TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
FEBRUARY 8, 2026
U.S. News
- Ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie (mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie), with new developments including home sweeps, suspected ransom notes, and pleas for her return—continuing as a major domestic story.
- Immigration-related incidents, including reports of an immigrant alleging severe beating during an ICE arrest and a lawsuit over a toddler denied medication in ICE custody.
- Pentagon cutting ties with Harvard over "woke" policies, ending military training programs.
- Tech boycott movement targeting companies seen as enabling Trump administration immigration crackdowns, with calls to ditch Big Tech.
- Washington Post CEO resignation amid job cuts and internal turmoil.
- Japanese parliamentary snap elections underway, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (Japan's first female PM) seeking a big win for her conservative LDP agenda amid high polls and snow.
- U.S. pushes for Ukraine-Russia war to end by June, per Zelensky statements, amid ongoing strikes and peace talks discussions (including Trump's "peace committee" ideas).
- Australian Liberal-National Coalition reunites in opposition after a recent split.
- Ongoing U.S. domestic political coverage, including Trump administration actions on immigration, foreign policy (e.g., potential Iran tensions), and economic messaging on inflation.
- Speculation around U.S. midterm implications from a surprising Texas special election swing.
- Japanese snap election polling opens, a major event with implications for Northeast Asia security and policy.
- Ukraine-Russia conflict: Zelensky notes U.S. push for war end by June; Russia continues energy facility strikes.
- Tensions with Iran, including potential U.S. strikes and retaliatory actions discussed in media.
- Winter Olympics ongoing in Milan-Cortina, Italy (opened recently, with events continuing).
- Other global notes: Costa Rica presidential election result and various regional developments (e.g., Thailand elections, North Korea party congress prep).
- Ongoing federal and state pushes, including bills to boost student teacher pay, fund graduate education, and curb school restraints/physical measures.
- Pentagon ends military training ties with Harvard over policy disagreements.
- Broader K-12 outlooks for 2026 highlight enrollment challenges, school choice competition, data privacy, and new federal priorities/funding issues.
- Treasury Secretary remarks on advancing financial literacy education via the Financial Literacy and Education Commission.
- Trump repeatedly claims inflation victory in speeches, despite persistent ~3% levels and voter concerns over prices (e.g., groceries).
- Big Tech projected to spend ~$650 billion in 2026 on capital expenditures amid intensifying AI race.
- U.S. economic outlook remains solid entering 2026, with resilient growth, moderating inflation (PCE ~2.8%), cooling labor market, and AI/productivity boosts.
- Japan's election and potential monetary decisions could impact U.S. stocks and global markets.
- Big Tech's massive $650 billion capex forecast for 2026, driven by AI infrastructure race (e.g., data centers, chips).
- AI-related investments and developments, including funding for startups and market dominance (e.g., Nvidia-like surges implied in broader coverage).
- Boycotts and backlash against tech giants over perceived roles in immigration enforcement.
- Emerging AI tools in healthcare and other sectors.
- FDA decision expected on clemidsogene lanparvovec, a potential first gene therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis II (Hunter syndrome).
- Launch of TrumpRx platform for discount prescription drugs under the administration.
- Ongoing virtual care enhancements (e.g., Teladoc) and AI tools for coding/risk adjustment in healthcare.
- Broader appropriations and policy impacts on health funding via recent Consolidated Appropriations Act.
- Super Bowl LX today (American football championship), with Bad Bunny performing halftime show to massive global audience.
- Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, ongoing with events and coverage.
- U-20 Women's World Cup qualifiers matches (e.g., Ghana vs. South Africa, Ivory Coast vs. DR Congo).
- Various volleyball and other tournaments (e.g., NCAA events).
When "Parental Rights" Become a Shield for Child Abuse The Texas Supreme Court case every child advocate must watch BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/when-parental-rights-become-a-shield
### Key Points
- The Texas Supreme Court case could make it harder to protect children from abuse and neglect by constitutionalizing parental rights.
- Every year, thousands of children die from abuse and neglect, with most victims being under three years old and killed by parents.
- The Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities recommended shifting from reactive crisis management to prevention and early intervention to protect children.
- The "parental rights movement" is pushing for laws that require evidence of "actual harm" before intervention, which could lead to more child abuse cases going unaddressed.
- The Texas Supreme Court case involves arguments that prioritize parental rights over children's safety, potentially making it harder for child protective services to act.
