JANUARY 29, 2026
- Escalating tensions and incidents involving federal agents: Outrage continues over the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during an encounter with federal officers, with two agents placed on administrative leave amid calls for reforms like unmasked agents and body cameras.
- Winter weather impacts: School delays and closures reported in areas like Maryland due to inclement weather, with power outages and subzero temperatures affecting millions in parts of the country.
- Immigration and DHS funding fights: Democrats demand limits on DHS funding, including no masked agents and body cameras, ahead of a potential government shutdown deadline, tied to Trump's immigration crackdown.
- Trump administration foreign policy moves: President Trump threatens Iran with a "massive armada" over nuclear issues, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies on Venezuela agreeing to U.S.-controlled oil revenue budgets.
- DHS funding standoff: Senate Democrats push conditions for funding the Department of Homeland Security, including restrictions on immigration enforcement tactics following recent fatal incidents.
- Congressional and election-related developments: Ongoing debates over immigration policy, with potential shutdown risks; separate reports note U.S. strikes and arrests abroad (e.g., Venezuela's Maduro) raising international concerns.
- U.S.-Taiwan tech and AI cooperation: High-level talks reaffirm Taiwan as a "vital partner," with agreements on economic security, AI, and semiconductor supply chains amid China rivalry.
- Trump's Iran threats: Renewed warnings of military action if no nuclear deal, with Tehran vowing strong retaliation.
- Japan election outlook: Polls show the ruling bloc (led by PM Sanae Takaichi's LDP) on track for a majority in the February lower house election.
- EU-India trade impacts: An EU deal expected to affect India's textile sector competitiveness versus neighbors like Bangladesh and Pakistan.
- U.S. Census data on attainment gains: Significant increases in adults with bachelor's degrees or higher in metropolitan and micropolitan areas.
- School responses to immigration enforcement: Some districts shift to virtual learning as a "Band-Aid" when ICE operations occur nearby, amid broader fears.
- International admissions updates: Cambridge University to accept CBSE Class 12 scores for undergrad admissions; various UK scholarships announced for Indian students.
- Federal Reserve holds rates steady: Despite pressure from President Trump for lower rates, the Fed maintains current levels, citing solid economic expansion and resilient job market.
- Consumer confidence drop: Sharp decline in U.S. consumer confidence, influenced by mentions of tariffs, trade, and politics.
- Global trade tariff considerations: South Africa weighs steep tariffs on vehicles from China and India; separate notes on U.S.-South Korea tariff talks.
- Massive AI spending surge: Global tech giants (Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, etc.) continue heavy investments in AI hardware, boosting suppliers like Samsung (expecting big 2nm chip orders) and SK Hynix into 2026.
- U.S.-Taiwan AI and tech pact: Signed agreements on economic security and the Pax Silica Declaration to secure AI/semiconductor chains against China competition.
- Google OS rumors: Reports of plans to replace ChromeOS with a new "Aluminium OS," with alleged images surfacing.
- Ongoing winter weather health risks: Subzero temperatures and storms pose dangers to millions, following deadly impacts.
- Pediatric vaccine endorsements: A pediatrician group endorses vaccines for 18 diseases, diverging from CDC guidance in some areas.
- Medicare Advantage disruptions: Insurer-system breakups and plan cuts affect millions of enrollees' coverage options.
- NBA trade deadline buzz: Milwaukee Bucks listening to trade offers for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, shaking up league discussions.
- LeBron James in Cleveland: Emotional return to Cleveland (possible final game there), scoring 11 points in Lakers' 129-99 loss to Cavaliers.
- Cricket rankings update: Suryakumar Yadav jumps to seventh in ICC T20I rankings.
Bruce Springsteen Writes a New Song: "The Streets of Minneapolis" https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/28/bruce-springsteen-writes-a-new-song-the-streets-of-minneapolis/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- John Thompson critiques the "Mississippi Miracle" narrative in Oklahoma, warning against simplistic solutions like retaining third graders based on reading scores.
- Retention-driven approaches and online tutoring platforms like "Paper" fail to improve long-term reading comprehension and may harm learning cultures.
- Generative AI in education poses risks to children's cognitive development, fostering dependence and reducing critical thinking skills.
