TODAY'S TOP NEWS STORIES
JANUARY 30, 2026
- National Shutdown/Protest Strike on January 30 — Activists are calling for a widespread "national shutdown" today, urging people to avoid work, school, and shopping in protest of aggressive ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations and recent fatal encounters, including the shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in early January. This has gained momentum in response to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, with impacts expected in various cities.
- Avoided Government Shutdown via Bipartisan Deal — Senate Democrats and the White House reached a last-minute agreement to fund most of the government through September while extending Homeland Security funding for two weeks, averting a partial shutdown. This follows intense negotiations amid demands for restrictions on immigration raids.
- Native Americans Rushing to Prove Citizenship Amid ICE Fears — Reports highlight concerns among Native American communities, who are hurrying to document their U.S. citizenship rights due to heightened ICE enforcement and operations.
- Trump to Announce Next Federal Reserve Chair Nominee — President Trump indicated he will reveal his pick (potentially Kevin Warsh) to succeed Jerome Powell, amid broader economic policy discussions.
- Government Funding Deal to Avoid Shutdown — A bipartisan agreement separates Homeland Security funding for short-term extension while debating curbs on ICE, with Trump endorsing the plan on social media to prevent disruptions.
- Trump's Executive Order on Cuba Threats — President Trump declared a national emergency regarding Cuba, addressing perceived threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy.
- Trump's Nominee for Fed Chair Announcement Imminent — Plans to nominate a successor to Jerome Powell, with expectations of an announcement soon, tying into economic and monetary policy shifts.
- Ongoing Immigration Enforcement Political Fallout — Democrats pushed for reforms amid protests over ICE actions, influencing spending bill negotiations.
- Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth's Strong Warnings to Iran — The administration signaled readiness for military action if Iran pursues nuclear weapons, with increased U.S. military presence in the region and calls for negotiations, escalating Middle East tensions.
- Trump Threatens Tariffs on Countries Supplying Oil to Cuba — This pressures nations like Mexico and intensifies U.S.-Cuba relations under the new executive order.
- European Union Designates Iran's Revolutionary Guard as Terrorist Group — In response to crackdowns on protests and other actions, the EU took this step amid broader international concerns.
- Trump's Comments on Greenland as Strategic Asset — Discussions continue on potential U.S. interest in Greenland, with Denmark reaffirming sovereignty.
- Potential Federal Shutdown Impacts on Education Department — With funding deadlines and partial shutdown risks (now averted short-term), concerns arose over furloughs, halted grants, and civil rights investigations at the U.S. Department of Education.
- Challenges in Providing Assistive Technology in Schools — A report notes students with disabilities often miss out due to limited awareness and resources among educators.
- Higher Ed Trends for 2026 — Discussions include AI in intro courses, H-1B visa pauses in some states affecting universities, and policy shifts under the current administration.
- Policy Trends Shaping Higher Education — Focus on community engagement, behavioral health, and automation in programs like Medicaid-related education support.
- U.S. Trade Deficit Widens Despite Tariffs — November data showed a rebound to $56.8 billion, with falling exports (e.g., gold, pharmaceuticals) and rising imports, highlighting tariff fluctuations.
- Business Activity Steady in January — S&P Global PMI held around expansion levels, with consumer sentiment improving but concerns over costs from tariffs and labor market softness.
- Fed Chair Nomination and Economic Outlook — Trump's upcoming announcement ties into interest rate and policy expectations.
- Megacap Earnings and AI Spending Influence — Upcoming reports from tech giants could impact markets amid broadening economic indicators.
- AI Spending Concerns Hit Tech Stocks — Shares (e.g., Microsoft, Oracle) fell amid worries over massive AI investments by Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, and others, with earnings reports highlighting winners and losers.
- Tech Earnings and Forecasts — Positive outlooks from some firms (e.g., Apple, Meta) contrast with AI investment scrutiny.
- Emerging AI and Gaming Developments — Stories include new PS5 games blending styles, AI chatbot rebrands, and Nvidia's Linux app updates.
- Fintech Partnerships — Notable collaborations involving JP Morgan, Visa, Coinbase, and others in payments and crypto.
- Trump's "Great Healthcare Plan" Updates — Ongoing push to lower drug prices dramatically via Trumprx.gov and other measures, aiming to make U.S. prices the lowest globally.
