TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
FEBRUARY 12, 2026
🇺🇸 U.S. NEWS
Energy Secretary Visits Venezuela: Energy Secretary Chris Wright met with interim President Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas. This marks the first high-level Cabinet visit to the country following the military operation in January that saw the removal of Nicolas Maduro.
Epstein Files Controversy: Public pressure mounts as lawmakers demand full transparency regarding redacted names in the recently released Epstein files. Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing direct questioning from Congress over the administration's handling of the documents.
Border Drone Alert: The administration recently reopened airspace over El Paso after claims of a "cartel drone infiltration." However, officials are now facing scrutiny over the legitimacy of those drone reports.
⚖️ POLITICS
Canada Tariff Reversal: In a rare break from the executive branch, the House voted to pass a bill aimed at ending recently imposed tariffs on Canada, signaling a significant legislative-executive rift over trade policy.
Munich Security Conference: Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Europe for the Munich Security Conference. European leaders are reportedly anxious, seeking clarity on the U.S. commitment to NATO and the "Donroe Doctrine."
Netanyahu-Trump Talks: Following a meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump, officials stated that "nothing definitive" has been reached regarding a unified strategy on Iran, despite ongoing tensions.
🌍 WORLD AFFAIRS
Iran Crackdown Toll: Human rights activists report that the death toll from the recent nationwide protests in Iran has surpassed 7,000. Meanwhile, Tehran indicates a willingness to discuss its nuclear program but remains firm on its ballistic missile "red line."
NATO Defense Meeting: NATO Defense Ministers are convening in Brussels today. Key agenda items include the "5% GDP" defense spending commitment and the continued reinforcement of the alliance's eastern flank.
Cuba Fuel Crisis: Russia has begun evacuating tourists from Cuba as the island faces a severe, "U.S.-engineered" fuel crisis that has crippled local infrastructure.
🎓 EDUCATION
Foreign Funding Disclosure: The Department of Education released data showing that American colleges received over $5.2 billion in foreign funding transactions in 2025, sparking new debates over foreign influence on campuses.
Tribal Partnerships: Federal leaders from the Departments of Education, Interior, and Labor held a major consultation in D.C. to strengthen educational partnerships with Tribal nations.
Digital Learning Day: Today marks the international celebration of Digital Learning Day, highlighting a decade of AI-driven innovations in the classroom.
📈 ECONOMY
Job Market Strength: A "blockbuster" U.S. jobs report showing 130,000 new jobs in January has cooled hopes for a Federal Reserve rate cut, as the labor market appears more stable than economists predicted.
Asian Markets Surge: The KOSPI in South Korea and the Nikkei in Japan hit record highs today, driven by a rally in technology stocks and optimism following strong U.S. corporate earnings.
Deficit Warnings: The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued a report warning that U.S. federal deficits and debt are projected to worsen significantly over the next decade.
💻 TECHNOLOGY
Sovereign AI Servers: Fujitsu announced it will begin manufacturing "Made in Japan" sovereign AI servers in March 2026, aimed at ensuring data integrity and digital sovereignty for critical infrastructure.
Lenovo Record Revenue: Lenovo reported a record quarterly revenue of $22.2 billion, with AI-related revenue now making up nearly a third of its total business.
Chip Market Optimism: Shares in Micron surged 10%, calming global supply chain fears after the company confirmed its next-generation HBM4 chips are being delivered to Nvidia without issues.
🏥 HEALTH
FDA Vaccine Shift: The FDA has declined a review of the Moderna flu vaccine amid a broader rollback of federal vaccine guidance, reflecting a shift in the administration's public health policy.
Compounded Drug Crackdown: The company "Hims & Hers" has withdrawn its compounded semaglutide (Wegovy knock-off) pills following an FDA crackdown on unapproved weight-loss formulations.
Heart Health Research: A new study released today suggests that the quality of low-carb and low-fat diets is more critical for metabolic health than the total amount of carbs or fats consumed.
🏆 SPORTS
Winter Olympics: The 2026 Winter Games continue in Milan-Cortina, with high-stakes competitions in skiing and skating taking center stage today.
T20 World Cup: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is in full swing with three major matches today: Sri Lanka vs. Oman, Nepal vs. Italy, and India vs. Namibia. India is currently monitoring opener Abhishek Sharma, who is sidelined with a stomach infection.
College Basketball: In a nationally televised matchup tonight, Missouri State hosts Louisiana Tech as conference play heats up.
Bernie Sanders Speaks Out Against Vouchers https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/11/bernie-sanders-speaks-out-against-vouchers/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Stephen Dyer critiques a Republican-sponsored bill in Ohio that would significantly increase property taxes in certain counties, especially affecting rural and urban Republican districts.
