe County reveals that public school students receive $181.86 per student from the state, while private school voucher students receive $6,786.03 each, leading to a disparity in funding allocation.
- Redirecting funds from vouchers to public schools could result in significant improvements, such as higher teacher salaries, smaller class sizes, or enhanced learning opportunities.
- A retired teacher expressed concerns about a new grading scale in Illinois, which lowers the minimum passing grade to 20%, potentially harming students' preparedness for future success.
Trump Says Civil Rights Laws Discriminate Against Whites https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/12/trump-says-civil-rights-laws-discriminate-against-whites/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump claims civil rights laws have led to "reverse discrimination" against white men and seeks to remove DEI policies from federally funded institutions.
- Trump and his administration encourage white men to file discrimination complaints, emphasizing their rights under federal civil rights laws.
- Critics argue that Trump's stance disregards systemic inequalities and historical discrimination faced by minorities and women.
- Opponents suggest that economic dissatisfaction stems from broader issues like globalization and income inequality, not affirmative action or DEI policies.
Heather Cox Richardson: Making Sense of the Past Week https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/12/heather-cox-richardson-making-sense-of-the-past-week/ via @dianeravitch
- The U.S. Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requiring the DOJ to release all Epstein case files by December 19, but less than 1% has been released, with allegations of Trump’s close ties to Epstein.
- The Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administration’s authority to deploy federalized National Guard troops in U.S. cities, limiting his executive powers.
- Former special counsel Jack Smith testified that there is substantial evidence of Trump’s involvement in a criminal scheme to overturn the 2020 election and obstruct justice regarding classified documents.
- Trump’s administration captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, seeking control over Venezuela’s oil, but U.S. oil companies showed reluctance to invest due to uncertainties.
- Trump’s administration attempted to rewrite the narrative of the January 6 Capitol attack, labeling the rioters as “peaceful protesters” and blaming Democrats for the insurrection.
- ICE operations in Minneapolis resulted in the shooting of Renee Good, which sparked nationwide protests. The administration labeled Good as a domestic terrorist.
- Bipartisan members of Congress requested judicial intervention to ensure DOJ compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
- Congress passed measures to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits and to limit Trump’s actions in Venezuela without congressional approval.
- The Senate unanimously agreed to honor Capitol Police officers for their role on January 6, 2021, despite previous Republican resistance.
- Trump threatened Greenland, causing international backlash, and declared a national emergency to control Venezuelan oil revenue.
- Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is under investigation, allegedly due to political pressure from Trump, sparking concerns over the independence of the Federal Reserve.
MUST READ! Stephen Schmidt on Our Nazis https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/11/must-read-stephen-schmidt-on-our-nazis/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The article critiques Stephen Miller for his extremist views and aligns his rhetoric with Nazi ideology, despite his Jewish heritage.
- Historical context is provided through Dorothy Thompson’s 1941 article “Who Goes Nazi?” which outlines the psychological profile of individuals susceptible to fascism.
- The blog post discusses the dangers of hate speech and how it has been normalized in modern political discourse, comparing it to Nazi-era propaganda.
- References are made to neo-Nazi symbols and language being adopted by government agencies, raising concerns about the infiltration of extremist ideologies into public institutions.
- The author criticizes MAGA rhetoric and its parallels to Nazi propaganda, specifically targeting minority groups and promoting division.
- The article recommends following writers like Julie Roginsky for further insights into political extremism and its implications.
Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller: Voices of Evil https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/11/kristi-noem-stephen-miller-voices-of-evil/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The article contrasts the philosophies of John Locke, advocating for reason and moral judgment, and Thomas Hobbes, who believed in authoritarian control to manage humanity’s base instincts.
- Stephen Miller’s rhetoric and policies reflect a Hobbesian worldview, emphasizing domination and power over democratic values.
- Historical parallels are drawn between Trump-era policies and Nazi Germany, highlighting the dangers of authoritarian governance.
- The blog critiques the failure of political checks and balances in curbing authoritarian behaviors in the U.S. government.
- The article also references the erasure of the Czech village Lidice by the Nazis as a historical example of the consequences of unchecked power.
As Schools Embrace A.I. Tools, Skeptics Raise Concerns (Natasha Singer) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/01/12/as-schools-embrace-a-i-tools-skeptics-raise-concerns-natasha-singer/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Global adoption of AI tools in education is accelerating, with tech companies partnering with governments to provide AI training and tools.
