JANUARY 17, 2026
- President Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota amid ongoing protests in Minneapolis over federal immigration agents' actions, including a fatal shooting of a protester and reports of violence in ICE custody (e.g., deaths in detention facilities like El Paso).
- Protests and federal agent deployments continue in Democratic-led cities, with Trump backing off some National Guard pushes but escalating rhetoric around immigration enforcement and potential military responses.
- Deaths in ICE custody highlight concerns, including a Cuban immigrant's death ruled as asphyxia, part of multiple incidents in early 2026.
- Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger prepares to break inauguration traditions as a former CIA officer and congresswoman.
- Trump floats canceling or questioning 2026 midterm elections, repeating claims that the president's party typically loses midterms and suggesting no election is needed.
- Trump calls for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10%, announced via Truth Social as part of economic policy pushes.
- U.S. involvement in international territorial discussions, including Greenland (with European reconnaissance missions ongoing) and Venezuela (post-Maduro capture, opposition leader María Corina Machado meets Trump and presents Nobel medal).
- Ongoing tensions with Iran, where Trump warns of "very strong action" amid protests and crackdowns.
- U.S. capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro continues to dominate, with the interim government proposing oil sector openings, opposition figures engaging the White House, and repatriation of Cuban officers' remains.
- International interest in Greenland, including German and European exploration missions (Jan 15-17) amid Danish territory discussions and Russian comments on security.
- Protests and crackdowns in Iran lead to U.S. warnings of strong responses, with uneasy calm returning after violence.
- ICJ hearings on Myanmar's alleged genocide against Rohingya continue, with Aung San Suu Kyi's imprisonment noted.
- Gaza ceasefire phase two begins, per U.S. envoy, focusing on new Palestinian administration, demilitarization, and rebuilding.
- School closures and holiday extensions in several Indian states (e.g., Haryana, Chandigarh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu) due to cold waves, fog, and festivals like Pongal/Sankranti, with some schools closed through January 17 and reopening later.
- General school assembly headlines focus on national/international updates, but no major U.S./global education policy shifts dominate; emphasis on staying informed via daily news for students.
- IMF World Economic Outlook Update projects global growth slowing to 3.1% in 2026, with advanced economies at ~1.5% and emerging markets above 4%.
- China ends 2025 with a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus despite U.S. tariffs, highlighting competitiveness but weak domestic demand and overcapacity concerns.
- World Bank notes global resilience amid trade tensions, with steady growth projected at 2.6% in 2026 before a slight rise, though the 2020s remain the weakest decade for growth since the 1960s.
- Inflation rises in response to U.S. trade/immigration policy shifts, boosting unemployment; Fed expected to pause rate cuts.
- CES 2026 highlights include innovative gadgets like the Lego Smart Brick (Best in Show winner), new smartwatches (e.g., Moto Watch), phone-cradling mini-controllers, and AI/go-to-market discussions.
- Generative AI reshaping daily life and devices, with experiments in post-smartphone gadgets and broader AI integration in personal tech.
- Automation explorations, such as UK Department for Work and Pensions considering new tools for content translation/services.
- Republic Day sales in India kick off with big discounts on smartphones, TVs, and tech (e.g., iPhones from Rs 47,490).
- ACA subsidies expire, leading to steep insurance hikes (average 114% premium increase) for millions, potentially causing millions to drop coverage and risking program instability.
- CKM syndrome awareness rises, as most U.S. adults have overlapping risk factors linking heart disease, kidney issues, diabetes, and obesity.
- Flu season impacts, with widespread cases, especially severe in children (at least 17 pediatric deaths reported so far).
- GLP-1 medications trend as a top 2026 health story for treating obesity, diabetes, heart/kidney conditions, and more.
- Potential loss of U.S. measles-free status if outbreaks continue, alongside other surveillance concerns.
- College basketball games dominate the day (e.g., Kentucky at Tennessee, Notre Dame at Virginia Tech, and other matchups on major networks).
- College football discussions around potential surprise national champions (e.g., Indiana) and redshirt rule adjustments by FBS coaches.
