George W. Bush Presidential Center
Five for Friday
A Weekly Digest from the George W. Bush Presidential Center
December 12, 2025
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President Bush speaks at the Governors Forum on Dec. 8, 2025.
Improving children’s literacy
President and Mrs. Bush welcomed 12 governors and a bipartisan group of senior policy leaders from 28 states this week to the Bush Institute for an off the record discussion about practical solutions to the nation’s literacy crisis. Only about a third of students read at grade level, according to the latest scores from the Nation’s Report Card, making it critical to tackle this issue now.

Speakers included former governors Jeb Bush and Bill Haslam; Kristen Baesler, assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary & Secondary Education; and Margaret Spellings, former Secretary of Education and current CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center. 

Read our literacy policy recommendations
On The Simpsons, rule of law forms a xxxxxx against anarchy, arbitrary power, and tyranny
Article by Chris Walsh, director of global policy at the Bush Institute
Confronting Russia's corruption in Europe
New series from the Bush Institute and the Center for the Study of Democracy
Memories from the East Wing
New Strategerist podcast with Dori Thornton Waller, former White House deputy social secretary, and Susan Whitson, former press secretary to Mrs. Bush
Last chance to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list at the Bush Museum Store
Order online today, or stop by for last-minute gift pickups through 5 p.m. Dec. 24
Countdown to America’s 250th Anniversary

Weekly Quotes from figures who have shaped our country

“The Spirit that prevails among Men of all degrees, all ages, and sexes is the Spirit of Liberty.”

– Abigail Adams, A letter from Abigail Adams to Edward Dilly on May 22, 1775


Read previous weeks’ quotes

In Case You Missed It
Further News, Analysis, and more from the Bush Center

Statement by President George W. Bush on former Education Secretary Rod Paige on Dec. 9, 2025

How AI could supercharge America | The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute
Article by Neil Chilson, head of AI Policy at the Abundance Institute and former chief technologist of the Federal Trade Commission

Quarter three: Bush Institute Briefing

The power of collaboration: Join the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program
Article by Michael Bailey, deputy director of leadership programs at the Bush Institute

International Human Rights Day: Four activists making a difference
Article by Celia Siade-Cox, associate of global policy at the Bush Institute 

Deck the Halls: Holiday traditions at the White House | Overheard at the Bush Center podcast

Innovation and entrepreneurship sustain local journalism
Article by Bill McKenzie, senior editorial advisor at the Bush Institute 
Mark your calendars
Upcoming Engage at the Bush Center events
presented by NexPoint

Also happening at the Bush Center

Game Changer: United by Sports
Supported by Garry Weber 
A special exhibit in which sports make history and our nation takes the field
Open now

Holiday Choir and Musical Performances at the Bush Museum
Dec. 13

Live Strategerist Podcast Recording With Dirk Nowitzki
Jan. 24, 2026 | 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Presidents Day Free Admission to the Bush Museum
Feb. 16, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT

Situation Room Presentations
Fridays | 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT
Saturdays | 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. CT
Sundays | 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. CT
Mondays | 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT
 

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About the George W. Bush Presidential Center

Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration.

 

George W. Bush Presidential Center
2943 SMU Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75205

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George W. Bush Presidential Center · 2943 SMU Blvd · Dallas, TX 75205-2563 · USA