- The bill aims to maintain subsidies for private school tuition, which disproportionately benefits wealthy individuals like Les Wexner, while forcing public school districts to raise taxes or face closure.
- The proposed legislation would block state aid to school districts suing the state over its private school tuition subsidies, which have been deemed unconstitutional.
- If passed, the bill would lead to significant financial strain on many Ohio school districts, requiring high tax levies and potentially causing school closures.
- The bill is considered unconstitutional under the Ohio Constitution, as it contradicts the mandate to provide a thorough and efficient system of common schools.
- The bill is perceived as a political move to discourage districts from opposing the state’s private school voucher program, despite its unpopularity among parents and districts.
What Motivates Trump? https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/11/what-motivates-trump/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Jamelle Bouie questions Donald Trump’s motivations, suggesting they revolve around racism, ego, and self-interest.
- Trump’s controversial video on Truth Social, depicting the Obamas in a racist manner, sparked significant backlash from both Democrats and Republicans.
- Prominent Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott, criticized the video as offensive and unacceptable, with some using the incident to distance themselves from Trump.
- Bouie argues that Trump’s political career has consistently reflected a pattern of racism, from his birtherism claims to his stance on birthright citizenship.
- The article critiques Trump’s lack of understanding and respect for the Constitution and American ideals, contrasting it with his self-serving motivations.
glen brown: "Even without knowing what’s behind the redactions in the released files, there is plenty to investigate" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/02/even-without-knowing-whats-behind.html
### Key Points
- Writers should resist oppression, embrace isolation, and reject societal illusions, doctrines, and politics.
- The article emphasizes humanist principles, including reason, science, justice, fairness, and the separation of church and state.
- Advocacy for social justice, environmental preservation, and the elimination of discrimination and intolerance.
- Criticism of political corruption, particularly regarding Trump and MAGA-related policies, highlighting racism, economic inequality, and abuse of power.
- Discussion of global issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Ukraine war, and climate change.
- Support for democracy, pluralism, and human rights as safeguards against authoritarianism.
- A focus on moral decency, compassion, and the betterment of humanity through critical thinking and creativity.
Non-formal education settings can boost students’ motivation to engage with chemistry. Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Restrictive smartphone policies in schools save staff time but have minimal impact on students' mental wellbeing or quality of life.
- Non-formal education methods, such as interactive science exhibits, reduce chemophobia and increase student engagement in chemistry.
- Low to average social media use among adolescents does not strongly predict later mental health issues, but heavy social media use at age 14 is linked to a slight increase in suicide attempts by age 17.
- Persistent gender gaps in STEM careers may be influenced by cognitive strengths, such as spatial and object imagery, and sociocultural barriers.
- Children with math learning disabilities struggle with symbolic number processing and updating strategies, showing differences in brain activity related to executive function and error monitoring.
- FSCS grants have expanded community school approaches to high-poverty and rural schools, focusing on schools new to the program.
- School indoor vaping restrictions have little impact on youth vaping, but broader place-based restrictions show some effectiveness.
Kristoff Loves That Asian Bootstrapping PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/kristoff-loves-that-asian-bootstrapping
### Key Points
- Kristoff admires Asian countries' commitment to education but critiques the focus on individual effort over systemic support.
- He highlights stories of students overcoming obstacles but neglects systemic barriers like poverty and inequity.
- Kristoff questions American biases and suggests addressing inequities in school funding and societal priorities.
- He ends with questions about respecting human capital and addressing inequities, though these should have been central to the discussion.
On Miracles in Mississippi – School Finance 101 https://schoolfinance101.com/2026/02/11/on-miracles-in-mississippi/
### Key Points
- Mississippi's educational performance, while improving, does not surpass states like Massachusetts or New Jersey but outperforms Arizona and Florida in some areas, particularly in 8th grade NAEP performance.
- Unlike Florida and Arizona, Mississippi has not adopted universal voucher systems and has a smaller charter school enrollment, despite a significant private school enrollment share.
- Mississippi has maintained and increased its funding efforts for public schools, surpassing Florida and Arizona in labor cost-adjusted per-pupil spending among low-spending states.
- The article highlights Bruce Baker's credentials and expertise in school finance, emphasizing his contributions to research, policy design, and consulting in education finance.
Teacher Tom: If We are Not Focused on the Happiness and Well-Being of Children, Then What are We? https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/if-we-are-not-focused-on-happiness-and.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the need to focus on children's happiness and well-being, criticizing how education often prioritizes adult-defined goals over children's emotional needs.
- He condemns systemic failures and the complicity of powerful individuals in harming children, calling for justice and a reallocation of wealth to support children.
- Teacher Tom highlights societal neglect of children, such as their treatment in immigration systems and the lack of safe spaces for play.
- He contrasts his experience in Vietnam, where children's happiness is prioritized, with the U.S., emphasizing the need for societal transformation to love and support children.
