TODAY'S TOP NEWS STORIES
FEBRUARY 1, 2026
- Partial government shutdown enters its second day amid ongoing fights over DHS funding; Senate passed a deal, but House Democrats are balking, with debates on compromise continuing.
- Winter storm and bomb cyclone effects linger, with areas like Greenville, NC under state of emergency due to snow and cold, and broader Southeast impacts from bitter weather.
- New car prices hit all-time highs, exacerbating affordability concerns for consumers.
- Families visit the site of a recent major U.S. air disaster (the deadliest in nearly 25 years) near Washington DC.
- Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter on Groundhog Day.
- President Trump sets a deadline for Iran to accept a deal or face potential military action, with a large U.S. armada heading to the Middle East and Trump described as "ready for action."
- Ongoing partial government shutdown tied to DHS funding disputes, with House Republicans and Democrats at odds over Senate-White House proposals.
- Discussions around Trump's first year in office, including economic remarks and policy moves like potential IndyCar race in DC for the nation's 250th celebration.
- Deputy Attorney General and congressional leaders appear on Sunday shows addressing probes, including DNI Gabbard's role in election-related matters.
- Escalating U.S.-Iran tensions: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warns that any U.S. strike would spark a "regional war," amid confirmed talks but high naval deployments and strike readiness signals from the U.S. and Israel.
- Reopening of Gaza's Rafah border crossing expected for Palestinians, with preparations underway after nearly two years of closure.
- Coordinated attacks in Pakistan's Balochistan by militants result in significant casualties; counterterrorism operations end after 40 hours.
- Other global notes include population declines in major Japanese cities and ongoing Costa Rican general election processes.
- India's Union Budget 2026-27 emphasizes medical and health education expansions, including new national institutes, upgraded campuses, skills training in pharmaceuticals/allied health/mental health/traditional medicine, and measures to ease studying abroad via tax changes.
- Additional budget highlights: announcements of 5 university townships, one girls' hostel per district, women's hostels, industry-linked campuses for employability, and exemptions on import duties for 17 cancer drugs.
- Kerala announces 25% syllabus reduction for Class 10 students due to heavy academic workload complaints.
- General focus on upgrading government schools with digital tools, teacher training, and rural access improvements in various regions.
- India's Union Budget 2026 raises capital expenditure significantly for infrastructure push (e.g., to ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY27), with broader emphasis on growth, skilling, and employment.
- New car prices reach record highs amid ongoing affordability issues in the U.S.
- Anticipation for key economic data releases this week (e.g., Eurozone CPI), with market volatility expected around inflation and labor trends.
- Ongoing tariff discussions involving Canada, Mexico, and China, with Trump noting potential "pain" from retaliations.
- Concerns raised by former NASA scientists about a potential safety flaw in the Orion spacecraft for Artemis II missions, urging caution before crewed flights to the Moon.
- Ongoing AI and digital transformation trends, including shifts in companies like Pinterest focusing on AI amid job cuts, and broader integration of AI in data management/cybersecurity.
- Space-related developments, such as applications for massive satellite launches (e.g., by SpaceX) to support AI infrastructure.
- Expansion of GLP-1 medications (e.g., for weight/diabetes) tops U.S. health trends for 2026, alongside AI-wearable integration for tracking/coaching and "food as medicine" approaches.
- Heart disease remains the leading U.S. killer despite progress, with stroke rising to #4; AHA's 2026 update highlights ongoing risks.
- WHO events include a webinar on Zika 10 years after its public health emergency declaration.
- Budget-related health moves in India, like duty exemptions on cancer drugs to reduce costs.
- Carlos Alcaraz defeats Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open men's singles title, completing a career Grand Slam at a young age.
- NBA games on the slate, including matchups like Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans vs. Charlotte Hornets, and Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers.
- Pakistan announces boycott of T20 World Cup match against India (though competing in the rest of the tournament), prompting ICC warnings of implications.
- College basketball highlights, including ACC games and strong performances from teams like Virginia, North Carolina, Duke, and Vanderbilt.
Federal Judge Refuses to Block Federal Surge in Minneapolis https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/01/federal-judge-refuses-to-block-federal-surge-in-minneapolis/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- U.S. District Court Judge Katherine Menendez ruled against Minnesota's bid to stop the federal Operation Metro Surge, citing a lack of precedent for blocking such actions.
- Evidence of racial profiling, excessive force, and disruption caused by the operation has raised concerns about its impact on Minnesotans.
- The operation has involved approximately 3,000 federal officers, creating tensions and straining local resources.
- Public outrage has intensified following the killing of protesters by federal agents, prompting calls for the operation to end.
