THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK
2-8-26 TO 2-14-26
FROM GEMINI
It is early 2026, and the news cycle has been exceptionally dense. The week of February 8–14, 2026, was dominated by a significant U.S. military presence in the Middle East, the opening of the Winter Olympics in Italy, and major domestic policy shifts under the Trump administration.
Below is a breakdown of the top stories in each category for that week.
🇺🇸 U.S. NEWS
Homeland Security Shutdown Looms: A funding standoff brought the Department of Homeland Security to the brink of a shutdown on February 13.
Maduro Brought to U.S.: President Trump visited Fort Bragg to celebrate Special Forces who captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who now faces smuggling charges in the U.S.
Arctic Blast: An extreme winter storm put nearly 80 million people on alert across the East Coast, causing widespread travel disruptions.
Veteran Patients Week: The VA held its annual "National Salute to Veteran Patients Week," focusing on volunteerism in federal medical centers.
Don Lemon Civil Rights Charges: Former journalist Don Lemon pleaded not guilty to charges related to a protest at a Minnesota church.
⚖️ POLITICS
EPA Deregulation: The EPA officially revoked the scientific findings that underpinned greenhouse gas regulations, effectively ending several climate change initiatives.
Colorado River Crisis: Seven states missed a federal deadline to agree on water-sharing cuts, leaving the future of the river’s management in limbo.
Posthumous Pardons: President Trump issued several pardons, including one for the late Oakland Raiders star Billy Cannon.
New Fed Chair Nominee: Kevin Warsh was announced as the pick for Fed Chair, signaling a shift in focus from employment metrics to strict inflation control.
Gender-Affirming Care Restrictions: The administration moved forward with executive actions restricting gender-affirming care for minors at the federal level.
🌍 WORLD AFFAIRS
Iran Drone Shoot-down: A U.S. F-35 shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Geneva Peace Talks: A new round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine was announced for Geneva, with U.S. pressure mounting on Kyiv to find an "endgame."
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Assassinated: The son of the former Libyan leader and a presidential candidate was assassinated outside his home in Zintan.
Syria-Saudi Strategic Pact: In a major shift in regional optics, Syria and Saudi Arabia signed "mega" agreements on aviation and infrastructure.
Global Trade Shifts: A UNCTAD report highlighted massive shifts in global trade as new U.S. tariffs began redrawing the competitive map for exporters like South Africa and Italy.
🎓 EDUCATION
Title VI Investigation: The U.S. Dept. of Education launched a directed investigation into the Louisiana Board of Regents regarding its Higher Education Master Plan.
Teacher Appreciation Week: Schools across North America observed Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week (Feb 8–14).
Bolivia Phone Ban: A nationwide ban on mobile phones in classrooms went into effect in Bolivia to combat student distraction.
Campus Unrest in Greece: Over 300 people were detained following a police raid on the Aristotle University campus in Thessaloniki.
Sexual Assault Probe: The Office for Civil Rights opened a probe into the Puyallup School District regarding the safety of female athletes.
💰 ECONOMY
"Black Friday" Aftermath: Global financial markets struggled to recover following a massive crash in gold, silver, and cryptocurrency prices earlier in the month.
Cooling Labor Market: While unemployment remained low, new JOLTS data showed 1 million fewer job openings, signaling a significant cooling of the U.S. economy.
Gold Volatility: Gold prices stabilized in a volatile range between $4,600 and $4,900 per ounce.
Retail Sales Data: Investors closely watched January retail sales data for signs of consumer resilience amidst shifting Fed policies.
S&P 500 Earnings: Despite macro concerns, 4th-quarter 2025 earnings remained strong, with 76% of companies reporting positive earnings per share.
🚀 TECHNOLOGY
Crew-12 Launch: NASA and SpaceX successfully launched the Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station after a weather delay.
Satellite Streamlining Act: Congress moved forward with a bill to speed up FCC approval for commercial satellites, spurred by SpaceX’s filing for 1 million orbital data centers.
AI ROI Focus: Industry analysts shifted focus from AI "experimentation" to "execution," as Global 2000 companies began demanding measurable returns on AI investments.
Enterprise Tech Trends: Reports highlighted Nvidia’s continued dominance and the evolution of SaaS pricing models to accommodate AI-integrated workflows.
Space-Based Interceptors: New details emerged regarding $151 billion in contracts for modernized space defense and interceptor technology.
🏥 HEALTH
AI in Sexual Health: "Sex Plus Week" (Feb 8–14) trended globally, focusing on how AI is impacting health misinformation and access to rights.
Sudan Health Center Attack: A drone strike by the Rapid Support Forces hit a health center in Kadugli, killing eight civilians.
National Heart Month: February health campaigns focused on heart disease in women veterans.
Veterans' Reproductive Services: The administration implemented changes to reproductive health services offered through the VA.