- Proposed legislation (HB 3023) in Oklahoma emphasizes teacher-led reading intervention over digital technology, offering some hope for reform.
- Thompson expresses concerns about corporate-driven education reforms and their long-term impact on inequality and educational quality.
No, ICE May Not Enter Your Home Without a Judicial Warrant https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/28/no-ice-may-not-enter-your-home-without-a-judicial-warrant/ via @dianeravitch
No, ICE May Not Enter Your Home Without a Judicial Warrant The deployment of ICE to detain and arrest undocumented immigrants threatens to become a war against U.S. citizens who object to ICE’s brutal tactics. We have all seen the videos of ICE agents smashing car windows, knocking men and women to the ground, grabbing women by their hair, pummeling people on the ground, operating in teams of 5 or 6 as they beat up those they choose. The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution forbids ICE from entering homes.
### Key Points
- ICE's brutal tactics, such as entering homes and using excessive force, have caused significant concern and public outrage.
- A leaked ICE memo falsely claims agents can enter homes without judicial warrants, which violates the Fourth Amendment.
- The Fourth Amendment explicitly protects homes from government intrusion without a judicial warrant, as reaffirmed by multiple Supreme Court rulings.
- ICE's reliance on administrative warrants, not signed by judges, undermines constitutional protections and sets a dangerous precedent.
- Allowing ICE to bypass judicial oversight could lead to other agencies adopting similar practices, threatening privacy and liberty.
- The erosion of the Fourth Amendment's warrant requirement could expand to other areas like digital records, firearms regulation, and public health enforcement.
- Judicial warrants are essential for protecting liberty and preventing unchecked governmental power.
No Kings Coalition Announces Immediate Efforts and Builds Towards Next National Mass Mobilization on March 28 https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- The gradual shift from democracy to fascism often appears as a series of small, seemingly reasonable steps, making it difficult for people to recognize and resist until it is too late.
- Historical examples from Nazi Germany, Hungary under Orbán, and Russia under Putin illustrate how authoritarian regimes consolidate power through normalization and public desensitization.
- The Trump administration is critiqued for its authoritarian tendencies, including attacks on democracy, normalization of extreme policies, and undermining constitutional checks.
- Resistance to such trends requires public outrage, active participation, and a refusal to accept normalization. Democracy demands continuous effort and peaceful action to uphold its ideals.
- The article emphasizes the role of history as a guide, urging people to learn from past failures and take proactive measures to protect democratic values.
glen brown: "A Lying Government" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-lying-government.html
### Key Points
- Recent shootings in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents highlight the dangers of conflicting official narratives and the need for transparency.
- Historical examples, such as the Pentagon Papers and the Vietnam War, show how government dishonesty has long-term impacts on public trust and democracy.
- Hannah Arendt’s theories explain how systematic lying by officials leads to public disorientation, cynicism, and the erosion of democratic participation.
- Truth and transparency are essential to maintaining the legitimacy of democratic institutions, especially during crises.
Noem and Miller. Falling out among thieves. Have the dancing partners split up? FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/noem-and-miller-falling-out-among
### Key Points
- Seven Democratic senators voted to confirm Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, despite knowing her controversial stance.
- Some Democrats are now calling for Noem's impeachment after the Minneapolis murders, but this is seen as a reactionary move rather than true accountability.
- Questions arise about whether Democrats will take concrete actions, such as cutting funding to DHS, ICE, and CBP, or settle for statements of outrage.
- Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller, once aligned, are now distancing themselves from each other amidst growing public criticism. Noem claims her actions were directed by the president and Miller.
Teacher Tom: Preschool is a Place to Finish Using Society's Junk https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/preschool-is-place-to-finish-using.html
### Key Points
- Corvids, like magpies, repurpose anti-bird spikes to build protective nests, showcasing their creativity and adaptability.
- Children, much like animals, often prefer societal waste over traditional toys, finding creative ways to repurpose items like pallets, tires, and bottle caps in their play.
- Manufactured toys often come with pre-defined scripts, limiting creativity, whereas playing with refuse allows children to invent their own narratives, fostering deeper learning.
- The author advocates for creating open-ended, real-world learning environments that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, transforming challenges into opportunities.
