THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK
1-25-26 TO 1-31-26
FROM GEMINI
The final week of January 2026 has been marked by a flurry of activity in the second Trump administration, significant legal shifts, and high-stakes developments in global health and sports.
Here are the top stories across eight key sectors for the week of January 25–31, 2026:
U.S. News & Politics
Trump’s "Donroe Doctrine": The State Department unveiled a new foreign aid strategy prioritizing the Western Hemisphere and East Asia (receiving 40% of the budget), signaling a sharp transactional shift in U.S. global influence.
Immigration Crackdown: A new "Extreme Vetting" Executive Order took effect, restoring Trump-era screening standards and mandating stricter oversight of foreign nationals within the U.S.
Tariff Threats on Canada: President Trump threatened 100% tariffs on Canadian goods, citing border security concerns, leading to emergency diplomatic talks.
SCOTUS on Gender Policies: The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a high-profile case regarding California’s parental notification policies for students' gender transitions.
Federal Shooting Tensions: Protests erupted in Minneapolis after a second fatal shooting involving a federal agent this month, sparking a "war of words" between local and federal officials.
World Affairs
Greenland Disputes: Tensions spiked over Greenland's status, briefly driving gold prices to record highs before a NATO-mediated deal eased immediate conflict.
Nipah Virus Outbreak: The WHO confirmed an outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India. Health authorities are monitoring over 190 contacts after two healthcare workers were infected.
French Political Shift: French markets stabilized as the National Assembly adopted the revenue section of the state budget, reducing long-standing fiscal uncertainty in the region.
Economy & Technology
Gold Hits $4,950: Driven by geopolitical instability and central bank buying, gold reached a fresh all-time high, with analysts eyeing the $5,000 milestone.
The Fed Holds Steady: The Federal Reserve met on January 28, keeping interest rates unchanged but signaling a "data-dependent" path for potential cuts later in 2026.
IKEA’s Smart Home Push: Following CES 2026, IKEA launched a series of low-cost Matter-enabled sensors (like the $8 KLIPPBOK leak sensor), signaling a shift toward affordable, universal smart home tech.
Fintech Crackdown: Saxo Bank was fined approximately $50 million by Danish regulators for anti-money laundering violations, highlighting increased global scrutiny of digital banking.
Education & Health
National School Choice Week: Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced a record $500 million investment in charter school expansion and a first-of-its-kind federal tax credit for education scholarships.
California Education Violation: The U.S. Dept. of Education found the California Dept. of Education in violation of federal privacy laws (FERPA) for allegedly hiding students' gender transitions from parents.
Cancer Vaccine Breakthrough: Long-term data from a 20-year breast cancer vaccine trial showed a 100% survival rate among participants, with immune systems still "primed" to recognize cancer cells.
Long COVID "Brain Fog" Divide: A massive international study released on Jan. 28 revealed that U.S. patients report significantly higher rates of cognitive symptoms compared to patients in other nations.
Sports
Super Bowl LXI Matchup: The Seattle Seahawks (led by Sam Darnold) and the New England Patriots (led by Drake Maye) both punched their tickets to the Super Bowl after thrilling conference championship wins.
Australian Open Shocker: Defending champion Madison Keys was eliminated by Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals, clearing the path for a new women's champion in Melbourne.
Shiffrin’s Record: Mikaela Shiffrin locked up her record ninth season slalom title, securing her status as the favorite heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Scheffler Wins Opener: Scottie Scheffler began his season with a dominant win at the PGA Tour opener in La Quinta, California, fending off 18-year-old sensation Blades Brown.
FROM GROK
- Massive winter storm impacted nearly 200 million Americans with heavy snow, ice, freezing rain, power outages (over 1 million affected), flight cancellations, and deadly conditions across much of the country from New Mexico to New England.
- Fatal shooting of Alex Pretti (also referred to as Alex Jeffrey Prey) by federal agents (ICE/Border Patrol) in Minneapolis, sparking protests and tensions.
