MORNING NEWS UPDATE: FEBRUARY 23, 2026

U.S. News

1. A massive winter blizzard is hammering the Northeast, with blizzard warnings affecting around 41 million people, causing heavy snow, high winds, thousands of flight cancellations, travel chaos, and disruptions across states like New York, New Jersey, and beyond.
2. An armed intruder was fatally shot by the Secret Service after breaching the perimeter at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida (the president and first lady were in Washington, D.C. at the time).
3. The U.S. concluded the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan with a strong performance, securing 33 total medals (including a record 12 golds for a Winter Games), highlighted by wins in men's and women's hockey, Alpine skiing (e.g., Mikaela Shiffrin), and more.
4. Supreme Court Strikes Down Tariffs: In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against President Trump’s use of emergency powers to implement sweeping global tariffs, calling the move a central portion of the administration's core economic policy that exceeded executive authority.
5. Blizzard in the Northeast: A major winter storm has triggered blizzard warnings across Long Island and parts of the Northeast, forcing school closures and shifting many university operations (including Pace and SUNY) to remote status for the day.
6. Measles Outbreak Escalates: The CDC reports that U.S. measles cases have nearly reached 1,000 in the first eight weeks of 2026—more than four times the count seen at this point in 2025.

Politics

1. President Trump is renewing attacks on the Supreme Court after its recent ruling declaring his broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act illegal; he's vowing to impose a new 15% global tariff using other authorities and calling the court "incompetent."
2. The U.S. is halting collection of the struck-down tariffs, with potential refunds for businesses and ongoing uncertainty about economic impacts and international responses (e.g., from China).
3. Ongoing political fallout includes a partial DHS/government funding standoff and preparations for Trump's upcoming State of the Union address amid tariff chaos and other administration issues.
4. State of the Union Eve: On the eve of tomorrow's State of the Union address, a new PBS News/NPR/Marist poll shows that two-thirds of Americans believe the system of checks and balances is not working well, a 12-point jump from last year.
5. Maduro Apprehended: High-profile political fallout continues following the U.S. apprehension of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro after a brief military incursion into the nation.
6. Congressional Friction: Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is leading a pushback against a new executive order that grants immunity to makers of the herbicide glyphosate, a move that has sparked fury among "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) supporters.

World Affairs

1. Mexico's army killed "El Mencho", the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (a major drug lord), in an operation with U.S. intelligence support, sparking violence and shutdowns in parts of the country.
2. Tensions with Iran continue, with U.S. military buildup in the region reaching high levels, ongoing nuclear talks in Geneva, and warnings of stronger Iranian responses to potential U.S. strikes.
3. Trump's "Board of Peace" initiative for Gaza reconstruction is advancing, with meetings involving over 20 countries pledging billions and personnel for stabilization efforts.
4. Ukraine War 4th Anniversary: Global leaders are marking four years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine; peace talks remain stalled as European nations debate whether to increase independent military support.
5. Middle East Tensions: Concerns of a potential U.S. military strike on Iran remain high, though markets noted a slight relief as no action was taken over the weekend.
6. EU-Nigeria Tech Pact: The European Commission and Nigeria have officially opened negotiations for a bilateral Science & Technology Cooperation Agreement to boost innovation and research across the two regions.

Education

1. A "Southern surge" in education recovery post-pandemic is highlighted, with states like Louisiana (top in reading recovery), Alabama (top in math), and Mississippi showing major gains through focused reforms—seen as a model but a long-term effort.
2. School choice programs are expanding rapidly (e.g., Texas's large new scholarship initiative drawing massive applications), but facing rising costs and implementation challenges.
3. Legal blocks in Texas on parts of a DEI ban in K-12 schools (affecting districts like Houston, Katy, and Plano), including rules on student clubs and employee policies.
4. Remote Learning Shift: Due to the severe winter weather in the Northeast, major universities and K-12 districts have pivoted to remote learning today, marking a significant test of digital infrastructure in the region.
5. Teacher Pipeline Crisis: In New Jersey, Education Commissioner nominee Lily Laux warned that the "teacher pipeline is collapsing," citing data that 18% of public school teachers now hold second jobs to survive.
6. Immigration Guidance in Schools: State education departments are facing mounting pressure to establish clear policies regarding ICE enforcement and student safety on campus.

Economy

1. The Supreme Court's tariff ruling continues to dominate, with stocks reacting positively to the limits on Trump's authority, but uncertainty lingers as he pushes new 15% global tariffs; Fed officials see limited immediate rate impact.
2. Recent economic data shows slower Q4 2025 GDP growth (1.4%), steady PCE inflation around 2.9-3.0%, and signs of labor market stabilization with stronger job creation.
3. Businesses are awaiting potential refunds from halted tariffs, while international partners (e.g., China, EU, UK) express concerns over ongoing trade disruptions.
4. Fed Dissent on Rates: Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller expressed dissent over the FOMC's recent decision to hold rates steady, arguing that the risk of a labor market downturn warranted a further cut.
5. Market Volatility: The U.S. dollar and crypto markets saw a choppy start to the week as investors reacted to the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing trade policy uncertainty.
6. Manufacturing Bounce: Despite broader uncertainty, recent data shows manufacturing production increased by 0.6% last month, the strongest reading in nearly a year.