- NFL coaching news and trackers ongoing, with various team updates.
- Women's college basketball highlights, like Texas Tech's winning streak.
- Premier League transfer activity, with Manchester City making moves to strengthen their title bid.
Paul Thomas: Research vs. "The Science of Reading" https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/16/paul-thomas-research-vs-the-science-of-reading/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Paul Thomas critiques the "science of reading" movement and the "Mississippi Miracle," stating they are based on oversimplified and misleading narratives.
- The supposed success in Mississippi is attributed to holding back third-graders with low reading scores, not actual improvements in teaching or curriculum.
- Poverty and inequity are identified as the primary drivers of student achievement, accounting for over 60% of test scores, while teacher quality accounts for only 1-14%.
- Teaching disadvantaged students to read requires long-term effort, comprehensive strategies, and exposure to broader knowledge, rather than quick fixes.
John Thompson: Bad, Failed Ideas Revived in Oklahoma https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/16/john-thompson-bad-and-failed-ideas-revived-in-oklahoma/ via @dianeravitch
- John Thompson critiques Oklahoma's revival of failed education policies, including test-driven accountability and the "Mississippi Miracle," which emphasizes formative assessments and phonics but lacks evidence of improving long-term reading comprehension.
- Thompson reflects on past successes in Oklahoma's public schools, highlighting bottom-up approaches, holistic teaching methods, and cognitive science-backed strategies that fostered meaningful learning.
- The No Child Left Behind Act and corporate school reforms imposed standardized testing and data-driven mandates, undermining teacher autonomy and holistic instruction.
- The "Science of Reading" campaign, combined with Moms for Liberty's ideology, pressures schools to adopt scripted curricula and retention policies based on test scores, which harm high-challenge students.
- Thompson advocates for prioritizing holistic teaching and learning to attract high-quality teachers and investors, rather than adhering to rigid, output-driven reforms.
A Conversation with Norman B of Tampa NPR About My Memoir https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/16/a-conversatuon-with-norman-b-of-tampa-npr-about-my-memoir/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch discusses her book "An Education - How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else," detailing her shift from conservative views on education to advocating for public schools and addressing systemic inequality.
- Ravitch emphasizes the harmful effects of privatization and standardized testing on education and advocates for investment in professional teachers and public schools.
Emily the Marxist Thinking about Emily Dickinson and Karl Marx on the Planet at the Same Time in History PAUL THOMAS https://substack.com/home/post/p-184685759
### Key Points
- The author reflects on the significance of discovering a doctoral program focused on educational biography, which influenced their career and teaching approach.
- Incorporating historical and biographical contexts enhanced literature lessons, particularly when teaching Emily Dickinson's works.
- The author draws connections between Emily Dickinson, Karl Marx, and other historical figures, noting their overlapping lifespans and contributions to counter-narratives.
- Both Dickinson and Marx shared skepticism about organized religion while acknowledging the role of spiritual belief, as seen in their writings.
- Dickinson's poem "This World is not Conclusion" critiques organized religion, paralleling Marx's metaphor of religion as "opium of the people."
- Exploring the shared themes of religion and metaphor in Dickinson's and Marx's works provides meaningful lessons in poetry, language, and history.
- The author emphasizes the importance of biographical and historical analysis in enriching literature studies and engaging students.
Put Teachers in Charge of their PD? What Do Teachers in the Twin Cities Need Right Now? NANCY FLANAGAN https://flanagann.substack.com/p/put-teachers-in-charge-of-their-pd
The article discusses the concept of teacher-led professional development (PD), highlighting its benefits and challenges. It emphasizes the importance of allowing teachers to take charge of their own learning, tailoring PD to their specific needs and fostering collaboration. The piece also touches on broader societal issues affecting education, such as political unrest and its impact on schools.
### Key Points
- Teachers in Minnesota face challenges due to societal unrest, impacting schooling and exams.
- Teacher-led PD offers a promising approach where educators design learning activities based on their needs, fostering collaboration and relevance.
- Administrators often impose PD that teachers find irrelevant, creating a disconnect between educators and leadership.