- Violent anti-ICE protests in Minnesota, including crowds swarming a hotel believed to house federal agents, leaving one officer injured.
- Ongoing fallout from a prior ICE shooting in Minneapolis (Renee Good, a mother of three, killed earlier in the month), amplifying criticism of federal immigration enforcement.
- National School Choice Week proclaimed by President Trump (January 25–31), emphasizing parental rights and criticizing federal education policy.
- Government funding deal to avert shutdown, with separate handling of DHS/ICE funding amid immigration debates.
- Clashes between federal and state leaders over evidence in the Minneapolis shooting investigations.
- U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, deepening global climate concerns.
- Broader immigration crackdown effects, including protests and calls for federal agents to leave cities like Minneapolis.
- Power outages and transportation disruptions lingering from the storm into late week.
- Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions, including the Minneapolis shooting of Alex Pretti, leading to protests, Democratic vows to block DHS funding, and threats of government shutdown.
- Bipartisan deal to fund government through September (except DHS temporarily), amid debates over ICE reforms.
- President Trump's proclamation for National School Choice Week, framing it as a win for parental rights against federal bureaucracy.
- Revocation of TPS status for ~350,000 Haitians, putting them at risk of deportation.
- Executive order addressing threats from Cuba's government, declaring a national emergency.
- Trump's expected nomination of Kevin Warsh as next Federal Reserve Chair.
- Ongoing tensions and investigations into federal agents' actions in Minneapolis, with Trump blaming local officials.
- Broader Trump policies, including potential impacts on international organizations and foreign relations.
- Congressional briefings and debates over U.S. actions abroad (e.g., Venezuela operations influencing domestic politics).
- Midterm positioning and political fallout from immigration crackdowns eroding some support.
- U.S. airstrikes and operations in Venezuela (ongoing from early January capture of Maduro), with claims of seeking "vassal states" and oil control.
- Continued brutal crackdown in Iran on protests, with leaks of high death tolls (tens of thousands) and Khamenei's orders to use lethal force.
- U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on January 27, increasing global climate vulnerability.
- India-EU free trade agreement signed on January 27, eliminating tariffs after long negotiations.
- Ongoing Ukraine conflict, with reports of massive Russian drone/missile strikes.
- Families suing Trump admin over U.S. boat strike killing Trinidadian men.
- Threats and discussions around U.S. interests in Greenland, prompting Danish/European responses.
- Myanmar general election held on January 25.
- Installation of Sarah Mullally as first female Archbishop of Canterbury on January 28.
- Broader global ripple effects from U.S. foreign policy shifts under Trump.
- President Trump's proclamation of National School Choice Week (January 25–31), highlighting school choice as a parental right and criticizing federal policies for low scores and high spending.
- Ongoing debates tied to broader Trump admin education reforms and funding freezes in certain states (e.g., welfare/social services overlaps). 3–10: Limited distinct major stories; discussions linked to federal policy impacts on schools, but no major campus incidents or reforms dominated headlines this specific week.
- IMF World Economic Outlook Update projecting steady global growth at 3.3% for 2026, resilient amid trade policy shifts, tech investment, and adaptability.
- U.S. productivity surge supporting above-trend growth forecasts (around 2.5% in 2026), driven by AI/tech adoption and efficiency.
- Tech sector layoffs announced (e.g., Amazon cutting ~16,000 roles globally).
- Stock market reactions, including tech slumps (e.g., Microsoft drop impacting Nasdaq).
- Insider picks and growth stock focus amid market upticks.
- Potential Fed Chair nomination and monetary policy implications.
- Broader forecasts for U.S. nominal growth over 5%, with productivity offsetting inflation/labor issues.
- Global economic outlook revisions slightly upward due to tech and fiscal support.
- Banking tech innovations and stories (e.g., new core banking adoptions).
- Tariff threats (e.g., against Canada over China ties) discussed by Treasury Secretary.