Mental Health in Schools: New federal initiatives were launched to address the "attention span crisis" linked to digital device usage among adolescents.
🏆 SPORTS
Winter Olympics Kick-off: The 2026 Winter Olympics began in Italy, though the first full day was marred by suspected rail sabotage near Bologna.
Olympic Figure Skating: Mikhail Shaidorov took gold in men’s figure skating after a surprising collapse by the favorite, Ilia Malinin.
U.S. Curling Upset: The U.S. women’s curling team made history by beating Canada for the first time in Olympic history.
College Baseball Returns: The 2026 NCAA baseball season officially began, with defending champions LSU hosting Milwaukee.
Navy Women’s Basketball: The Midshipmen continued a dominant win streak with a decisive victory over Lafayette.
FROM GROK
The week of February 8–14, 2026 (covering roughly February 8 to February 14), featured a mix of major events across categories, dominated by the Super Bowl 60 (held on February 8), the ongoing 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, a high-profile missing person case, political developments under the Trump administration, and international tensions.
These reflect recurring and high-impact coverage (note: some stories cross categories, like the Super Bowl appearing in sports and broader U.S. news).
U.S. News
- Super Bowl 60: Seattle Seahawks defeat New England Patriots; Kenneth Walker III named MVP, Bad Bunny halftime show.
- Missing person case of Nancy Guthrie: Ongoing search for 84-year-old woman enters second week with ransom demands, FBI reward doubled, anguished family pleas.
- Arctic blast weather event: Dangerous cold impacts Northeast U.S., affecting over 60 million people.
- Lindsey Vonn's Olympic crash: Former skier suffers broken leg in violent crash during Winter Olympics, ending comeback bid.
- Jeffrey Epstein files fallout: Continued revelations, including leverage tactics and congressional testimony (e.g., Ghislaine Maxwell pleading the Fifth).
- Immigration enforcement developments: Trump administration ends crackdown in Minnesota, declares victory; reports of detentions and self-deportations.
- DHS funding standoff and shutdown threats: Deadlock over Department of Homeland Security funding, potential partial shutdown.
- Mexican cartels using U.S.-made ammunition: Reports on .50-caliber rounds from Lake City plant fueling cartel violence.
- Trump's racist post controversy: Fallout from deleted social media post intensifies bipartisan criticism.
- Crew-12 launch to ISS: SpaceX mission with NASA astronauts docks at International Space Station.
Politics
- Trump administration actions: Continued push on immigration, federal government reshaping, and education policies.
- DHS funding crisis: Congress leaves town amid deadlock; shutdown risks and negotiations.
- Trump's Iran diplomacy: Reversion to talks but narrow path; U.S. sends second aircraft carrier to Middle East amid tensions.
- Britain’s Prime Minister resignation: Sudden departure reported amid broader news.
- U.S.-U.K. trade deal announcement: Breakthrough agreement between Trump and Keir Starmer.
- Epstein files political fallout: Scrutiny on figures, congressional hearings, and Maxwell's testimony.
- Trump's racist video post: Bipartisan backlash after Truth Social incident.
- European concerns over U.S. reliability: Allies question dependability, push for self-defense.
- Immigration crackdown wind-down in states: Victory declared in Minnesota; self-deportations highlighted.
- Congressional gridlock: Lawmakers depart amid crises, leaving negotiators to resolve DHS issues.
World Affairs
- U.S. military buildup in Middle East: Second aircraft carrier (USS Gerald R. Ford) deployed amid Iran tensions and nuclear talks.
- Britain’s Prime Minister resigns: Major leadership change reported.
- Trump reverts to Iran diplomacy: Talks continue after Oman meetings, but challenges remain.
- Xi Jinping and Putin strengthen ties: Meeting in Moscow to counter Western pressures.
- Haiti reaches 'full crisis': Transition government expires amid gang violence.
- Russo-Ukrainian war developments: Suspect in attack on Russian general detained; ongoing strikes.
- Indonesian troops for Gaza peacekeeping: Commitment to U.S.-backed postwar plan.
- Pakistan mosque bombing: Undercuts security efforts.
- Nigerian bandit conflict: Shooting attack kills one in Kwara State.
- Portugal presidential election: Second round voting.
Education
- Federal guidance on teacher workforce strategies: U.S. Department of Education emphasizes flexibilities under Title II for innovative staffing models.
- Higher education funding restrictions: New limits on Trump's ability to divert funds in spending bill.
- Race-conscious admissions ban effects: Analysis of impacts post-ban.
- State governors' education priorities: Reports on evolving focuses for 2026.
- College endowments and priorities: New data on state investments and changes.
- California cyberdefense bachelor's approval: Moorpark College program gets final nod.
- Grade inflation linked to lower earnings: Study findings released.
- Teacher pay and benefits agreements: E.g., Duarte Unified tentative deal.