- Teacher Tom invites educators and parents to participate in his course on creating nurturing learning environments for children.
Schools Matter: TN Politicians Are Dumber Than Mississippi Politicians http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/02/tn-politicians-are-dumber-than.html
- The Mississippi Senate Education Committee decisively rejected a school voucher bill after only 84 seconds of deliberation, signaling strong opposition to voucher programs that divert funds from public schools.
- Senate Education Committee Chairman Dennis DeBar stated the committee had reviewed the bill thoroughly, and no further discussion was needed before a motion to vote was made. The bill was unanimously voted down.
Mississippi Senate Kills Voucher Bill It took 84 seconds to end the school voucher movement ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/mississippi-senate-kills-voucher?
### Key Points
- The Mississippi Senate Education Committee rejected a school voucher bill in 84 seconds with no discussion.
- Senate leaders oppose voucher programs, arguing they divert funds from public schools.
- Committee Chairman Dennis DeBar confirmed the bill's rejection after a quick vote.
Research Contradicts “Science of Reading” Media Story Being Sold "[TikTok] videos become situated as the credible source around a public discourse where misinformation is often communicated." (Rowe, et al., RRQ, 2025) PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/research-contradicts-science-of-reading
### Key Points
- LETRS training misinterprets and selectively uses literacy research, failing to substantiate claims with original studies.
- No scientific studies confirm a reading crisis in the U.S. caused by balanced literacy, phonics instruction, or teacher education inadequacies.
- Out-of-school factors account for over 60% of student reading achievement, while teacher quality impacts only 1-14%.
- LETRS training is no more effective than other professional development models for improving student reading proficiency.
- Orton-Gillingham approaches are no more effective than other instructional methods.
- Special needs and multilingual students require varied instructional approaches, not monolithic methods.
- Systematic phonics instruction improves word pronunciation but does not enhance reading comprehension.
- Whole language, balanced literacy, and systematic phonics are equally effective for reading comprehension.
- Structured literacy restricts teacher autonomy and whitewashes reading curricula.
- States adopting "Science of Reading" policies show increased grade 4 reading test scores, but these gains disappear by grade 8.
- Grade retention inflates test scores but harms students emotionally, socially, and economically.
- Media and social media oversimplify reading issues and misrepresent research through anecdotal advocacy.
- Ineffective or unsupported practices include close reading, decodable texts, sustained silent reading, multisensory approaches, and interventions targeting visual/auditory systems or working memory.
- Research rejects one-size-fits-all approaches and emphasizes the need for tailored instruction for diverse student populations.
- Brain research and cognitive science have not provided conclusive findings to inform classroom instruction.
- Advocacy for the "Science of Reading" often relies on biased reporting and lacks robust research evidence.
UFT Delegate Assembly--We Endorse Tom Brown Protecting Medicare and Social Security not that vital to UFT bosses after all. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/uft-delegate-assembly-we-endorse
### Key Points
- Criticism of Michael Mulgrew's leadership and his handling of trustee elections, including the exclusion of Ben Morgenroth from the ballot on a technicality.
- Leo Casey's resolution to protect Medicare and Social Security has not been prioritized by UFT leadership, leading to retiree dissatisfaction.
- Retirees lack voting rights for UFT trustees, despite being considered full union members.
- Mulgrew discusses legislative priorities, including Tier 6 reform, funding formulas for poverty and homeless children, and regional cost index updates.
- The UFT's stance against mayoral control in education due to concerns about unchecked power and poor decision-making by past mayors.
- Advocacy for proper staffing in early childhood classrooms and middle school transitions, addressing contract violations and teacher welfare.
- Endorsement of Tom Brown as trustee, emphasizing his leadership and commitment to the union's financial security.
- Concerns over fair election processes for trustees, with calls for compliance and transparency in future elections.
Choosing Democracy: Immigrant Workers - Confront the Lies https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/02/immigrant-workers-confront-lies.html
The video highlights the exploitation and abuse faced by immigrant workers, debunks false narratives, and emphasizes the need for stronger protections, fair labor practices, and a pathway to citizenship.
Detailed Summary for [Trump’s Lies About Immigrant Workers, Debunked](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u_HwUn4bYQ) by [Monica](https://monica.im)
[00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u_HwUn4bYQ&t=0.166) This video segment addresses the misconceptions surrounding immigrant workers, particularly in light of recent claims made by Trump. Former Secretary of Labor Julie Su emphasizes the reality of immigrant workers' experiences, highlighting their rights and the exploitation they often face.