- Minnesota officials, including Attorney General Keith Ellison and Governor Tim Walz, argue the operation infringes on state sovereignty and violates constitutional principles.
### Key Points
- Parents in Fairfield, Connecticut, opposed Linda McMahon’s History Rocks tour stop at an elementary school, receiving support from the Hearst Connecticut Media Editorial Board.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposes combining federal and state school vouchers, allowing parents to benefit from both.
- Nancy Flanagan examines the relationship between states' education data and voting patterns.
- Audrey Watters reflects on snow days and shares related articles and insights.
- Stephen Dyer analyzes Ohio’s flawed education funding system and explores potential solutions.
- The Trump administration drops its appeal over a case involving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
- The Leandro case in North Carolina highlights decades of insufficient education funding despite court rulings.
- Alaska faces its own education funding lawsuit, similar to the Leandro case, as two districts sue the state.
- Texas considers requiring Bible readings in public schools, sparking discussions about inclusivity.
- Iowa’s governor proposes increased funding for charter schools, challenging the initial argument that charters save taxpayer money.
- Virginia lawmakers debate standards for private school voucher programs.
- Concerns arise over moving special education oversight to Health and Human Services, treating it as a medical issue.
- New Hampshire fast-tracks a bill for universal open enrollment in schools.
- The Trump administration challenges California’s ban on the forced outing of LGBTQ students, claiming it violates federal law.
- The Supreme Court is set to decide whether teachers should act as informants against students.
- College students are turning to AI tools to avoid accusations of AI-related cheating.
- Bernie Sanders critiques the federal voucher program, as analyzed in an article on Forbes.
glen brown: A $1.2 Trillion ‘Rip Off’: Report Spotlights Massive Scale of Medicare Advantage Fraud https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-12-trillion-rip-off-report-spotlights.html
### Key Points
- David Brooks announces his departure from The New York Times after 22 years, citing his desire to pursue a new project.
- He explores the decline of faith in America, including religious, societal, and institutional trust.
- Brooks reflects on the consequences of hyper-individualism and the abandonment of the humanities, which have led to a loss of shared values and moral order.
- He discusses the impact of cultural decay, including increased cynicism, anxiety, and a lack of purpose among Americans.
- Brooks argues for the necessity of cultural change to precede political and social change, emphasizing humanism as an antidote to nihilism.
- He highlights historical examples of cultural shifts, such as the Social Gospel movement and the Progressive Era, and suggests that cultural renewal can address current challenges.
- Brooks calls for a revival of humanistic thinking and the Great Conversation, which fosters debate and reflection on fundamental human values.
- He notes positive changes in American universities, including programs focused on character development, citizenship, and moral reasoning.
- Brooks emphasizes the importance of restoring America’s emotional, material, and spiritual base to recover its optimism and audacity.
- He concludes with reflections on hope, faith, love, and forgiveness as essential virtues for societal renewal.
Debunking the latest The74 miracle charter school story | Gary Rubinstein's Blog https://garyrubinstein.wordpress.com/2026/02/01/debunking-the-latest-the74-miracle-charter-school-story/
### Key Points
- Gary Rubinstein critiques a claim about a high-poverty charter school outperforming affluent schools in math scores.
- Rubinstein verifies the claim but points out the small sample size and potential attrition issues.
- Other schools in the same charter network performed significantly worse, making the highlighted school's success an outlier.
- Rubinstein warns against using cherry-picked data to promote misleading narratives and ineffective education policies.
- He stresses the importance of celebrating individual student success without propagating false claims.
- The author shares personal memories of Myrtle Beach, SC, a popular vacation destination for working-class and middle-class families, especially during the off-season.
- The author's family had a tradition of visiting Myrtle Beach during snow events, which were rare but memorable, creating warm family experiences despite the cold weather.
- Myrtle Beach snowfall, such as the 14-inch event in 1989, is a rarity and has been documented as a significant memory for the author and their family.
- The Victory Motel in Myrtle Beach played a key role in the family’s visits, with the author’s grandparents managing it during the off-season to afford frequent trips.
- Winter weather in the South is disruptive but holds sentimental value for the author, serving as a reminder of family bonds and happy memories.
- The author, P.L. Thomas, is a Professor of Education and poetry editor, with notable achievements including the 2013 George Orwell Award.
Listening to Langston Hughes in MAGA Era "It's called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it." George Carlin PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/listening-to-langston-hughes-in-maga
### Key Points
- The article reflects on Langston Hughes's poem "Let America Be America Again," written 80 years ago, as a critique of the American Dream myth, highlighting the racial and socioeconomic inequalities in America.