Technology

1. Microsoft is restructuring its gaming division to boost Xbox, but raising concerns about increased "AI slop" in content and development.
2. Anthropic-backed super PAC launches ad campaigns pushing for AI regulation, warning of risks if Congress doesn't act (focused on states like New Jersey).
3. Ongoing AI debates include "AI washing" in layoffs (per Sam Altman) and major investments (e.g., Reliance in India for AI infrastructure).
4. Healthcare AI Push: A new petition has been filed with the FDA to exempt a broad range of AI-driven medical devices from premarket review, a move supported by the administration's goal to reduce regulatory barriers.
5. Corporate AI Integration: Medical Care Technologies (MDCE) unveiled a new brand identity today as it prepares to launch "Snapshot Recipes," a consumer-facing AI app for lifestyle and wellness.
6. Ransomware Hits Healthcare: A major ransomware attack has forced the closure of all University of Mississippi clinics, highlighting the continued vulnerability of critical health infrastructure.

Health

1. FDA scrutiny intensifies on antidepressants (SSRIs, especially in pregnancy) and RSV prevention antibodies for infants, with concerns over safety monitoring.
2. Novo Nordisk trims its 2026 outlook due to GLP-1 drug competition turbulence (e.g., weight-loss market saturation).
3. Broader trends include growing health/wellness market projections (to $10+ trillion by 2030) driven by preventive care, chronic disease management, and tech integration.
4. MAHA vs. Anxiety Meds: A growing cultural divide has emerged as "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) advocates increasingly criticize the use of antidepressants and anxiety medications, even as usage rates hit new highs among Americans.
5. New Lead Pipe Deadlines: The EPA has announced it will support a 10-year deadline to replace lead pipes nationwide, defending the overhaul in federal court.
6. HIV Breakthrough: Zimbabwe has become one of the first countries to roll out lenacapavir, a long-acting drug that health officials hope will fundamentally change the trajectory of new HIV infections.

Sports

1. The 2026 Winter Olympics wrap up with the U.S. achieving its best-ever Winter medal haul (33 total, 12 golds), including hockey golds for both men's and women's teams.
2. MLB spring training previews highlight storylines like Tony Clark's resignation, robot ump debates, team overhauls (e.g., Mets), and early favorites (e.g., Mariners).
3. Other notes: Yankees dealing with facility issues (sewage leak), and tributes to late WNBA champion Kara Braxton.
4. NBA Losing Streak: The Sacramento Kings (12-46) head into tonight's game against the Memphis Grizzlies desperate to snap a 16-game losing streak.
5. World Cup 2026 Preparations: The State Department confirmed ongoing security and logistics dialogues as the U.S. prepares to host the FIFA World Cup later this year.
6. NHL/NBA Mid-Season Grinds: Several teams are navigating major injury lists; notably, the Grizzlies remain without stars Ja Morant and Zach Edey for tonight's matchup.

These stories capture the dominant themes circulating today—let me know if you'd like deeper details on any!

EDUCATION SPECIAL
TOP US EDUCATION NEWS TODAY
TOP WORLD EDUCATION NEWS TODAY

Today in education, the landscape is being reshaped by post-election policy shifts in the U.S., a massive global focus on AI integration, and a reckoning with high-profile university scandals.

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🇺🇸 Top US Education News

February 23, 2026

1. Federal Policy Overhaul & "DOGE" Impact

The Department of Education is facing significant scrutiny as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) begins identifying areas for cuts.

• Teacher Training: Recent reports confirm the administration has begun cutting teacher-training grants, including a notable $23 million reduction in programs serving high-need schools in Louisiana.

• Departmental Future: Education experts are actively debating the potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, a move signaled by the current administration to return more control to individual states.

2. The "Epstein Files" Shake Higher Ed

Major universities are reeling today from the latest release of the Epstein files, which revealed deeper-than-expected ties between disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and several academic leaders.

• Leadership Crisis: At Bard College, students are calling for the resignation of President Leon Botstein following revelations of a long-term relationship with Epstein.

• Disciplinary Actions: Columbia University and Ohio State have already sidelined professors or administrators named in the documents, while a trustee at Union College resigned this morning.

3. National Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Roosevelt Nivens, superintendent of Lamar Consolidated ISD in Texas, was officially honored today as the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year. He is the first Texan in 25 years to receive the award, recognized for managing one of the fastest-growing districts in the country and passing a historic $1.5 billion bond.

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🌍 Top World Education News

February 23, 2026

1. England’s "SEND" Reform Launch

UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced sweeping changes to the support system for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

• The Shift: The plan moves away from "legal battles" for individual plans (EHCPs) and toward embedding therapy and support directly into mainstream classrooms.

• The Goal: To fix a "broken" system currently burdened by a £6 billion funding gap.

2. "Choose France" Program Success

France’s Ministry of Higher Education revealed the first 46 laureates of the “Choose France for Science” initiative.

• The "Brain Gain": Interestingly, 41 of the 46 world-class researchers selected are moving to France from the United States, signaling a shift in where international scientists feel most supported in fields like AI and climate science.

3. Global AI Educator Awards

The 2026 SAS Educator Awards were held today, honoring university faculty across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) for successfully integrating AI and data analytics into traditional curricula. Winners include professors from the University of Rome "Tor Vergata" and the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.

4. APAIE 2026 Conference

The Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) conference kicked off today in Hong Kong. Discussions are centered on the "post-application" era of admissions and how Pacific-rim universities can better collaborate on research in an increasingly polarized political climate.