- A Minneapolis school successfully implemented teacher-driven PD through mentoring, peer observations, and collaborative curriculum adjustments.
- Trusting teachers to identify their own PD needs and creating goal structures can enhance professional growth.
Look Here Not There! https://rlratto.wordpress.com/2026/01/16/look-here-not-there/ via @ratto_rr
### Key Points
- The author alleges Trump is fearful of the Epstein files being revealed due to his possible involvement and connections to Epstein and Maxwell.
- The writer accuses Trump of using distractions, such as invoking the Insurrection Act or creating conflicts, to divert attention from these issues.
- The post questions the role of Trump's advisors, suggesting they may be complicit or benefiting from the situation.
- The author calls for exposing those responsible and warns against being misled by Trump's words.
- The blog includes references to related posts and historical archives, highlighting past discussions on similar topics.
Drifting and Isolated Teens PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/drifting-and-isolated-teens
The article explores the growing issue of social isolation and disengagement among teenagers, exacerbated by technology and cultural shifts. It highlights the importance of fostering social connections and engagement through school and community activities to combat loneliness and help young people thrive.
### Key Points
- Studies and observations indicate a growing loneliness crisis among youth, with young people becoming more socially isolated due to technology and changing lifestyles.
- Many teenagers are "languishing," showing neither passion nor significant challenges, which makes them harder to engage.
- Activities like clubs, sports, music, theater, and service projects can create social connections and foster collaboration among students. Schools should prioritize and facilitate these opportunities.
- Technology and screen time contribute to isolation, as they reduce face-to-face interactions and encourage personal bubbles. Limiting screen time for young people may help.
- Families and communities play a crucial role in encouraging children to participate in activities and find passions, which helps them connect with others and develop socially.
"Mahmoud Khalil is free and must remain free." FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/mahmoud-khalil-is-free-and-must-remain
- Egyptian American comedian Ramy Youssef performed at the Beacon Theater in June, where Zohran Mamdani and Mahmoud Khalil were present. Mamdani later won the New York City mayoral primary, defeating Andrew Cuomo.
- Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, had recently been released from detention after opposing Israel's actions in Gaza. His case highlighted the repression of free speech.
- A federal appeals court reversed the lower court’s decision to release Khalil, supporting the Trump administration's efforts to deport him. Mamdani criticized the ruling as an attack on constitutional rights.
- U.S. District Judge William Young condemned the administration's actions against pro-Palestinian activists, labeling it an unconstitutional effort to suppress dissent.
- Judge Young criticized senior officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for orchestrating a campaign to target noncitizen political activists.
Teacher Tom: Serenity Prayer https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/serenity-prayer.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom reflects on the Serenity Prayer and its relevance to daily life.
- He discusses the limits of individual control over global issues and the importance of small, local actions.
- The focus is on self-control and empowerment rather than exerting control over others, especially children.
- Play-based learning is emphasized as a tool for children to develop independence and the courage to make changes.
- The article connects personal empowerment with the idea of "thinking globally but acting locally."
- Teacher Tom promotes workshops and resources for early childhood educators and parents.
### Key Points
- The article critiques the economic system that rewards billionaires while punishing working-class people, highlighting historical examples like the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic crash.
- Deregulation and tax cuts for the wealthy, especially under Republican administrations, are identified as root causes of economic inequality and repeated recessions.
- Billionaires have significantly increased their wealth during economic downturns, while average Americans struggle with job losses, wage declines, and financial instability.
- The article warns about the continuation of these patterns under Trump-era policies, urging readers to prepare for potential future economic crises.
Schools Matter: Murderer's Audio Reaction Seconds After Kill Shot http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/01/murderers-audio-reaction-seconds-after.html
### Key Points
- ICE agent Jonathan Ross, a former National Guard member and Border Patrol agent, shot and killed Renee Good during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis, sparking controversy.
- Ross's career reflects a broader trend of militarization in immigration enforcement since 9/11, with veterans transitioning to law enforcement roles.