- Teacher Tom offers a course on designing such learning spaces, emphasizing the role of the environment as a "third teacher" in child development.
Is Education the Fault Line? Or is there some other gap that divides us? NANCY FLANAGAN https://flanagann.substack.com/p/is-education-the-fault-line
### Key Points
- The author examines whether education is the fault line in American politics, highlighting differences in voting patterns between more-educated and less-educated individuals.
- Nancy Flanagan questions the impact of college education on political awareness and broad-mindedness, exploring its connection to economic accessibility.
- She reflects on her teaching experience and whether she could have modeled broader perspectives to her students since 2016.
STATE TERROR | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2026/01/28/state-terror/
- The article discusses the murders of several individuals and criticizes ICE for spreading fear through lawless actions, emphasizing the role of ordinary citizens as a guardrail against autocratic governance.
- It highlights the lack of effective opposition from the Democratic Party, mocking their solution of body cameras and praising citizen cameras and community efforts in Chicago and Minneapolis.
- The post includes references to related topics such as ELF Terrorists, Israeli actions against Palestinians, and other political issues, showcasing a broader context of state terror and activism.
CURMUDGUCATION: Emanuel: Not The Education Candidate https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2026/01/emanuel-not-education-candidate.html
### Key Points
- Rahm Emanuel is criticized for his role in doubling down on Bush-era education policies during the Obama administration and his controversial actions as Chicago mayor.
- Emanuel's critique of Democrats' lack of clear education policy is noted, though his own views align with outdated and ineffective approaches.
- Nostalgia for No Child Left Behind policies is criticized for ignoring the harm caused by high-stakes testing and anti-public education reforms.
- Emanuel's proposals, such as requiring clear post-graduation plans and cutting funds for schools with high absentee rates, are seen as unrealistic and out of touch with classroom realities.
- The article questions Emanuel's credibility as an "education candidate" and highlights that education is not a priority for most voters.
Report: Trump Voucher Scheme Creates Two-Tiered Education System Sen. Sanders releases data showing harms of federal voucher plan ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/report-trump-voucher-scheme-creates
- Senator Bernie Sanders released a report criticizing the Trump Administration's federal school voucher plan, stating it creates a two-tiered education system favoring wealthy families and underfunding public schools.
- The report highlights that school vouchers subsidize private education for wealthy families as they often cover only a fraction of tuition costs, making private education inaccessible for working-class families.
- Private schools receiving vouchers are noted to systematically deny admission to students with disabilities or charge extra tuition for services, unlike public schools which are required to provide equal opportunities.
- The report finds that some private schools discriminate against students based on their religious beliefs, with differing tuition rates depending on the family’s religion.
- Many private schools benefiting from vouchers lack accreditation, accountability, and teacher credentialing, with only a few states enforcing such requirements.
- Examples from states like Arizona, Indiana, and Florida indicate that voucher programs are costly for taxpayers, detrimental to local school funding, and strain state budgets.
Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: What the History of Supermarkets Teaches Us About AI in Schools (Andrew Cantarutti) (Guest Post by Andrew Cantarutti) | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/what-history
### Key Points
- The history of supermarkets, starting with Piggly Wiggly in 1916, revolutionized shopping by introducing self-service, which led to significant infrastructure developments like refrigeration and global supply chains. These innovations had unintended environmental and social consequences.
- The global "cold chain" required for year-round food availability accounts for 8% of global electricity use and contributes significantly to climate change.
- The rise of supermarkets also altered diets, increased consumption of highly processed foods, and created public health challenges such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Global supply chains, driven by consumer demand for low prices, have led to labor exploitation, particularly in industries like seafood production in Southeast Asia.
- AI in education is compared to the supermarket model, offering immediate conveniences like automated grading and personalized learning but posing risks such as environmental costs, market entrenchment, and long-term cognitive changes.
- The environmental impact of AI, including the energy demands of large models and data centers, must be considered in adoption decisions.
- Over-reliance on a few AI vendors can limit innovation and make it difficult to reverse entrenched practices.
- AI may lead to unintended consequences such as changes in cognitive habits, increased cheating, and bias in assessments, which are harder to address once normalized.