- Major tech layoffs in January 2026, including Amazon (~16,000 jobs) and others like Meta/Pinterest, amid AI-driven efficiencies.
- Tech stock volatility, with Microsoft slump weighing on Nasdaq and broader market reactions.
- Ongoing AI trends and investments (e.g., potential Amazon investment in OpenAI).
- Predictions for 2026 tech invasions: talking computers, self-driving cars, AI wearables, and deeper integrations.
- Banking technology developments (e.g., new core systems by companies like 10x Banking).
- Memory costs impacting companies like Apple despite record sales.
- Musk-related empire merger possibilities (e.g., SpaceX with Tesla/xAI).
- AI spending delivering mixed stock results.
- Productivity boosts from tech/AI adoption supporting U.S. economic outlook.
- Broader trends in fintech and banking tech modernization.
- NFL Conference Championship games: New England Patriots advanced to Super Bowl 2026 with 10-7 win over Broncos (AFC); Seahawks beat Rams 31-27 in NFC title game.
- NFL playoff schedule and bracket finalizing for Super Bowl.
- USA Olympics legend Lindsey Vonn injured in crash during final downhill race week before 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Australian Open developments (e.g., Djokovic stunning Sinner in semifinal; Madison Keys knocked out by Jessica Pegula).
- Lakers sale details (Buss family $10B sale).
- NFL coaching hires (e.g., Packers hiring Jonathan Gannon as DC).
- Top plays and highlights from the week across leagues.
- Journeyman performances and upsets in various games.
- Broader NFL narrative on coaching impacts (e.g., Patriots turnaround).
- Anticipation for Super Bowl matchups and analysis.
THIS WEEK'S DAILY TOP NEWS
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 25, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/morning-news-update-january-25-2026.html
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 26, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/morning-news-update-january-26-2026.html
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 27, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/morning-news-update-january-27-2026.html
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 28, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/morning-news-update-january-28-2026.html
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 29, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/morning-news-update-january-29-2026.html
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 30, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/01/morning-news-update-january-30-2026.html
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026
HISTORY
TOP 10 TRUMP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK
1-25-26 TO 1-31-26
This week (January 25 – January 31, 2026) has been defined by a tense standoff over a potential government shutdown, ongoing friction regarding immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, and a flurry of executive activity from the White House.
Here are the top 10 news stories regarding President Trump this week:
1. Government Shutdown Averted (For Now)
After days of brinkmanship, the White House and Congressional Democrats reached a late-week deal to avert a partial government shutdown.
2. Crisis in Minneapolis: The Pretti Shooting
Tensions escalated following the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse shot by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation.
3. "Trump Accounts" Policy Launch
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent formally introduced "Trump Accounts," a cornerstone economic policy aimed at creating a "shareholder society." The program seeks to provide investment accounts for all Americans, rebranding the "Baby Bond" concept into a market-driven wealth-building tool.
4. Emergency Disaster Declarations
Early in the week, President Trump approved a historic number of federal emergency declarations for 12 states (including Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia) in response to a severe winter storm.
5. Trade War Escalation: Tariff Threats
Trump intensified trade pressures by threatening a 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft and similar penalties on any country—specifically citing Mexico—that sells oil to Cuba.
6. Federal Reserve Chair Announcement
During a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump teased that he would announce his nominee for Federal Reserve Chair by Friday.
7. Reopening Venezuela Airspace
In a surprise move, Trump instructed U.S. officials to reopen Venezuelan airspace for commercial travel by the end of the week.
8. National School Choice Week
The administration used this week to double down on education reform. Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced a record $500 million investment for charter school expansion and promoted the "Education Freedom Tax Credit," while granting Iowa the first-ever "Returning Education to the States" waiver.
9. Crackdown on Medicare Drug Prices
The administration announced a list of 15 new drugs slated for Medicare price negotiations.
10. Lawsuit Against the IRS
Late in the week, Trump filed a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), seeking $10 billion in compensation.