- Telehealth Flexibilities Set to Expire — Extensions proposed as January 30 deadline approaches for certain policies.
- Medicaid/CHIP Commission Discussions — Meetings cover community engagement, behavioral health, prior authorization automation, and more.
- Healthcare Funding Tied to Appropriations — Broader spending deals (now partially resolved) affect HHS and related programs.
- NBA Trade Deadline Buzz — Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors intensify, with Bucks listening to offers from teams like Heat, Warriors, Knicks, and Timberwolves.
- NFL Coaching Carousel — Updates include hires (e.g., Falcons' assistant GM) and withdrawals (e.g., Raiders HC race), with Super Bowl LX preview between Patriots and Seahawks.
- MLB Prospects Rankings — Top 100 lists highlight talents like Pirates' Konnor Griffin.
- Soccer and Other Matches — Friendlies and ongoing league coverage, including international club games.
Paul Thomas: Why You Should Never Believe in Education "Miracles" https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/29/paul-thomas-why-you-should-never-believe-in-education-miracles/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Paul Thomas argues against the belief in education "miracles," stating they are often based on misinformation, data misinterpretation, or fraud.
- Education reforms driven by miracle claims, like Mississippi’s "reading reform," are unsustainable and not scalable for broader implementation.
- The "Mississippi Miracle" in fourth-grade reading scores is attributed to third-grade retention policies rather than genuine literacy improvement, effectively "gaming the system."
- Retention policies inflate short-term test scores but have harmful long-term effects on students, including reduced earnings, higher absenteeism, and increased behavioral problems.
- The so-called "science of reading" movement is critiqued as being more about retention policies than genuine literacy improvement.
King Donald the First! https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/29/king-donald-the-first/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Gene Nichol criticizes Trump’s presidency, likening him to a Mafia boss and Al Capone due to his corrupt and authoritarian actions.
- Trump’s administration is characterized by extortion, exploitation of allies, and aggressive foreign policies, including unconstitutional actions like claiming Venezuelan oil.
- Nichol highlights Trump’s disregard for constitutional democracy, including his corrupt use of power, pardons, and influence over federal institutions.
- The article calls for a patriotic and engaged citizenry, along with independent courts and resolute governments, to counter Trump’s authoritarianism.
- Nichol urges the North Carolina Republican Party to denounce Trump and encourages citizens to abandon the party if they fail to act.
Minneapolis: Judge Orders ICE to Leave Lawful Immigrants Alone; Miller Pouts https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/29/minneapolis-judge-orders-ice-to-leave-lawful-immigrants-alone-miller-pouts/ via @dianeravitch
- A federal judge in Minneapolis temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy targeting lawful refugees awaiting green cards, citing violations of federal statutes.
- Judge John Tunheim emphasized that America should serve as a haven for individual liberties and criticized actions that create fear and chaos.
- The ruling prevents federal agents from arresting lawful refugees in Minnesota without immigration violation charges until further legal arguments are heard.
- The Trump administration’s “Operation PARRIS” aimed to reexamine refugee cases with new background checks, but the judge clarified that the order does not prevent lawful enforcement of immigration laws.
- Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy policy director, criticized the ruling as judicial sabotage of democracy.
- Personal accounts highlight the fear and harassment faced by legal residents, including those with green cards, due to intensified immigration enforcement.
- The article discusses broader implications of ICE actions on civil rights and the erosion of due process.
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Co-Sponsors Bill Targeting Corporations Profiting Off the Mistreatment of California’s Immigrant Students and Families in ICE-Funded Detention Centers https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel03.asp
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has co-sponsored Assembly Bill (AB) 1633, which targets corporations profiting from ICE-funded private detention centers in California. The bill proposes a 50% tax on profits from these facilities and aims to reinvest the revenue into immigration-related services. It also addresses the unsafe and inhumane conditions in these centers, as documented by the California Department of Justice, and builds upon previous legislation protecting immigrant families and students in schools.
### Key Points
- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond co-sponsors AB 1633 to tax private detention centers and reinvest in immigration-related services.
- The bill aims to hold corporations accountable for profiting from immigrant detention and to mitigate harm to immigrant families and students.
- Inspections by the California Department of Justice revealed unsafe and inhumane conditions in ICE-funded private detention facilities.
- Previous laws (AB 49 and SB 98) co-sponsored by Thurmond aim to protect immigrant students and families in schools from immigration enforcement.