- The parental rights framework risks treating children as property, minimizing their claims to safety and protection, and elevating adult power over children's rights.
- Sweeping parental rights laws could lead to inadequate child protection systems, as seen in cases where CPS failed to act despite clear signs of abuse.
- The Texas Attorney General has acknowledged that the proposed constitutional amendment could raise barriers for state intervention in child protection cases.
- The parental rights movement seeks to constitutionalize frameworks that prioritize parental authority, potentially spreading to other states and creating a national model.
- Parental rights laws have already interfered with children's access to healthcare, mental health services, and safe educational environments.
- The article emphasizes the need for child advocates to oppose parental rights amendments and demand safeguards for children's safety and independent rights.
- The author calls for a child-centered approach that balances parental authority, children's best interests, and the state's duty to protect children from harm.
- A child-centered framework does not demonize parents but establishes boundaries where parental authority ends and child harm begins.
- The article warns that if Texas succeeds in elevating strict scrutiny for parental rights, the model could spread nationwide, undermining child protection laws.
### Key Points
- A study in Michigan found that students with disabilities in charter schools perform as well as those in traditional public schools, with improved attendance and academic outcomes. However, charter schools tend to provide fewer special education services.
- Autism diagnosis rates may be more balanced between boys and girls than previously thought, with a catch-up effect for girls during adolescence. This highlights the need to address delayed diagnoses in females.
- A Swansea University study links healthier dietary patterns in adolescents to fewer depressive symptoms, while poor diets are associated with greater psychological distress.
- Many parents seek online advice about their children's substance use, but much of this advice is contradictory and not evidence-based. Peer support can be helpful but should complement professional guidance.
- Physical aggression by young people toward their parents peaks at age 13 and decreases into adulthood. Factors like parental conflict, physical punishment, and ADHD symptoms increase the risk of aggression, while supportive environments and emotional regulation skills reduce it. Early prevention is essential.
- Black and Latino teens demonstrate strong digital literacy skills, particularly in identifying and responding to race-related disinformation online. These skills are often developed through lived experiences with racism rather than formal education. The study suggests incorporating culturally relevant pedagogy into school curricula.
CURMUDGUCATION: The Administrative Plague https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-administrative-plague.html
### Key Points
- Commonwealth Charter Academy has attracted public school teachers by offering respect and professional treatment, highlighting the issue of systemic disrespect in traditional schools.
- Disrespect and poor management in schools contribute significantly to teacher shortages, alongside issues like low pay and compliance culture.
- Administrators often fail to address community criticism effectively, leading to policies that prioritize conflict avoidance over teacher support.
- Poor hiring practices and lack of support for struggling teachers result in workplace issues, including problematic colleagues and student behavior management.
- Heavy workloads, long hours, and administrative burdens exacerbate teacher dissatisfaction, which could be alleviated with better support and respect.
- Systemic issues, such as high-stakes testing and increased administrative responsibilities, hinder effective school management and teacher retention.
- The article argues for more focus on addressing poor management practices as a key factor in improving education and retaining teachers.
Learning from Classroom Failures: Three Students I Have Taught (Part 3) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/02/07/learning-from-classroom-failures-three-students-i-have-taught-part-3/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Larry Cuban shares the story of Victor, a high school student with severe learning difficulties who could not read beyond a fourth-grade level.
- Victor coped with his challenges by copying text and avoiding interaction, but he was unable to comprehend the material or connect socially with peers.
- Cuban attempted to engage Victor through conversations and by contacting his foster mother, who resisted suggestions for alternative education paths.
- Victor’s mother insisted he remain in mainstream education despite recommendations for vocational or specialized schooling.
- Cuban reflects on his failure to help Victor academically or personally, expressing doubt about whether Victor learned anything meaningful from his class.
Arizona Advocates Seek to Protect State from Voucher Scheme Public education activists file ballot measure ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/arizona-advocates-seek-to-protect
- Public education advocates in Arizona, led by Save Our Schools AZ, filed a ballot measure to protect taxpayers and public schools from the negative impacts of school vouchers.
- The measure proposes safety standards for voucher-funded schools, including investigating misconduct and banning the use of funds for non-educational or luxury items.
- The initiative aims to recoup unused voucher funds for public schools and ensure transparency in spending.
- It plans to restrict voucher program eligibility to families with annual incomes below $150,000, adjusted for inflation, starting in the 2027-2028 school year.
- Voucher-funded schools would be required to meet academic accountability standards, including assessments or accreditation.