- AI tools are promoted for their potential to save time, customize learning, and prepare students for an AI-driven economy.
- Concerns include diminished critical thinking, misinformation, student over-reliance on AI, and potential negative impacts on learning outcomes.
- Previous tech initiatives, like "One Laptop per Child," failed to improve academic outcomes, prompting caution regarding AI implementation.
- Estonia and Iceland are piloting AI programs with a focus on critical AI literacy, adapting tools to local needs, and training teachers.
- Teachers in Iceland report both benefits (e.g., lesson planning) and concerns (e.g., misinformation and over-reliance on AI) from using chatbots.
- Experts call for more research to evaluate the long-term effects of AI on education.
Should NYC Educators be Penalized for Retiring? Do you want to pay at least $180 a month, forever, when you retire? If not, please sign and share our petition. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/tell-unity-to-stop-taxing-our-retirement
### Key Points
- The article criticizes the UFT (United Federation of Teachers) for imposing rising prescription insurance premiums on retired educators, which have increased from $120 to $180 per month within two years.
- Other unions, such as DC37, firefighter, police, and sanitation unions, do not charge retirees for prescription insurance, highlighting a disparity in retiree benefits.
- The UFT Welfare Fund reportedly has over a billion dollars in reserves, leading retirees to demand that these funds be used to eliminate or reduce premiums.
- The author urges retirees and supporters to sign a petition to pressure UFT leadership to better support retirees and align their benefits with other unions.
- The article emphasizes the financial struggles of retirees and calls for common sense in leadership decisions regarding retiree benefits.
The effect of earlier and longer exposure to public preschool on Behavioral and Developmental Health Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
- Earlier and longer exposure to public preschool facilitates early diagnosis and treatment of developmental and behavioral conditions, particularly benefiting low-income children born near school-entry cutoff dates.
- Strengthened implementation structures in schools significantly improve the effectiveness of computer-assisted learning (CAL) platforms, as shown in a study conducted in Uttar Pradesh, India, where mathematics achievement rose notably with better organizational support.
- Postgraduate students use GenAI tools selectively for revising critical reading reports, focusing on specific analytical dimensions influenced by academic goals, supervisor demands, and career aspirations.
- In fall 2024, 16.8 million students were enrolled in Title IV institutions in the U.S., with significant differences in enrollment patterns, gender ratios, and online education participation across institution types.
- U.S. adolescents spend over an hour daily on smartphones during school hours, with disparities based on race, income, and age, and social media being the most used category.
- Increased broadband internet access in the U.S. is linked to higher adolescent suicide ideation, cyberbullying, and body dissatisfaction, particularly among girls, and reduced sleep among boys.
- Teacher collaboration enhances the adoption of cognitively activating teaching practices, with collective innovativeness amplifying this effect, emphasizing the need for innovative school climates.
Teacher Tom: What We Found in Those Boxes http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/what-we-found-in-those-boxes.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom introduced school supply boxes during circle time, sparking curiosity and discussions among preschoolers.
- The children speculated about the box contents, ranging from astronaut supplies to school materials, and learned about safely using tools like a box cutter.
- Preschoolers unpacked the boxes using teamwork and ingenuity, celebrated the discovery of supplies, and organized them.
- The children engaged in creative activities with the boxes and supplies, such as building an airplane, painting, and constructing with glue guns.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the value of play-based learning and collaboration in fostering creativity and development in young children.
Why Sinners ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Won at the Golden Globes—and Why Its Racial Hit Different – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/01/12/sinners-review-%e2%98%85-%e2%98%85-%e2%98%85-%e2%98%85-%e2%98%85-the-film-that-outran-the-culture-war/
### Key Points
- *Sinners* won two Golden Globe awards, highlighting its success as a film rooted in Black history and racial critique.
- The film uses horror storytelling to examine race, power, and survival in the Jim Crow-era South, focusing on systemic oppression rather than individual morality.
- It critiques exploitation as a systemic issue, showing how Black communities create value that is extracted by others.
- The film explores how scarcity is weaponized to fracture solidarity among oppressed groups, exposing the cruelty of systemic coercion.
- Fragile spaces of Black joy and autonomy, like juke joints, are central to the narrative, emphasizing the psychological burden of double consciousness.
- The film’s climax, a confrontation with the Ku Klux Klan, underscores the inevitability and necessity of resistance against systemic violence.
