MORNING NEWS UPDATE: FEBRUARY 11, 2026
- Ongoing Nancy Guthrie disappearance case: FBI releases images of an armed, masked individual at the victim's home from nest cam footage; a person of interest was detained and released, with searches continuing in Arizona.
- Mass shooting in British Columbia, Canada (with U.S. interest due to proximity and coverage): At least 9-10 killed, including the shooter, in attacks at a school and home in Tumbler Ridge, northeastern B.C.
- Immigration enforcement impacts: Reports of federal agents' fatal shootings leading to declining support for policies; potential end to crackdowns in states like Minnesota, plus economic effects from raids in South Texas.
- DHS officials testify on Capitol Hill: Grilled over recent fatal shootings involving immigrants and related enforcement actions.
El Paso Airspace Grounded: In a highly unusual move, the FAA has abruptly closed the airspace around El Paso International Airport for 10 days, citing "special security reasons."
The closure, which gave pilots only three hours' notice, effectively grounds all commercial and cargo flights in the area until February 20. New York Cold Snap Deaths: Officials in New York City report that at least 18 people have died due to a severe cold snap over the past weekend, with additional fatalities being confirmed as the week continues.
Nuclear Accusations: The U.S. has officially accused China of conducting secret, low-yield nuclear tests and planning more, sparking concerns about a potential breakdown in global non-proliferation efforts.
- Trump-Netanyahu White House meeting: Discussions focus on Iran nuclear negotiations and broader Middle East issues.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies: Facing questions on Jeffrey Epstein files, including new documents mentioning Trump and potential administration handling.
- Bipartisan governors' gathering unravels: Trump excludes Democratic governors from White House events, leading the National Governors Association to cancel formal meetings.
- Immigration's political power shift: Recent surges may boost House seats in GOP-leaning border states due to population gains.
- Rahul Gandhi's criticism in India (international angle affecting U.S. ties): Alleges India-U.S. interim trade deal as a "surrender" harming energy security and farmers.
Bondi Facing Congress: Attorney General Pam Bondi is scheduled to testify before lawmakers today.
She is expected to face intense questioning regarding the release (or withholding) of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Tariff War Escalation: Following recent executive actions, the battle over trade policy has moved to the House floor.
Debates are intensifying over the "Durbin-Marshall" credit card bill and broader tariff implementations. DHS Funding Deadlock: Negotiations over Department of Homeland Security funding remain stalled in Washington, with significant disagreements persisting over border security and immigration enforcement budgets.
- Russian drone strike in Ukraine: Kills a father and three small children near Kharkiv; part of a large overnight drone attack (129 launched, many downed).
- Macron calls for EU common debt: French president warns Europe risks being outpaced by U.S. and China without unified funding for tech and future investments.
- Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics underway: Day 5 events, including U.S. silver in super-G, with ongoing competitions in hockey, figure skating, and more.
- Brazil's Lula visits India: With large business delegation focused on trade deals and global governance reforms.
Tragedy in Ukraine: A Russian strike on the city of Bogodukhiv in eastern Ukraine has killed four people, including three young children (two one-year-olds and a two-year-old), according to regional military officials.
Munich Security Conference: Global leaders are arriving in Germany for the 62nd Munich Security Conference.
Key discussions are expected to center on the Iran-U.S. nuclear negotiations and China’s role in regional stability. Tragedy in Canada: Reports indicate at least 10 people, including a suspected shooter, were killed in a school shooting in British Columbia, an event that has shocked the nation and prompted condolences from global leaders.
- Higher ed under pressure: EAB report highlights political, social, and market forces squeezing colleges, reducing autonomy and margins amid AI, enrollment shifts, and ROI doubts.
- Pentagon cuts ties with Harvard: Shifts focus from "woke" institutions to warrior training.
- More colleges offer free tuition: Growing programs to improve access, especially for low-income students.
- Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave: India's Ministry of Education hosts event on AI in education ahead of larger summit.
Vaccine Mandate Debates: A new wave of legislation across states like Indiana, New Jersey, and South Carolina is seeking to weaken or remove school vaccine mandates, raising alarms among pediatricians about a potential drop in routine childhood wellness checks.
Department of Education Overhaul: Monitoring continues on the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle or significantly restructure the federal Department of Education, with a focus on shifting more control to individual states.
Student Protest Crackdowns: In Texas, state authorities are implementing stricter measures against student walkouts, specifically targeting those protesting recent ICE enforcement actions.
- January jobs report released: U.S. adds 130,000 jobs (stronger than expected), unemployment falls to 4.3%; health care leads gains despite prior disruptions from trade/immigration policies.
- Stock market mixed: Dow hits records, but S&P 500 and Nasdaq dip amid retail sales concerns and tech/AI sector worries.
- Immigration raids hit South Texas economy: Labor shortages emerging from enforcement actions.
- India-U.S. trade deal controversy: Criticized as one-sided, impacting energy and agriculture sectors.
Sluggish Jobs Report: A highly anticipated federal jobs report released today is expected to show a "slack" labor market.
Analysts suggest that while the economy grows, employers are becoming more selective, partly due to increased AI implementation and immigration restrictions. Household Debt Peaks: Data from the New York Fed reveals that U.S. household debt has climbed to a staggering $18.8 trillion, a 1% increase in the final quarter of last year.