- The California Department of Education has developed resources, including a toolkit, to support immigrant families in schools.
- Local educational agencies must update and submit policies on immigration enforcement to the California Department of Education by March 1, 2026.
Why Do Teachers Have Such Lousy Parental Leave? PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/why-do-teachers-have-such-lousy-parental
### Key Points
- Rahm Emanuel is criticized for his controversial education policies as Chicago mayor and his alignment with outdated reform strategies from the NCLB era.
- Emanuel argues Democrats lack a clear education agenda, but his proposed policies, such as cutting funds for schools with high absentee rates, are seen as ineffective and harmful.
- The article critiques Emanuel’s call to imitate Mississippi’s education model, noting it oversimplifies the complexities of their approach and achievements.
- Emanuel’s suggestion for high schools to require students to have post-graduation plans is criticized as impractical and disconnected from classroom realities.
- Education is not a top priority for most voters, making Emanuel's focus on education an unlikely path to political success.
Designing higher education for women balancing caregiving, work and learning Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- University of Phoenix's white paper discusses designing flexible higher education for women balancing caregiving, work, and learning, emphasizing life-aligned designs, asynchronous participation, and AI-enabled support.
- Research on TESOL teachers in Japan reveals the importance of mentors, reflective learning, and diverse educational experiences to support professional growth.
- The PRISMS Toolkit offers evidence-based strategies for middle school reading interventions, including professional learning modules and resources for educators and leaders.
- Gender and racial differences in college major choices significantly contribute to earnings gaps, with women and minorities often underrepresented in high-earning fields.
- Early interventions help two-thirds of non-speaking autistic children develop spoken language, with the duration of intervention being more impactful than intensity.
- A study on children with ADHD highlights the importance of self-determination in learning and the need for classroom support to foster inclusion.
- The third edition of "Treating and Preventing Adolescent Mental Health Disorders" addresses the state of adolescent mental health, including the impact of societal changes and the COVID-19 pandemic, while advocating for a national youth development strategy.
The MA Early Literacy Bill Does Not Address The Needs Of +/- 59% of Children In MA Schools Who Have Had Adverse Childhood Experiences – A Letter To MA Legislators DENNY TAYLOR https://teachingindangeroustimes.substack.com/p/the-ma-early-literacy-bill-does-not
### Key Points
- The Massachusetts Early Literacy Bill does not account for the needs of the 59% of children in MA schools who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences, which are linked to lifelong health and mental health challenges.
- The bill enforces "science of reading" laws that can disrupt children’s ability to cope with trauma and negatively affect their long-term development.
- 1 in 5 kindergarten children in the U.S. experience anxiety and depression, and pediatric deaths from fentanyl and childhood drug overdoses have risen significantly, highlighting the growing challenges children face.
- Research shows that children with ACEs need safe, enjoyable, and restorative school environments to foster well-being and learning.
- The article criticizes the current focus on scripted, behavioristic reading instruction, calling for pedagogical practices that build resilience and problem-solving skills in children.
- The U.S. child mortality rate is the highest among industrialized nations, with significant issues like gun violence, homelessness, and family instability further exacerbating children's challenges.
- The rise of AI-generated harmful content, including sexually explicit and violent images, is an emerging threat to children’s mental health and safety, with no adequate regulations in place.
Unity Is Fraidy-Scared of ABC I wouldn't have it any other way. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/unity-is-fraidy-scared-of-abc
### Key Points
- The UFT Unity Caucus is criticized for its lack of transparency and authoritarian actions, including pushing contracts without review and threatening legal action against opposition groups like ABC.
- The author highlights internal conflicts within opposition groups like Retiree Advocate (RA) and its failure to prioritize key issues such as health care.
- Protecting healthcare, particularly Medicare Advantage, is emphasized as a fundamental issue that opposition groups must focus on to counter Unity's actions.
- The article stresses the importance of collaboration between opposition groups like RA and ABC to challenge Unity effectively in future elections.
- Unity's entrenched power and resistance to change are compared to authoritarian practices, with a call to action for unity among opposition groups to protect retirees' rights.
Surviving “The Great Aggression” | The Merrow Report https://themerrowreport.com/2026/01/29/surviving-the-great-aggression/
### Key Points
- The article compares "The Great Aggression" under Donald Trump to the Great Depression, emphasizing the damage caused to democracy and societal norms.