- Introduction to the topic of immigrants and undocumented workers, setting the stage for the discussion.}
- Julie Su counters negative portrayals of immigrant workers, stating they are not the villains as depicted by Trump.}
- Su shares a historical case of Thai garment workers who faced severe exploitation, illustrating the harsh realities of immigrant labor.}
- The focus shifts to the legal victories achieved for immigrant workers, emphasizing their rights and the importance of corporate accountability.}
- The segment concludes with a message about the aspirations of immigrant workers seeking to escape poverty and improve their lives.}
[01:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u_HwUn4bYQ&t=91.466) The video discusses the essential role of immigrant workers in the U.S. economy and the exploitation they face, highlighting their contributions, the threats from employers, and the systemic abuses they endure.
- Immigrant workers support their families and contribute to their new communities, seeking opportunities just like many others.}
- They perform vital services such as caring for children and the elderly, and working in essential industries.}
- Despite their importance, immigrant workers are often exploited and threatened by employers, leading to silence around workplace abuses.}
- Wage theft is a significant issue, with more money stolen from low-wage workers than from all other property crimes combined.}
- Immigrant workers face dangerous working conditions, with higher rates of job-related fatalities and significant issues of harassment, especially among women.}
[03:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u_HwUn4bYQ&t=183.516) The video discusses the systemic abuse and targeting of immigrant workers under Trump's administration, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures and accountability.
- Immigrant workers face threats of deportation, which prevents them from reporting workplace abuse.}
- Under Trump's policies, immigrant workers have experienced racial targeting and have been unjustly deported.}
- The lack of safety for workers is emphasized, as anyone can be targeted for deportation.}
- Proposed solutions include stopping raids, holding corporations accountable for labor violations, and protecting immigrant workers from retaliation.}
- The Biden administration's efforts to protect immigrant workers involved in labor investigations through programs like DALE are mentioned.}
[04:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u_HwUn4bYQ&t=274.148) The video discusses the importance of empowering immigrant workers and the need for systemic changes to protect their rights and improve working conditions for all workers, emphasizing unity against corporate power.
- Advocating for expanded protections for immigrant workers reporting abuse.}
- Highlighting the need for real worker power through unions and the challenges posed by current policies.}
- Emphasizing the necessity of enforcing anti-monopoly laws to ensure fair treatment for all workers.}
- Calling for a clear pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who contribute significantly to the economy.}
- Stressing that protecting immigrant workers benefits all workers and promotes better standards across industries.}
There is no evidence to support the Trump administration’s allegation that ‘the CDE coerces school districts to withhold information’ from parents. https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel05.asp
### Key Points
- The CDE reiterated parents' rights under FERPA to review their children's education records, including sensitive information, upon request.
- Assembly Bill 1955 does not mandate nondisclosure but prevents staff from disclosing a student's sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression without their consent unless required by law.
- The CDE confirmed that no state law or policy overrides parents' rights under FERPA.
- The CDE provides a record of its responses to federal actions on its website.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, February 11, 2026, the news surrounding President Donald Trump and his administration is dominated by significant foreign policy meetings, major economic reports, and ongoing domestic policy clashes.
Top News Stories: February 11, 2026
Netanyahu White House Visit: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington today for a high-stakes meeting with President Trump.
He is expected to push for a tougher U.S. stance on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Meanwhile, Trump has suggested he is considering sending a second aircraft carrier "armada" to the Middle East to increase pressure on Tehran. "Blockbuster" Jobs Report: The administration is touting a new economic report showing private-sector job growth that "crushed expectations."
The White House credited the President’s deregulatory agenda for the drop in unemployment, though critics continue to debate the long-term impact of recent federal workforce cuts. Environmental Deregulation: The EPA has submitted a proposal to rescind the "endangerment finding," a key clause of the Clean Air Act that allows the government to regulate greenhouse gases.
President Trump is expected to join EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin on Thursday to formalize this and other rollbacks aimed at boosting the fossil fuel industry. Governors’ Association Tension: The annual National Governors Association meeting is in disarray after the White House reportedly excluded Democratic governors from key events. In response, 18 Democratic governors announced they would boycott the traditional White House dinner, accusing the administration of politicizing a historically bipartisan gathering.
El Paso Airspace Closure: The administration briefly closed the airspace around El Paso International Airport this morning, citing a "Mexican cartel drone incursion." Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the threat was neutralized and flights have since resumed, though details on the incident remain sparse.
Withholding Federal Funds: Reports indicate the administration plans to withhold over $1.5 billion in public health and transportation grants from several Democratic-led states (including California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota).
The administration cites concerns over "fraud and mismanagement," while state officials argue the move is political retaliation.
Administration Updates
Education: Secretary Linda McMahon announced a new "transparency portal" documenting over $5.2 billion in foreign funding transactions at American universities.
Immigration: Department heads from ICE and CBP testified before Congress today, defending the administration’s mass deportation campaign while facing questions about recent federal enforcement actions.
