TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
FEBRUARY 5, 2026
- Trump administration's Gaza proposal draws backlash — President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House amid controversy over his suggestions to take ownership of Gaza and redevelop it as the "Riviera of the Middle East," prompting strong Palestinian reactions and international concern.
- Ongoing immigration enforcement and protests — Federal surges in immigration agents continue, with related legal challenges (e.g., in Minnesota) and nationwide anti-ICE protests; thousands participated in recent demonstrations against militarized policies.
- Winter storm aftermath in Texas — At least 11 deaths (including children) reported from Winter Storm Fern, highlighting recovery efforts and impacts in affected states.
- FBI agents' lawsuit over job concerns — Thousands of FBI agents are suing the Justice Department amid fears of job losses tied to administration changes.
- Dramatic protests in India's Lok Sabha — Opposition MPs disrupted proceedings, preventing Prime Minister Modi's reply to the motion of thanks, leading to adjournment amid high drama over allegations against former Congress leaders.
- India-U.S. trade deal details — Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal assured Parliament that agricultural and dairy sectors are fully protected, with tariff reductions boosting labor-intensive exports and self-reliance.
- Trump pushes for nationalized voting elements — Arizona's Secretary of State called for resistance against efforts to "nationalize" voting, tied to election-related actions like FBI raids in Georgia involving figures like Tulsi Gabbard.
- Nuclear arms treaty expiration concerns — The last U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty has expired, raising fears of a spiraling new arms race.
- Trump-Netanyahu meeting and Gaza plans — Discussions on Gaza redevelopment and potential U.S. involvement sparked global reactions, including from Palestinians.
- Measles surge in the Americas — PAHO issued an alert after over 1,000 new cases in early 2026 (a 43-fold increase), mainly in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, urging urgent vaccinations.
- Iran-U.S. nuclear talks — Agreement to hold talks in Oman amid high tensions following Iran's crackdown on protests.
- Storm Kristin recovery in Portugal — Government launches major loan programs and extends calamity state for flood-damaged areas.
- Trump signs $79B FY 2026 education funding bill — Provides modest growth, tighter oversight, and assurances for schools, grants, and staffing after uncertainty.
- Rising demand for career education — College Board expands into career prep amid student interest in vocational paths.
- K-12 outlook challenges — Federal priorities, funding issues, enrollment concerns, school choice competition, and data privacy top trends for schools.
- Higher ed policy shifts — Accreditation changes, civil rights probes, and Trump administration efforts to reshape the sector continue.
- Global economic warning signals faltering — Traditional indicators (markets, spending, debt) prove unreliable, with growth defying forecasts amid uncertainty.
- Canada's auto sector transformation — Prime Minister announces measures to future-proof manufacturing, including facility tours and new initiatives.
- Climate crisis economic risks — Experts warn flawed models underestimate cascading shocks that could crash the global economy or cause massive GDP losses.
- Positive early-year market trends — Stocks and bonds rallied into February, with S&P 500 gains and Fed holding rates steady.
- Gartner top cybersecurity trends for 2026 — AI chaos, geopolitical tensions, regulatory changes, and accelerating threats drive priorities.
- AI's role in software future — Google's CEO Sundar Pichai views AI (like Gemini) as an enabling tool for efficiency and growth in companies.
- High-growth tech stocks — Focus on companies with strong revenue/earnings potential in AI and related fields.
- Broader tech trends — Continued AI dominance, with implications for electronics manufacturing and vehicle tech.
- Measles outbreak alert in Americas — Surge in cases (over 1,000 confirmed early 2026), mostly unvaccinated, with Mexico hardest hit.
- Heart disease cost concerns — National survey shows it's a top driver for employers/health plans, but action lags despite awareness.
- Sex differences in type 2 diabetes heart risks — Research explores why risks vary by gender, potentially linked to hormones.
- Emerging treatments/research — Metformin eyed for age-related vision loss; oatmeal diets for cholesterol/weight; updates on HPV-related cervical screenings.
- Super Bowl 2026 preparations — Injury updates (e.g., Sam Darnold's oblique, others); halftime show discussions and NFL commissioner defenses.
- Caribbean Series baseball — Ongoing matches, including Puerto Rico vs. Panama.
- College basketball and other action — Key games and high school highlights (e.g., WPIAL girls basketball win-and-in scenarios).
- Winter Olympics prep — Athletes like Lindsey Vonn confirm plans despite injuries.