- Subtlety in the film’s critique allows it to reach broader audiences while avoiding immediate backlash from those less attuned to its racial commentary.
- *Sinners* argues that resistance is essential for dignity and that history bends toward justice only when people push back against oppression.
Weekend Quotables Becca Good: “We had whistles. They had guns.” MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-fe8
### Key Points
- Anti-Trump and anti-war protests occurred nationwide, with a notable demonstration in Sarasota against ICE violence and Renee Nicole Good's murder.
- Media bias is evident in coverage of Venezuelan protests, with limited acknowledgment of pro-Maduro demonstrations.
- NBA coaches Doc Rivers and Steve Kerr condemned Renee Nicole Good’s killing and criticized systemic issues in law enforcement.
- Renee Good’s wife, Becca Good, recounted their peaceful intentions during the incident, contrasting with the violent response.
- Elon Musk endorsed a divisive post about white solidarity, sparking controversy.
- A suggestion was made for the media to focus on rare truthful statements by Trump rather than his frequent falsehoods.
- Speculation arose about Donald Trump’s potential aggressive actions towards Tehran or Minneapolis.
Racist President Attacks Head Start | tultican https://tultican.com/2026/01/12/racist-president-attacks-head-start/
### Key Points
- President Trump’s executive order aims to eliminate DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) programs, framing them as illegal and wasteful, which critics argue is an overtly racist agenda.
- The administration’s stance on Head Start, a program benefiting children in poverty, is challenged by claims from organizations like the National Head Start Association that show its long-term positive impact.
- Trump’s educational policies focus on privatization, using misleading statistics about public school performance to justify cuts and promote alternatives.
- Funding for child care faces severe challenges due to the expiration of Biden’s American Rescue Plan and Trump’s budget cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, which shift costs to states.
- Immigration enforcement disrupts child care, with a significant decrease in immigrant child care workers, further impacting the sector.
- The Trump administration freezes $10 billion in child care funds in Democratic-led states, citing fraud concerns, which critics argue lack evidence and infringe on Congressional authority.
- The article condemns Trump’s policies as racially motivated and harmful to marginalized communities, emphasizing the need for public resistance and political change.
glen brown: Revengeful Trump Attacks Blue States https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/revengeful-trump-attacks-blue-states.html
### Key Points
- Nationwide protests erupted after the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer, symbolizing outrage against ICE’s long-standing violence and the Trump administration’s policies.
- The protests also coincide with the anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, with participants condemning Trump’s authoritarian tactics and revisionist narratives.
- Activist groups like the ACLU and Indivisible emphasize the importance of community, nonviolent resistance, and continued protests to counter government overreach and violence.
- The Trump administration’s military actions, such as the attack on Venezuela, were heavily criticized during the protests as examples of its imperialist and lawless behavior.
- Protesters demand the abolition of ICE, accountability for federal agents, and justice for victims of state violence.
Class size 2026: where are we now and where are we going? | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/class-size-2026-where-are-we-now-and-where-are-we-going/
The presentation by Leonie Haimson to the CB12 Youth & Education Committee on January 8, 2026, discusses the current status of class sizes in New York City, particularly in District 6 (D6), and the implications of recent legislation aimed at reducing class sizes.
## Key Topics and Core Ideas
### 1. Legislation Overview
- **Class Size Reduction Law**: Signed by the Governor in September 2022, this law mandates a five-year plan to cap class sizes at:
- 20 students for grades K-3
- 23 students for grades 4-8
- 25 students for high school classes
- **Implementation Timeline**: The law requires that 20% of all classes meet these caps each year, with full compliance expected by September 2028, especially prioritizing schools with high poverty levels. Exemptions are allowed but require agreement from the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA) [2].
### 2. Current Compliance Status
- **Compliance Issues**: Despite the law, the Department of Education (DOE) has not developed a comprehensive plan. As of now, compliance has been inconsistent:
- 64% compliance was reported, but this included exemptions for over 10,000 classes [3].
- **Funding for Class Size Reduction**: More than 700 schools received funding for class size reduction, but many could not apply due to space limitations [3].
### 3. Data on Class Size Compliance
- **Compliance by Grade Level**:
- **K-3 Classes**: Compliance rates vary significantly across districts, with data showing a range from 51% to 87% compliance for the 2025-2026 school year [4].
- **Grades 4-8 and High School**: Similar compliance issues exist, with varying rates across different districts [5][6].