- Campus lockdowns and emergency tests: Incidents at Bakersfield colleges.
- LAUSD desegregation policy lawsuit: Claims of harm to white students.
Economy
- Stock market rebound: Dow surges past 50,000 after tech rout; S&P and Nasdaq gains.
- Wall Street sinks on AI angst: Tech rout deepens amid concerns.
- Inflation easing data: Early-year reports show moderation.
- Global trade policy shifts: UNCTAD update on tariff impacts and winners/losers.
- U.S.-India interim trade framework: Moves toward broader pact.
- U.S.-U.K. trade breakthrough: Announced deal.
- Crypto exchange error: Bithumb reimburses after $51B Bitcoin mistake.
- U.S. economic momentum: Solid growth, consumer spending resilient.
- Eurozone modest growth forecast: Under 1% for 2026 amid uncertainties.
- China GDP outlook: Around 4.8% supported by exports.
Technology
- AI infrastructure and power experiments: Microsoft explores new technologies for data centers.
- Memory chip prices impact: Hits companies like Cisco amid AI demand surge.
- Apple Siri revamp delays: Snags push back features.
- High-growth tech stocks: Spotlight on companies like Palantir, Reddit.
- China's AI model advancements: New waves and distillation concerns.
- SpaceX Crew-12 launch: Long-duration mission to ISS.
- Pentagon AI on classified networks: Push for integration.
- xAI and X roadmap reshuffles: Internal changes.
- Singapore national AI council: Launch for strategy.
- Alphabet borrows for AI: Major funding push.
Health
- Ivermectin cancer study: U.S. Cancer Institute examines potential to kill cancer cells.
- Obamacare sign-ups drop: Extent unclear, ongoing tracking.
- Sepsis Survivor Week: Observed February 8–14, honoring resilience.
- National Salute to Veteran Patients Week: February 8–14, honoring hospitalized Veterans.
- Cardiac and heart health observances: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, Cardiac Rehabilitation Week.
Sports
- Super Bowl 60: Seahawks win over Patriots; Walker MVP, Bad Bunny halftime.
- 2026 Winter Olympics highlights: U.S. medals (e.g., first golds), Lindsey Vonn crash/leg break, Ilia Malinin finishes 8th in figure skating.
- NBA action: Ongoing games, previews (e.g., Knicks schedule).
- Big Ten basketball: Top matchups like Illinois over Nebraska.
- Other Olympic moments: Chloe Kim short of three-peat, curling oldest U.S. Olympian.
- NFL offseason conundrums: Post-Super Bowl implications (e.g., Seahawks' Walker).
- College and local sports plays: Top weekly highlights.
- Pistons-Hornets fight: Notable incident.
- Knicks weekly preview: Games against Celtics, Pacers.
- Bad Bunny's halftime takeaways: Cultural impact.
This week was event-heavy with the Super Bowl and Olympics providing major spectacle, alongside serious ongoing stories like the Guthrie case and geopolitical tensions.
THIS WEEK'S DAILY TOP NEWS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 , 2026
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: FEBRUARY 8, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/02/morning-news-update-february-8-2026.html
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: FEBRUARY 9, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/02/morning-news-update-february-9-2026.html
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/02/morning-news-update-february-10-2026.html
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: FEBRUARY 11, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/02/morning-news-update-february-11-2026.html?
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: FEBRUARY 12, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/02/morning-news-update-february-12-2026.html
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: FEBRUARY 13, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/02/morning-news-update-february-13-2026.html
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026
EDUCATION SPECIAL
TOP US EDUCATION NEWS AND TOP WORLD EDUCATION THIS WEEK 2-8 TO 2-14 2026
It has been a significant week in education, marked by a tightening of federal oversight in the U.S. and a global focus on digital transformation and student safety in conflict zones.
Here are the top stories for the week of February 8 to February 14, 2026.
Top 10 U.S. Education News
Week of Feb 8–14, 2026
DOJ Sues Harvard Over Admissions Records: The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Harvard University on February 13, accusing the institution of failing to comply with document requests regarding racial discrimination in its admissions process.
2027-28 FAFSA Development Begins: The U.S. Department of Education officially launched the "information collection" phase for the 2027-28 FAFSA form on February 13, aiming for an earlier and smoother rollout than previous cycles.
Foreign Funding Crackdown: On February 11, the Department released data showing over $5.2 billion in foreign gifts and contracts to U.S. universities for 2025. A new data visualization portal was launched to increase transparency.
Louisiana Higher Ed Investigation: The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) initiated a directed investigation into the Louisiana Board of Regents to determine if its "Master Plan for Higher Education" violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Title IX Investigation in Washington: A directed investigation was launched into the Puyallup School District (WA) following reports of a sexual assault involving a female wrestler and a male competitor.