- It outlines specific aggressive actions, including the weaponization of federal agencies, dismantling of public services, and suppression of dissent.
- The author stresses that federal institutions are the source of the problem and calls for grassroots efforts to protect democracy.
- Suggestions include supporting organizations defending voter rights, engaging in activism, and backing leaders who uphold democratic principles.
- The article warns against complacency and emphasizes the need for persistent action to counter threats to democracy.
Surviving "The Great Aggression" discusses the ongoing challenges to democracy in the United States, likening them to the impact of the Great Depression. The article critiques Donald Trump’s leadership and policies during his second term, labeling it as "The Great Aggression," a period of significant political and social turmoil. It highlights the erosion of democratic norms, aggressive actions by federal agencies, and the undermining of government institutions. The piece also emphasizes the importance of collective action, civic engagement, and supporting organizations that safeguard democratic values.
### Key Points
- The article compares "The Great Aggression" under Donald Trump to the Great Depression, emphasizing the damage caused to democracy and societal norms.
- It outlines specific aggressive actions, including the weaponization of federal agencies, dismantling of public services, and suppression of dissent.
- The author stresses that federal institutions are the source of the problem and calls for grassroots efforts to protect democracy.
- Suggestions include supporting organizations defending voter rights, engaging in activism, and backing leaders who uphold democratic principles.
- The article warns against complacency and emphasizes the need for persistent action to counter threats to democracy.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Meeting, January 28, 2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/01/seattle-school-board-meeting-january-28.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- The Seattle School Board discussed measures to protect schools from federal interventions, including ICE, emphasizing the need for accurate information and clear guidelines for principals.
- Concerns were raised about timely notifications to parents, consistent messaging, and collaboration with external organizations to address transportation and safety issues.
- A budget work session highlighted the district's focus on minimizing harm, strategic investments, and avoiding school closures or larger class sizes.
- Discussions included transportation costs, potential changes to executive compensation, and the use of rideshare services like HopSkipDrive for student transportation.
- The district is evaluating partnerships with external organizations and considering adjustments to align with goals and financial constraints.
- Issues such as nepotism, advanced learning services, and public trust in the district were raised in related discussions.
Big Lies of Education: Series PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/big-lies-of-education-series
- The article discusses the "Big Lies of Education," a series by Paul Thomas that critiques common misconceptions about education, such as the "A Nation at Risk" report, reading proficiency claims, international test rankings, and the so-called "Science of Reading."
- Paul Thomas, an education professor and poetry editor, highlights the reemergence of myths like the "bad teacher" narrative and critiques the oversimplified solutions like growth mindset, grit, and miracle schools.
- The series emphasizes the flaws in education reform movements, including the overemphasis on standardized testing and retention, while questioning the validity of popular educational strategies.
Big Lies of Education: Miracle Schools https://radicalscholarship.com/2026/01/29/big-lies-of-education-miracle-schools/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- The term "education miracle" is often used to promote misleading success stories, such as the "Texas miracle" or "Harlem miracle," rooted in flawed narratives from accountability education reform.
- Miracle school claims are rarely verified by non-partisan reviews and are generally outliers, not representative of broader educational realities.
- These claims are often exploited for media, political, and marketing purposes, rather than serving as credible evidence for educational reform.
- Media narratives like the "Mississippi miracle" and "Southern Surge" are frequently debunked as misleading or false.
- The article critiques the dismissal of socioeconomic factors in educational outcomes and the promotion of myths such as meritocracy and individualism.
Florida's Folly State that lost track of 30,000 kids opts in to Trump's scheme to privatize public schools ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/floridas-folly
### Key Points
- Florida joins Trump’s federal school voucher program, aiming to expand educational choice nationwide.
- Florida’s state voucher program lost track of 30,000 students and exceeded its budget by $400 million.
- $270 million in taxpayer funds could not be accounted for due to students switching between schools.
- Vouchers now consume 23% of Florida’s education budget, costing taxpayers $3.9 billion annually.
- Critics highlight the negative impact of vouchers on public school budgets and state education outcomes.