- The measure could move to the ballot for voter approval after a 30-day legislative review period, targeting the 2026 election cycle.
glen brown: On Donald Trump's Corruption https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/02/on-donald-trumps-corruption.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump's administration faces over 600 cases defending democracy, with Democracy Defenders Fund leading 252 cases.
- Trump's "Gold Card" visa program allows wealthy foreigners to buy U.S. residency, displacing qualified immigrants waiting for employment-based visas.
- The Trump administration refuses to disclose 3 million Epstein-related files, violating transparency laws.
- Trump's crypto venture, WLFI, involves hidden investments from UAE's Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, raising conflict of interest concerns.
- Trump launched a meme coin, "$TRUMP," linked to self-enrichment schemes and questionable ethics.
- Allegations against Trump's Border Czar, Tom Homan, include accepting a $50,000 payoff from undercover agents.
- UAE-backed investment firm used Trump's stablecoin USD1 to finance a $2 billion deal with Binance, which faced SEC investigation.
- Qatar gifted Trump a $400 million Boeing 747, raising conflict of interest concerns over U.S. defense policies.
- Amazon’s $40 million investment in a Melania Trump movie raises questions about the motives behind the deal.
- Trump’s foreign real estate projects, backed by foreign governments, could violate the emoluments clause.
- Trump ordered expensive renovations in Washington, D.C., including a ballroom and renaming the Kennedy Center, raising concerns about misuse of funds and conflicts of interest.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, February 7, 2026, news regarding the Trump administration is dominated by a mix of controversial social media activity, legal setbacks for infrastructure plans, and significant shifts in federal policy.
Here are the top stories for today:
1. Controversy Over Social Media Posts
The President is facing intense criticism after posting a video on Truth Social that included a racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.
Response: While the post was eventually deleted and blamed on a staffer, Trump told reporters on Air Force One late Friday that he "didn't make a mistake" and refused to apologize.
Fallout: The move has drawn sharp rebukes from Democrats and rare public criticism from some Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott, who called it "vile" and urged its removal.
2. Legal Defeat on Infrastructure Funding
A federal judge in Manhattan has ordered the administration to restore $16 billion in funding for a critical rail tunnel project between New York and New Jersey.
The Ruling: The administration had frozen the funds, citing concerns over "unconstitutional spending."
However, the judge issued a temporary restraining order, ruling that withholding the money would cause "irreparable harm" to the public interest. The "Trump Station" Rumor: Trump claimed he would unfreeze the funds if Senator Chuck Schumer agreed to rename New York’s Penn Station "Trump Station," a claim Schumer has dismissed as an "absolute lie."
3. Civil Service Overhaul (Schedule F)
A major new rule titled "Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service" was officially detailed today.
Impact: Starting March 9, the administration can begin reclassifying thousands of career federal employees (potentially up to 50,000) as "at-will" workers.
The Goal: The administration argues this is necessary to fire "poor performers" and "slow-walkers" of the President's agenda, while critics warn it marks a return to a "spoils system" based on political loyalty.
4. Launch of the "Board of Peace"
Plans were unveiled for the first meeting of the Donald J. Trump Board of Peace, scheduled for February 19 in Washington.
The Mission: The board is intended to raise funds for the reconstruction of Gaza and resolve other global conflicts.
The Controversy: The meeting will be held at the U.S. Institute of Peace, which the administration recently seized.
Several European allies have reportedly declined invitations, viewing the board as an attempt to bypass the UN Security Council.
5. State Department Social Media Wipe
The State Department confirmed today that it is removing all posts from its official X (formerly Twitter) accounts made prior to January 20, 2025.
The Reasoning: Officials state the move is to "limit confusion" and ensure the department speaks with "one voice" regarding "America First" goals.
Critics argue this is an attempt to scrub historical records and limit transparency.
Other notable updates today:
Media Deals: Trump publicly endorsed Nexstar Media's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, framing it as necessary "competition" against what he calls "fake news" networks.
Research Funding: Following pushback from universities, Trump signed a deal restoring billions in funding for the NIH and CDC that had previously been earmarked for cuts.
Jeff Bezos Killed the Washington Post The billionaire wanted the Post to die, because a vigorous, well-resourced newspaper does not help his bottom line. https://slate.com/business/2026/02/jeff-bezos-washington-post-layoffs.html
No Kings https://www.nokings.org/
Resource Guide & Community Response For No Kings Day — No Kings https://www.nokings.org/kyr