- The shooting of Renee Good occurred under disputed circumstances, with federal officials claiming self-defense and critics accusing Ross of excessive force.
- Ross's history includes a prior incident where he was dragged by a car during an arrest, raising questions about his approach to policing and use of force.
- Critics argue that ICE's aggressive tactics prioritize a military-style approach over community-focused policing, fueling tensions in immigrant communities.
Everyone Is Heard—Until They’re Not https://norinrad10.com/2026/01/16/everyone-is-heard-until-theyre-not/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points
- MNPS revisited the issue of changing school start times, with mixed community feedback showing support for later high school start times but resistance from middle school families.
- The article highlights the privilege associated with having flexible schedules for school drop-offs and pickups, which many families in high-poverty districts lack.
- Concerns were raised about the impact of schedule changes on MNPS staff commuting from other counties and students balancing extracurriculars, jobs, and family responsibilities.
- The debate over school start times includes scientific studies suggesting benefits of later starts, though the evidence is contextual and not definitive.
- Economic and logistical implications, such as effects on businesses relying on student labor and traffic patterns, were also discussed.
- A lawsuit was filed against MNPS by a former assistant principal, alleging retaliation and professional harm after her response during a school shooting incident.
- Tennessee's Education Freedom Scholarships program has seen increased demand, reflecting a growing interest in school choice over public education.
- The article critiques the public school system for its focus on metrics over student development and relationships, which may contribute to declining public school enrollment.
New Bipartisan Legislation Takes Steps to Stop Punishing Poor Kids Recent bipartisan bills offer real progress, but Congress must make cutting child poverty a priority. BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/new-bipartisan-legislation-takes
### Key Points
- Two bipartisan bills aim to address inequities in the Child Tax Credit, particularly for low-income families and those affected by disasters.
- The Stronger Start for Working Families Act eliminates the $2,500 income threshold for receiving the refundable Child Tax Credit, benefiting 3.5 million low-income children.
- The Working Families Disaster Tax Relief Act allows families impacted by federally declared disasters to use prior-year income for Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility.
- These reforms highlight the importance of supporting children, but they are insufficient to address systemic flaws in the Child Tax Credit, including exclusion of the poorest families and inequities for larger families and immigrant households.
- Policymakers are urged to make the Child Tax Credit fully refundable, eliminate income thresholds, expand eligibility to age 18, and address hardships beyond disasters.
- Advocacy for children is essential, as they lack political power and representation. The article calls for continued efforts to fix the tax code to prioritize child welfare.
Religious freedom day STU https://bloom2.substack.com/p/religious-freedom-day
### Key Points
- Religious Freedom Day commemorates the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which guaranteed religious liberty and ended the state-established church in Virginia.
- The day was officially declared by President George H. W. Bush in 1993 and has been recognized annually by U.S. presidents since then.
- The First Freedom Center promotes education and commemoration of religious freedom as established by Jefferson’s statute.
- The importance of defending religious freedom is emphasized, especially in times of division and prejudice. Americans are encouraged to speak out against bigotry and protect the rights of all religious groups.
Mentoring improves educational outcomes for socially disadvantaged children Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Gender bias influences children's math learning, with young children trusting incorrect numerical estimates from male teachers more than accurate ones from female teachers.
- Mentoring programs for socially disadvantaged children in Germany improve educational outcomes and increase the likelihood of attending higher-track secondary schools.
- Recreational physical activity during adolescence is linked to lower breast tissue density and reduced stress biomarkers, potentially lowering future breast cancer risk.
- Playing linear number board games enhances early math skills in young children, with benefits even from short sessions.
- Updated guidelines on the Female Athlete Triad emphasize energy deficiency, menstrual health, and bone health, introducing new recommendations for adolescent athletes.
- A guide for managing youth concussions highlights the importance of early recognition and removal of affected athletes, educating parents and coaches on proper protocols.
- Expanded school-based tobacco prevention programs in California are linked to significantly lower smoking and vaping rates among students.
What to Do if ICE Invades Your Neighborhood | WIRED https://www.wired.com/story/what-to-do-if-ice-invades-your-neighborhood/