- Hughes’s poem contrasts with Trump’s "Make America Great Again" slogan, emphasizing the diverse workers who built America but were excluded from its promises, while Trump’s campaign fueled anti-immigrant and xenophobic sentiments.
- The poem critiques capitalism and the exploitation of marginalized groups, advocating for a collective voice of immigrants, slaves, and workers as the foundation of the U.S.
- Hughes ends his poem with hope, calling for redemption and unity through collective action to make America the land it has yet to become.
- The article emphasizes the continued relevance of Hughes’s message in confronting systemic inequalities and political rhetoric, urging bravery in addressing these truths.
- The author, Paul Thomas, connects the poem’s themes to contemporary issues, including the political climate under Trump and the enduring challenges of racism and economic disparity.
### Key Points
- Trust in PhD advisors predicts better graduate school experiences, leading to higher motivation, well-being, and academic accomplishments. Index
- Younger children experience prolonged symptoms following concussions, emphasizing the need for tailored evaluation and treatment. Index
- A white paper highlights the importance of designing higher education to support women balancing caregiving, work, and learning through flexible structures and AI-enabled support. Index
- Professional growth of early-career English language teachers is influenced by diverse learning experiences, mentorship, and opportunities for reflection. Index
- The PRISMS Toolkit provides resources for effective reading interventions in middle school students to improve literacy outcomes. Index
- Gender and racial differences in college major choices and returns contribute significantly to labor market earnings gaps, with women and minorities facing lower returns in high-earning fields. Index
- Early interventions help many autistic children develop spoken language, but outcomes vary based on intervention duration, age at start, and individual needs. Index
Epstein/Trump Horrors | Opine I will https://rlratto.wordpress.com/2026/02/01/epstein-trump-horrors/
### Key Points
- The Department of Justice released over 3 million documents related to the Epstein case, raising questions about the lack of follow-up on accusations and the FBI's failure to act.
- Screenshots of the documents were included in the post to prevent their disappearance from the DOJ website.
- The article mentions related posts and books discussing various societal and political issues, including disinformation, politics, and historical reflections.
There Is Shockingly Good News Coming Out of Texas For a change, there is some news coming out of the Lone Star State worth celebrating, especially for children BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/there-is-shockingly-good-news-coming
### Key Points
- A federal judge ordered the release of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father from ICE detention, spotlighting the need for justice and humane treatment of immigrant children.
- Taylor Rehmet won the special election for Texas Senate District 9, a historically Republican stronghold, by focusing on children’s issues, public schools, and unity, signaling a rejection of divisive politics.
- Christian Menefee was elected to represent Texas’s 18th Congressional District, bringing a strong advocate for children to Congress, with commitments to healthcare, education, and justice for immigrant families.
No Kings https://www.nokings.org/
Resource Guide & Community Response For No Kings Day — No Kings https://www.nokings.org/kyr
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, February 1, 2026, the news surrounding President Trump is dominated by a major shift in protest policy, escalating tensions with Iran, and a series of high-stakes trade threats against European allies.
🏛️ Domestic Policy & Protests
In a notable shift in rhetoric, President Trump announced he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests in Democratic-led cities unless specifically asked for help by local authorities.
The Order: Trump stated that the federal government will not participate in handling "protests and/or riots" in these cities to avoid further complaints from local leaders.
The Exception: He clarified that federal agents will continue to "powerfully" guard all federal buildings.
The Context: This move follows immense criticism over the administration's immigration crackdown and recent fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis.
🚢 Foreign Policy: The Iran Standoff
Tensions in the Middle East have reached a fever pitch as a U.S. "armada," led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, operates in the Arabian Sea.
Regional War Warning: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned today that any U.S. attack would spark a "regional war."
Negotiation Tactics: Despite the military buildup, Trump told reporters that Iran is "seriously talking" to the U.S. and hinted at a possible deal to avoid strikes.
Military Readiness: Reports indicate the Pentagon is currently reinforcing air defenses in the region before any potential action to protect allies and U.S. assets.
🌍 International Trade: The "Greenland" Tariffs
A major trade dispute has erupted with Europe over Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland.
Tariff Deadline: Starting today, February 1, the U.S. is reportedly imposing a 10% tariff on exports from several European nations—including Denmark, France, Germany, and the UK—as pressure to negotiate the sale of the territory.
EU Response: All 27 EU members are holding an emergency meeting today to discuss retaliatory measures, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling the move "completely wrong."
💵 Funding & The Economy
Sanctuary City Cuts: Today marks the deadline Trump set to begin denying federal funding to states and cities that resist his administration's immigration policies.
Federal Reserve: The Fed recently held interest rates steady despite significant pressure from the White House to lower them.