MAGAs claim that Rep. Omar attacked herself “I learned at a young age you don’t give in to threats.” — Ilhan Omar MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/magas-claim-that-rep-omar-attacked
Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked with a liquid-filled syringe by a Trump supporter, and former President Trump responded with incoherent and conspiratorial remarks, claiming Omar staged the attack herself. Trump has a history of targeting Somali-Americans, with his rhetoric fueling political violence and racial grievances. Additionally, the article criticizes Trump’s false claims of ending wars and highlights the controversy over the U.S. military action in Venezuela, which some refuse to define as war. Sen. Rand Paul challenged this narrative, calling out imperialist tendencies. The article also mentions Bruce Springsteen's new song criticizing Trump’s immigration policies in Minneapolis.
### Key Points
- Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked by a Trump supporter, and Trump’s response involved a conspiracy theory blaming Omar for the attack.
- Trump has a history of targeting Somali-Americans, labeling them as outsiders and fueling racial and political tensions.
- Trump falsely claimed to have ended “eight wars,” while his administration’s military actions, including in Venezuela, are debated as acts of war.
- Sen. Rand Paul criticized the U.S. for not acknowledging its imperialist actions, particularly in Venezuela.
- Bruce Springsteen released a song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” condemning Trump’s immigration enforcement policies.
January’s Parent Engagement Resources January 29, 2026 by Larry Ferlazzo ChatGPT, cooking and Christopher Walken: how parents got their kids to love reading in 2025 is from The Guardian. https://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2026/01/29/januarys-parent-engagement-resources/
### Key Points
- The article emphasizes the importance of moving beyond traditional parent involvement to more meaningful engagement in schools.
- It highlights various resources and strategies for parental engagement, including interactive prompts for children to share their day, maintaining family partnerships, and setting screen-time boundaries.
- Practical advice is shared on topics such as managing children's screen time, recognizing when kids are too sick for school, and utilizing self-regulation as a parenting tool.
- The author introduces books and guides on student motivation and teaching English Language Learners (ELLs), offering strategies and tools for educators.
- Subscription options and additional resources for parents and educators are provided through the website.
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 29, 2026, President Trump’s second administration is navigating a heavy slate of domestic legal battles, immigration controversies, and aggressive foreign policy maneuvers.
The top news stories for today include:
1. Domestic Conflict over Immigration & ICE
Minneapolis Unrest: Demonstrations continue following the fatal shooting of a nurse, Alex Pretti, by federal agents during an immigration raid.
Two agents have been placed on administrative leave, but the incident has sparked a national debate and a potential government shutdown. DHS Secretary Under Fire: House Democrats held a press conference today calling for the removal of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, citing "brutality and violence" by federal agents.
Court Defeat: A federal appeals court ruled late yesterday that the administration acted illegally when it ended legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans.
However, the ruling's immediate effect is stalled by a prior Supreme Court decision.
2. Foreign Policy & Trade
Venezuela Post-Maduro: Following the recent U.S. military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, the administration is overseeing a transition in Venezuela.
Trump announced today that Venezuelan airspace will soon be reopened, though tensions remain high as local military leaders pledge loyalty to interim leader Delcy Rodriguez. Tariff Investigation: Senator Ron Wyden is demanding answers from the USTR regarding Swiss tariffs.
He alleges the administration arbitrarily raised them before lowering them after Trump reportedly accepted gifts, including a rare Rolex and a gold bar, from Swiss business leaders. Iran Escalation: Tensions are soaring as the EU labeled Iran’s IRGC a terrorist organization today.
This comes amid reports of a U.S. military build-up off the coast of Iran.
3. Executive Actions & Governance
Board of Peace: Details emerged today that Trump plans to house his new "Board of Peace"—an international body designed to oversee the Gaza ceasefire—in the former U.S. Institute of Peace building in D.C.
The building is currently at the center of a legal battle after the administration seized it last year. Cabinet Meeting: Trump participated in a Cabinet meeting today, where he touted what he called the "most successful first year of any administration."
Voting Law Overhaul: House Republicans proposed a sweeping package of voting law changes today, backed by the administration.
The proposal includes stricter photo ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
4. Legal Challenges
Illinois Lawsuits: It was reported today that the state of Illinois has filed its 51st lawsuit against the Trump administration since January 2025, challenging various executive orders and funding freezes.
Would you like me to find more details on a specific story, such as the status of the Gaza ceasefire or the current federal budget negotiations?
No Kings https://www.nokings.org/
Resource Guide & Community Response For No Kings Day — No Kings https://www.nokings.org/kyr