Are Republicans the Party of Small Government? https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/04/are-republicans-the-party-of-small-government/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Republicans historically championed small government but now support invasive policies that control various aspects of personal life.
- The article lists numerous ways Republicans aim to regulate individual freedoms, including decisions about books, gender, relationships, and more.
- The author accuses the party of fostering fear and authoritarianism under the guise of maintaining order.
- Comments from readers suggest the Republican Party lacks consistent ideology and operates as a cult of personality around Trump.
- The blog connects these trends to broader themes like democracy, ethics, and extremism.
Peter Greene: The Education of Diane Ravitch https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/04/peter-greene-reviews-an-education-in-forbes/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Peter Greene reviews Diane Ravitch's memoir, *An Education*, which recounts her journey from a supporter of conservative education reforms to a critic of corporate education reform.
- Ravitch's early career was marked by her advocacy for standards, standardized testing, and meritocracy, which she later reconsidered after observing their ineffectiveness in practice.
- Her shift in perspective was triggered by observing the implementation of these policies in New York City under Michael Bloomberg and Joel Klein, which led her to see their flaws.
- Ravitch criticized high-stakes testing and merit-based teacher evaluations for their harmful effects on students and teachers, becoming a key figure in the movement to support public education.
- She co-founded the Network for Public Education and used her blog as a platform to critique education reform and advocate for public schools.
- The memoir provides a historical overview of the education reform movement and offers Ravitch's insights from her experiences on both sides of the debate.
Minneapolis: What Kind of Nation Terrorizes Its Children? https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/04/minneapolis-what-kind-of-nation-terrorizes-chikdren/ via @dianeravitch
Italia Fittante, a high school literature teacher in Minneapolis, describes the impact of harsh immigration policies on her students. Many immigrant families live in constant fear due to aggressive ICE operations, which have led to detentions of children and adults alike. One student, burdened with the responsibility of supporting his family, carries his U.S. passport everywhere, fearing deportation. Another student, traumatized by an ICE raid at her workplace, struggles to focus on her studies.
Fittante highlights the impossible expectations placed on these students, who must navigate their education while facing threats to their safety and the potential loss of their loved ones. They are well-versed in survival tactics, aware of the dangers around them, and understand that their lives are treated as disposable by those in power. The article emphasizes that these students deserve safety and dignity, questioning a society that terrorizes its children under the guise of enforcement.
Congress Should Not Re-Impose Child Poverty on DC’s Babies and Children Overturning DC’s budget would undo a proven Child Tax Credit, blow a hole in local revenues, and punish the children who need help most. BRUCE LESLEY https://substack.com/home/post/p-186819404?source=queue
### Key Points
- Congress is attempting to overturn DC’s local tax policies designed to reduce child poverty, including a $1,000 Child Tax Credit and expanded Earned Income Tax Credit.
- DC’s tax policies are projected to reduce child poverty by 20%, benefiting 78,000 children and addressing flaws in the federal Child Tax Credit.
- If Congress enforces resolutions of disapproval, DC will lose $700 million in revenue, destabilizing its budget and risking cuts to crucial services like schools, health care, and child welfare.
- Advocates argue that Congress should respect DC’s local decision-making, fix federal tax credit design flaws, and expand proven anti-poverty measures nationwide.
Learning from Classroom Failures: Three Students I Have Taught (Part 2) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/02/04/learning-from-classroom-failures-three-students-i-have-taught-part-2/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Larry Cuban recounts his experience teaching William, a student who overcame academic struggles but whose religious beliefs shaped his worldview and decisions.
- William excelled academically, participated in class, and performed well, but rejected the idea of higher education due to his belief in an impending apocalypse.
- Cuban reflects on his role as a teacher, questioning whether he succeeded in helping William critically examine his values and beliefs.
Unity at Work Patronage makes you money, but it doesn't make you effective. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/unity-at-work
### Key Points
- The article criticizes the Unity Caucus leadership of the UFT (United Federation of Teachers) for their inconsistency and ineffectiveness in representing workers' rights, highlighting their contradictory actions and lack of genuine advocacy.
- Unity is accused of prioritizing its own interests over those of its members, such as endorsing deals that fail to meet cost-of-living standards and lobbying against bills like Intro 1096, which would protect Medicare for retirees.
- The article discusses the personal attacks and misinformation campaigns by Unity against individuals like Marianne Pizzitola, who actively advocate for workers' rights and challenge Unity's decisions.