"Regional" Accreditation Label Scrapped: The Department issued a proposed rule on February 13 to clarify that "regional" labels used by accrediting agencies can be misleading and create unnecessary barriers for students.
Teacher Workforce Flexibility: New guidance was sent to states emphasizing that Title II, Part A funds can be used more flexibly to support "innovative teacher workforce strategies" to combat ongoing shortages.
Tribal Education Partnership: The Departments of Education, Interior, and Labor hosted a major consultation with Tribal leadership in D.C. on February 11 to strengthen federal-tribal educational partnerships.
Budget Battles over "Trump ED Agenda": Reports on February 12 detailed how the recently enacted spending bill includes new restrictions designed to prevent the administration from diverting higher education funding toward other projects.
Rise of "Un-College" Programs: Economic experts and media outlets (CNBC/Hechinger Report) highlighted a surge in federal support for alternative pathways and "un-college" models as college affordability remains a top-tier political issue.
Top 10 World Education News
Week of Feb 8–14, 2026
Palestinian Education Funding Crisis: Reports on February 13 highlighted that the withholding of Palestinian Authority revenues has severely crippled the ability of schools to operate in the West Bank and Gaza.
Gaza’s "Tent Schools" Under Fire: Human rights groups reported on students in Gaza braving sniper fire to attend informal "tent schools," as thousands of children attempt to continue their studies amidst ongoing conflict.
Canada’s International Cap Impact: In Ontario and British Columbia, universities reported a 10% decline in international postgraduate enrollments this week as the 2026 cap (reduced to 155,000) begins to take full effect.
India’s STEM Success in "Formula Bharat": Team Orion Racing from KJ Somaiya School of Engineering took top honors in the Formula Bharat 2026 engineering competition, showcasing India’s growing prowess in hands-on technical education.
UNESCO Youth Participation Report: Coinciding with recent International Day themes, UNESCO released a new global measurement assessing how much influence students actually have on national education legislation.
Senegal Campus Safety Concerns: A major fire at a university building in Dakar on February 10 led to emergency evacuations and sparked a national debate over the safety and infrastructure of higher education facilities in West Africa.
Global EdTech Market Hits $96B: A mid-February analysis report valued the global K-12 EdTech market at $96.5 billion, driven by a massive shift toward AI-based adaptive learning tools and VR/AR in classrooms.
UK’s "High Risk" Recruitment Ban: Several UK universities announced they will stop recruiting from specific "high risk" countries this year to protect their visa completion rates under new "Basic Compliance Assessment" rules.
The "K-Visa" Expansion in China: China expanded its "K-visa" program this week, offering flexible entry for international STEM educators and researchers to boost its domestic scientific education ecosystem.
Global Literacy Crisis Debate: International education forums (including Al Jazeera’s The Stream) held high-level debates this week on whether the post-pandemic literacy recovery has stalled, particularly in emerging economies.
HISTORY
TOP 10 TRUMP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK
2-8-26 TO 2-14-26
It has been a significant week for the Trump administration, marked by major shifts in environmental policy, a brewing showdown over government funding, and heightened military movement in the Middle East.
Here are the top 10 news stories involving President Trump for the week of February 8–14, 2026:
1. Massive Deregulation: Repeal of the "Endangerment Finding"
In what the administration calls the "largest deregulatory action in U.S. history," the EPA officially revoked the 2009 Obama-era "Endangerment Finding."
2. DHS Shutdown Crisis
As of February 13, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is on the brink of a midnight shutdown.
3. Second Aircraft Carrier Deployed to Middle East
President Trump announced the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford (and potentially the USS George H.W. Bush) to the Middle East.
4. Capture of Nicolás Maduro Honored at Fort Bragg
Trump traveled to North Carolina to honor special operations forces for the January 3 capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
5. "One Big Beautiful Bill" Deficit Projections
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected that the 2026 deficit will be $100 billion higher than previously estimated.
6. EPA Ends "Start-Stop" Engine Credits
As part of the new vehicle rules, the administration eliminated "off-cycle credits" for the "start-stop" engine feature.
7. Pressure on Ukraine and Geneva Peace Talks
Ahead of a new round of peace talks in Geneva, Trump publicly pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reach a deal with Russia, warning that Zelenskyy is "going to have to get moving" or miss a "great opportunity" for an endgame.
8. Governor Newsom’s Counter-Diplomacy in Munich
California Governor Gavin Newsom attended the Munich Security Conference, positioning California as a "stable partner" on climate and security.
9. Controversy Over the "Epstein Files"
Tensions rose in D.C. after it was revealed that Attorney General Pam Bondi’s staff allegedly tracked the search histories of lawmakers reviewing sensitive Jeffrey Epstein case files.
10. Withdrawal of Federal Agents from Minnesota
Following intense local pushback, the administration began a drawdown of the 700 federal agents deployed to Minneapolis for "Operation Metro Surge."