### 4. Challenges Ahead
- **Need for More Space**: The School Construction Authority (SCA) indicated that 70,000 additional school seats are required to meet the law's mandates, but the current capital plan only provides for 31,000 seats [10].
- **Exemptions and Overcrowding**: There is a heavy reliance on exemptions, with concerns that overcrowded schools will continue to receive them without adequate solutions [10].
### 5. Future Considerations
- **Strategies for Improvement**: The DOE Class Size Working Group has proposed several strategies, including:
- Expanding the capital plan
- Increasing community involvement in school siting
- Utilizing vacant spaces in community-based organizations (CBOs) for PreK and 3K classes [13].
- **Rapid Housing Growth**: NYC's housing growth is not matched by plans for new public schools, exacerbating the issue [14].
## Conclusion
Despite legislative efforts to reduce class sizes in NYC, significant challenges remain in compliance, funding, and space availability. Immediate action and strategic planning are necessary to ensure that the goals of the law are met and that educational environments are improved for all students.
Judge Rebukes Conservative Law Firm for Error-Filled Brief in Case Seeking to Roll Back LGBTQ Protections in Pennsylvania Public Schools From Bucks County Beacon PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/judge-rebukes-conservative-law-firm
### Key Points
- A judge criticized a conservative legal team for submitting an error-filled brief in a case challenging LGBTQ protections in Pennsylvania schools, raising questions about the use of artificial intelligence in drafting the document.
- The lawsuit opposes the Pennsylvania Human Rights Commission's (PHRC) expansion of "sex" to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, aiming to strike down anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ individuals.
- The plaintiffs argue the PHRC lacks the authority to redefine "sex" under the Non-Delegation Doctrine, which reserves such policy decisions for the legislature.
- The case references a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision on reproductive health, claiming it supports a binary definition of sex, though the ruling acknowledges the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals.
- The PHRC's expanded definitions could require schools to protect LGBTQ students from discrimination, challenging policies like those in South Side and Knoch districts, which have implemented anti-LGBTQ measures.
Janresseger: New Plan to Decimate U.S. Dept. of Ed. Exposes Trump Administration’s Deficient Educational Vision | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/new-plan
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education was created in 1979 to ensure equal educational opportunities for marginalized groups.
- The Trump administration has initiated plans to dismantle the Department of Education, starting with staff layoffs and interagency transfers of programs.
- Programs such as K-12 education, child care access, and foreign-language education are being moved to other federal departments, with some staff following these programs.
- Critics argue that these changes endanger the department's core mission of safeguarding civil rights and supporting marginalized students.
- The restructuring reflects a narrow view of education as workforce preparation, neglecting its broader purpose of fostering citizenship and equity.
- Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick opposes the changes, citing the risks to students in need and the lack of transparency in the process.
Choosing Democracy: Fighting Fascism in the U.S.A. https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/01/fighting-fascism-in-usa.html
### Key Points
- The article addresses the challenges to democracy in the U.S., focusing on public schooling and the fight against fascism.
- It discusses the murder of Renee Good by an ICE officer, sparking outrage and nationwide protests to demand accountability and reform.
- The protests aim to counteract government propaganda, shift public opinion against ICE, and pressure lawmakers to act.
- The article calls for action to rein in ICE through the Homeland Security funding bill and highlights the need for continued organizing and activism.
- Additional calls to action include demanding the restoration of healthcare subsidies and opposing military action in Venezuela.
What a Long, Strange Trip It’s Been: Five Decades of Ed Reform https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2022/01/07/what-a-long-strange-trip-its-been-five-decades-of-ed-reform/ via @nancyflanagan
### Key Points
- The author reflects on the decline of public education in America, emphasizing the need for major shifts in public and political opinion to save it.
- Education reforms often fail due to lack of vision, determination, and proper investment, with examples like No Child Left Behind (NCLB) proving ineffective despite significant funding.
- A decade-by-decade recollection highlights changes in teaching practices, curriculum, and policies, showing both progress and setbacks in public education.
- The privatization and standardization movements, including NCLB and Common Core, have led to a decline in teacher autonomy and professionalism.
- The Reagan administration's policies and alignment with religious and privatization forces are seen as pivotal in undermining public education and teacher unions.
- The pandemic was initially seen as a potential opportunity for educational reform, but the author remains pessimistic about meaningful change.
- The importance of equitable funding and treating teachers as professionals is highlighted as critical to saving public education in America.