- Unity leadership is criticized for promoting policies that disadvantage members, such as pushing for Medicare Advantage plans while retaining perks for themselves.
- The author calls for a change in union leadership, arguing that the current leaders are more focused on maintaining their privileges than genuinely improving conditions for members.
DEI Is Not Illegal. Leadership Now Matters – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/02/04/dei-is-not-illegal-leadership-now-matters/
### Key Points
- DEI is not illegal, as clarified by federal courts, and there is no legal justification for dismantling DEI initiatives.
- Retreating from DEI programs is a choice influenced by political pressures, reputational fears, or ideological alignment, not legal necessity.
- Institutions must take responsibility for their actions and align their decisions with stated values, as silence or neutrality signals endorsement of exclusion.
- Regent Vassar highlights the tangible consequences of abandoning DEI, including loss of support structures, diminished trust, and harm to underrepresented communities.
- Moving forward, organizations must restore dismantled DEI programs, pair restoration with accountability, and lead with integrity and transparency.
Schools Matter: Will Tennesseans Turn Over Their State to Fascist, Stephen Miller? http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/02/will-tennesseans-turn-over-their-state.html
### Key Points
- Stephen Miller collaborates with Tennessee lawmakers to draft immigration enforcement legislation involving local officials.
- Proposed bills criminalize information disclosure about immigration enforcement, targeting officials like Nashville’s mayor.
- Legislation challenges Plyler v Doe, potentially denying undocumented children access to public education.
- Tennessee's proposals include verifying immigration status for benefits, licenses, and employment, with economic implications.
- State troopers may check immigration status of out-of-state drivers, creating risks for undocumented truckers.
- Critics highlight concerns over authoritarianism, lack of accountability, and unconstitutional measures.
OH: Legislature Considers Extortion and Revenge Against Public Schools PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/oh-legislature-considers-extortion
- Tennessee Republicans propose House Bill 47 to allow the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, citing its "historical significance," despite it being a potential First Amendment violation.
- Similar laws in Louisiana and Texas are being challenged in court, while Indiana is attempting to pass a similar bill, making the posting voluntary to avoid constitutional issues.
- The justification for such laws is that religious texts are taught for secular purposes, but this raises concerns about the state defining and endorsing specific religious interpretations.
- Christians and other religious groups should be alarmed as these laws risk the state favoring certain religions and dictating interpretations of sacred texts.
- The inclusion of "other significant documents" in Tennessee's bill could lead to local school boards making controversial decisions about religion and history.
- Critics argue that mixing religion and politics ultimately results in political outcomes, undermining the separation of church and state.
glen brown: Don Colossus at the G20 Summit on the grounds of his golf complex in Doral, Florida https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-pathological-narcissist-don-colossus.html
### Key Points
- The Trump administration's immigration policies caused severe trauma to children, including family separations and detention in inadequate facilities.
- The administration's association with Jeffrey Epstein and efforts to suppress related documents highlight systemic corruption.
- Rollbacks in health, environmental, and social welfare policies under Trump disproportionately harmed vulnerable populations, especially children.
- The article criticizes the moral and ethical failures of the Trump administration, labeling it as unjust and harmful.
- Advocates and attorneys report worsening conditions in detention centers, with children suffering from neglect and inadequate care.
- The piece calls for accountability, urging responsible parties to face consequences and for systemic change in governance.
Teacher Tom: Our Greatest and Most Childish Glory https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/our-greatest-and-most-childish-glory.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom shares an emotional story of children comforting a classmate, highlighting the innate kindness and compassion of young children.
- He discusses the concept of "microscopic utopias" and how moments of kindness represent humanity's greatest glory, even amidst challenges.
- Teacher Tom promotes the idea of creating supportive and loving environments in classrooms to allow these utopian moments to emerge naturally.
- He introduces a 6-week course, "Creating a Natural Habitat for Learning," aimed at transforming spaces into environments where children thrive through self-motivation and novelty.
- Teacher Tom invites readers to support his blog, book him for events, and stay updated via his email list.
- The article critiques the push for early childhood reading standards, arguing that forcing children to read at younger ages, such as preschool or earlier, is developmentally inappropriate and counterproductive.
- Elliot Regenstein suggests implementing statewide assessments to track kindergarten readiness, focusing on pre-literacy skills, but the author criticizes this approach as misaligned with child development and potentially harmful.