Lufthansa Strike: Major travel disruptions are expected tomorrow as Lufthansa pilots and cabin crew begin a strike over pay and cost-of-living adjustments.
- Meta and YouTube teen addiction trial begins: First jury trial for tech giants over social media's impact on youth mental health (Snapchat/TikTok settled earlier).
- OpenAI accused of violating California AI law: Watchdog claims issues with new GPT-5.3-Codex model.
- Quantum tech advancements: IBM unveils complex quantum supercomputers; Denmark pursues world's most powerful commercial system; potential everyday impacts discussed.
- High-growth tech stocks: Focus on companies in AI, optics, and communications showing strong revenue/earnings potential.
Federal 100 Announced: The 2026 "Federal 100" list was released today, honoring leaders in government and industry who have made significant impacts on the federal IT ecosystem, particularly in AI and cybersecurity.
EU Cyberattack: The European Commission confirmed it was the target of a cyberattack on its mobile infrastructure, resulting in unauthorized access to staff names and contact details.
AI vs. Labor: New economic analysis highlights a growing trend of "capital-for-labor" substitution, where companies are prioritizing investments in AI over traditional hiring, contributing to the current sluggish job market.
- Obesity linked to 1 in 4 U.S. infectious disease deaths: Highest among wealthy nations; higher risks from flu, COVID-19, and other infections.
- Aging anxiety accelerates physical aging: New study shows worry about getting older has measurable bodily health consequences.
- Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine application refused: FDA declines to review, impacting next-gen vaccine efforts.
- End of enhanced Obamacare subsidies: Threatens tribal health services and access for vulnerable groups.
Physician Burnout Crisis: The American Hospital Association (AHA) is testifying before the Senate today, warning that "Washington’s rules" and administrative burdens are driving a national physician shortage and high rates of burnout.
Primary Care Program Scrapped: Doctors are expressing frustration after the CMS Innovation Center scrapped the "Making Care Primary" program just months into what was supposed to be a 10-year initiative, citing a failure to meet savings goals.
Disease Resurgence: In West Virginia, health officials have reported the first case of childhood Hepatitis B in years, which some doctors attribute to the erosion of traditional immunization requirements.
- Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Day 5: U.S. earns super-G silver; events include men's hockey, figure skating; Switzerland's Franjo takes a gold.
- NBA matchup: Knicks vs. 76ers in key Atlantic Division game, with injury concerns (e.g., Embiid questionable).
- College basketball: WVU aims to avoid letdown vs. UCF.
- NFL Draft outlook: Early 2026 rankings and team needs discussed post-Super Bowl.
Winter Olympics (Milan-Cortina): Coverage continues from the Winter Games in Milan, though the atmosphere is somber following massive layoffs at major U.S. sports desks, including the virtual shuttering of the Washington Post’s legendary sports section.
College Basketball Chaos: In a Big Ten thriller, No. 13 Purdue edged out No. 7 Nebraska 80-77 in overtime after the Boilermakers blew a 22-point lead.
APEC Sports Initiatives: As part of the APEC meetings in China, officials are discussing new regional sports diplomacy programs aimed at fostering youth engagement across the Asia-Pacific.
EDUCATION SPECIAL
TOP US EDUCATION NEWS TODAY
TOP WORLD EDUCATION NEWS TODAY
Here are the top education news stories for today, February 11, 2026.
Top US Education News
Federal Funding Restructuring Sparks Outrage: Tribal leaders and educators are strongly opposing a new plan to restructure Indian education programs. Following the dissolution of the Department of Education, responsibilities for these programs are being shifted to the Department of the Interior and the Department of Labor. Tribes argue they were not consulted appropriately on these major changes.
Accreditation Reform Negotiated Rulemaking: The Department of Education has announced its intention to establish a new committee to reform the higher education accreditation system. The goal is to simplify the recognition of accreditors and focus on data-driven student outcomes rather than DEI-based standards.
Controversial School Prayer Guidance: New federal guidance has been issued regarding prayer and religious expression in public schools. The guidelines clarify that teachers are permitted to pray with students, provided they do not pressure them to participate or favor specific religions.
FERPA Investigations Launched: The Department of Education has launched two investigations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to determine if student data was illegally shared with entities aiming to influence elections.
Top World Education News
Global Coalition Strengthening: The British Council has joined two major UNESCO-led initiatives: the Global Education Coalition and the International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030. This partnership aims to enhance teaching quality, equity, and inclusive education worldwide.
UK Focus on "Super-Universities": Universities in the UK, such as Greenwich and Kent, are moving forward with merger plans to create "super-universities" to combat financial pressures and improve international competitiveness.
AI Integration Trends for 2026: Global reports indicate a major shift toward governed deployment of AI in education. Institutions are moving away from mere experimentation and focusing on using AI for workflow efficiency, instructional quality, and personalized learner support.
Diverse Study Destinations Rising: Due to policy shifts and visa restrictions in traditional Anglophone countries, international students are increasingly looking toward alternative destinations like Spain, which is launching initiatives to welcome transfer students.