- Schools should adopt AI cautiously, ensuring transparency, conducting impact assessments, and delaying institutional adoption to allow for evidence-based decisions.
- A prudent approach to AI adoption is necessary to balance potential benefits with long-term risks, protecting learners, privacy, and the environment.
How early-career English language teachers can grow professionally Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
Effective Reading Interventions Toolkit for Middle School students provides resources for educators to implement evidence-based strategies, including professional learning modules, facilitator resources, and tools for instructional leaders. The toolkit aims to improve literacy outcomes for grades 6–8.
College major choices significantly contribute to gender and racial earnings disparities. Women and minorities often choose lower-earning fields and experience reduced returns in high-earning majors, emphasizing the role of occupation choices and societal factors in shaping income gaps.
Early interventions help many autistic children acquire spoken language. A study showed that intervention duration, rather than intensity, plays a critical role in language development. Tailored strategies and monitoring progress are essential for maximizing outcomes.
ADHD and autonomy in learning: A study revealed that self-determination in education helps students with inattentive ADHD despite challenges. Listening to their experiences provides insights into creating inclusive learning environments.
Updated adolescent mental health guide explores prevention and treatment strategies, addressing issues like stigma, societal changes, and post-pandemic effects. It advocates for a national youth development policy to improve mental health outcomes.
Montessori preschool boosts learning outcomes at a lower cost, enhancing reading, memory, social understanding, and executive function skills. A nationwide study shows its effectiveness and suggests further research for long-term impacts.
### Key Points
- Diverse experiences and mentorship foster growth in early-career TESOL teachers.
- Toolkit supports middle school reading interventions with evidence-based resources.
- College majors influence gender and racial earnings disparities significantly.
- Early intervention benefits autistic children’s language development, emphasizing tailored strategies.
- Self-determination aids students with ADHD in overcoming learning challenges.
- Updated mental health guide advocates for a national youth development policy.
- Montessori preschool enhances learning outcomes and reduces costs.
FBI raids Georgia elections office as Trump administration seeks voter data from states | PBS News https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/fbi-raids-georgia-elections-office-as-trump-administration-seeks-voter-data-from-states
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, January 28, 2026, President Trump’s agenda is focused on domestic economic initiatives, heated conflicts with state leaders, and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Here are the top stories involving Donald Trump today:
1. Launch of "Trump Accounts" for Newborns
At a speech at the Carnegie Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., the President celebrated the launch of Trump Accounts.
How it works: The funds are invested in stock market index funds and become accessible when the child turns 18 for education, home purchases, or starting a business.
Private Sector Support: Several major financial institutions, including JP Morgan and Broadcom, announced today they will offer matching contributions for employees.
2. Clash with California over Fire Recovery
The President issued an executive order to preempt local permitting processes in Southern California, specifically targeting the rebuilding efforts following the Eaton and Palisades fires.
The Conflict: Trump accused Governor Gavin Newsom and local leaders of "abject failure" in rebuilding.
He indicated he would put EPA head Lee Zeldin in charge of housing permits to "override the local authorities." The Pushback: Democratic leaders labeled the move an unconstitutional overreach, arguing that the administration is withholding the very FEMA funds needed for reconstruction.
3. "Big Armada" Deployed to Middle East
In a radio interview released today, Trump reiterated that a "big armada"—the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group—has been deployed to the Middle East to counter Iran.
Foreign Policy: He characterized the force as "bigger than what we sent to Venezuela," while expressing hope that military action would not be necessary.
Regional Response: Saudi Arabia has responded by stating it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military strikes against Iran.
4. Tensions Easing in Minneapolis?
Following weeks of clashes over federal immigration enforcement, Trump signaled a potential easing of tensions in Minneapolis.
Leadership Change: He sent his top border adviser to Minnesota to take over operations and held what he described as a "conciliatory" call with Governor Tim Walz.
Reality on the Ground: Despite the rhetoric, AP reports today show that federal enforcement operations and confrontations with protesters continued in the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
5. Endorsement in Wisconsin
Trump officially endorsed Rep. Tom Tiffany for the open Wisconsin governor’s race.
No Kings https://www.nokings.org/
Resource Guide & Community Response For No Kings Day — No Kings https://www.nokings.org/kyr