- The emphasis on high-stakes standards and data-driven methods may lead to unnecessary labeling of children with learning disabilities and fails to account for individual developmental differences.
- The author supports expanding free preschool, improving early childcare access, and ensuring qualified early childhood teachers but disagrees with the pressure for standardized assessments and rigid standards.
- The HighScope Perry Preschool Project demonstrates the long-term benefits of quality early childhood education, emphasizing intellectual and social development without imposing high-stakes standards.
Black and Latino teens show strong digital literacy Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- A UC Riverside and USC study found Black and Latino teens possess stronger digital literacy skills, particularly in identifying and countering race-related misinformation, compared to their white peers. These skills are often developed through lived experiences of navigating online racism rather than formal education.
- The study introduces the concept of Critical Race Digital Literacy (CRDL), highlighting the ability of Black and Latino teens to critique digital media with a focus on race and racism. They often challenge racist content and share credible information to counter it.
- White teens are less likely to question race-related misinformation due to not experiencing racism in the same way as youth of color.
- The study emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy and integrating the critical digital literacy skills of youth of color into educational curricula.
Girls are happier than boys at school
### Key Points
- A Norwegian study found girls aged 6 to 9 experience higher well-being and safety in school compared to boys, potentially due to biological factors like dopamine activity linked to social relationships.
- Boys generally prefer physical activity and have higher testosterone levels, making long school days less suitable for them.
- Gender differences in subject preferences and performance were observed, with girls excelling in reading and science, while boys rated themselves higher in mathematics and preferred physical education.
Worrying rise in self-harm among adolescents, with trans, gender diverse and early school leavers most at risk
### Key Points
- A study in Ireland shows repeated self-harm among adolescents is rising, especially among females, trans, gender-diverse youth, and early school leavers.
- Trans and gender-diverse youth reported the highest rates of poor mental health (52%), repetitive self-harm (44%), and suicide attempts (23%).
- The findings emphasize the need for stronger mental health support in schools, primary care, and community services.
One in four teens face violence, higher substance use
### Key Points
- A study from UT Arlington highlights that one in four U.S. teens experience neighborhood violence, leading to higher substance use, including alcohol, marijuana, and vaping.
- Cyberbullying was found to have a stronger link to substance use compared to traditional bullying.
- Participation in team sports was associated with higher alcohol use due to peer culture normalization.
Most college students rebounded after pandemic, but to varying degrees
### Key Points
- Michigan State University research found most college students improved in life satisfaction and reduced loneliness post-pandemic, with a preference for hybrid or in-person learning over fully remote options.
- Personality traits influenced recovery, with extraverts faring better and anxious individuals taking longer to rebound.
Effects of Age on Entry to Women's Education on their Careers and Children
### Key Points
- Women who start education later see long-term career gains, including higher earnings, better jobs, and improved conditions. This also benefits their children's early-life health and development.
Charter Schools and Achievement of Students with Disabilities
### Key Points
- A study in Michigan found that charter schools are slightly more likely to identify students as having disabilities, though adjustments to special education services occur. Despite these changes, students with disabilities show similar academic and attendance improvements as their peers.
How to Teach Authentic Christianity in Public Schools - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2026/02/04/how-to-teach-authentic-christianity-in-public-schools/
### Key Points
- The article discusses the increasing push to integrate religion, particularly Christianity, into public schools, influenced by groups like the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025, which aim to reshape the U.S. into a "Christian nation."
- It highlights the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state and ensuring public schools remain inclusive for children of all religious and non-religious backgrounds.
- The piece emphasizes the role of educators and communities in protecting immigrant students and their families from ICE actions, citing specific cases like that of Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old detained with his father.
- The article criticizes policies that lead to the detention of children and their families, calling for compassion and adherence to constitutional rights. It also praises educators and communities for their efforts to support affected families.
- The author questions the push for privatization and religious influence in public schools, arguing that public education exemplifies inclusivity and care for all children.
Homophobic President Attacks Transgender Students | tultican https://tultican.com/2026/02/05/homophobic-president-attacks-transgender-students/
### Key Points
- The controversy surrounding transgender volleyball player Blaire Fleming at San Jose State University and the backlash from teammates and external influences.
- Statistical insights on the transgender community, including their mental health struggles and the importance of gender-affirming care.
- The impact of political rhetoric, particularly from President Trump, on LGBTQ+ rights and policies.
- The tragic case of Nex Benedict, a transgender student who faced bullying and died by suicide, highlighting the need for supportive environments for trans youth.
- Scientific and medical opposition to policies that rigidly define sex as binary, citing human variation and the necessity of affirming care.
- Advocacy for the inclusion of transgender athletes and the broader fight against bigotry and discrimination in sports and society.
Organized Abandonment and the Measles Crisis: A Policy Disaster
This article discusses the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles in the U.S., attributing it to vaccine misinformation and institutional failures. The CDC's retreat from vaccine recommendations under RFK Jr.'s leadership has led to fear among parents, who feel unsupported by public systems. The piece calls for a return to child-centered public health policies and counters vaccine misinformation.
### Key Points
- The U.S. is witnessing a resurgence of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases due to misinformation and institutional failure.
- Parents are panicking, feeling abandoned by government agencies like the CDC, which has shifted vaccine policies under RFK Jr.’s leadership.
- The CDC's withdrawal from vaccine recommendations undermines trust in public health systems and leaves parents isolated and fearful.
- The return of diseases like measles and whooping cough endangers vulnerable children, breaking down herd immunity and societal protections.
- RFK Jr.'s promotion of vaccine misinformation and policy changes poses a significant threat to public health, both domestically and globally.
- The burden of public health failures is falling disproportionately on parents, particularly mothers, who feel overwhelmed and unsupported.
- The article calls for the restoration of CDC vaccine recommendations, federal leadership against misinformation, and child-centered public policies.
Birthday Puzzles | JD2718 https://jd2718.org/2026/02/05/birthday-puzzles/
### Key Points
- The author shares a math puzzle involving digits and discusses how they made it accessible for others to solve.
- The article highlights various reflections and analyses on UFT election results from 2022 and related union activities.
- It includes a wide range of topics, such as math education, puzzles, teaching strategies, and New York City’s educational landscape.
- References to other educational blogs, math resources, and union-related discussions are provided.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, February 4, 2026, news regarding the Trump administration is dominated by high-stakes foreign policy calls and significant updates on domestic immigration enforcement.
Top TRUMP News Stories: Feb 4, 2026
1. High-Stakes Diplomacy with China
President Trump held a wide-ranging phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping today.
Iran Sanctions: Trump pressed Beijing to distance itself from Tehran, following his announcement of a 25% tax on imports from any country doing business with Iran.
Nuclear Weapons: The call occurred just a day before the New START treaty with Russia is set to expire.
Trump expressed interest in a new nuclear arms pact that includes China as a member. Upcoming Visit: The President confirmed plans to visit Beijing in April 2026.
2. Immigration & "Operation Metro Surge"
The White House and DHS released data today highlighting major milestones in the administration's immigration agenda:
Minnesota Arrests: Officials announced that over 4,000 criminal illegal aliens have been arrested in Minnesota since the launch of "Operation Metro Surge."
Border Statistics: Secretary Kristi Noem reported that January 2026 marked the ninth consecutive month with zero releases of apprehended individuals into the U.S. interior.
Legal Defense: DHS issued a formal statement defending the use of administrative warrants for home arrests, countering claims that the practice violates the Fourth Amendment.
3. Foreign Conflict & Peace Talks
Ukraine-Russia Negotiations: As a new round of peace talks begins in Abu Dhabi (Feb 4–5), Trump commented on the end of a brief "energy ceasefire."
He noted that Vladimir Putin "kept his word" by pausing strikes on energy infrastructure for one week before resuming them this past Sunday. Taiwan: Ongoing tension persists following a $10 billion arms sale to Taiwan.
Today, analysts are debating the predictability of U.S. military intervention in the region under the current administration's "untraditional" approach.
4. Domestic Policy & Controversy
Tariff Favoritism Allegations: Senate Democrats (led by Ron Wyden and Chris Van Hollen) sent a letter to the White House today accusing the administration of "crony capitalism."
They allege that tariff exemptions are being granted through an opaque process that favors politically connected CEOs over small businesses. Detroit Elections: Trump floated the idea of nationalizing or federalizing elections, specifically mentioning Detroit.
This has sparked a sharp pushback from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and local officials. Medal of Honor: In a lighter moment, the President personally informed 100-year-old Navy Captain E.
Royce Williams that he will receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Korean War.
No Kings https://www.nokings.org/
Resource Guide & Community Response For No Kings Day — No Kings https://www.nokings.org/kyr
