JANUARY 27, 2026
- Ongoing recovery from major winter storm — Thousands of flights remain delayed or canceled following a severe snowstorm that hit the Northeast and other regions, with over 11,000 cancellations earlier in the week; airports in the Northeast were hardest hit, and some school districts (e.g., in Maryland, North Carolina, and Houston areas) stayed closed or shifted to remote learning due to ice, snow, and cleanup efforts.
- Immigrant communities in fear — In places like Minnesota, many immigrants are reportedly afraid to leave their homes amid heightened immigration enforcement and related incidents, leading to surges in volunteer aid for groceries, rides, and rent support.
- Fatal shooting involving federal agent in Minneapolis — Tensions escalate after a U.S. Border Patrol officer fatally shot a local resident (Alex Pretti), described by officials as self-defense but sparking protests and scrutiny as the second such incident in the city in under a month.
- Potential government shutdown looming — Congress faces pressure to pass appropriations bills by January 30 deadline, complicated by weather disruptions and political gridlock.
- Government funding deadline approaches — Lawmakers scramble to avoid a shutdown, with Senate votes delayed by the storm and ongoing debates over spending amid broader Trump administration policies.
- Immigration enforcement backlash — Criticism mounts over federal actions, including the Minneapolis shooting and broader crackdowns, with some Democratic leaders accusing the administration of deflecting from policy failures.
- Congressional retirements and shifts — Longtime D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton announces she's ending her reelection campaign after 18 terms.
- India's Republic Day celebrations — India marked its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade highlighting 150 years of "Vande Mataram," attended by European leaders; India-EU summit focused on security/defense pacts and navigating geopolitical tensions.
- U.S. military moves in Middle East — Deployment of an aircraft carrier amid rising tensions with Iran, with warnings from Iran's IRGC about responses to perceived threats.
- Bank strike in India — Nationwide strike by bank unions disrupts services at most public sector banks on January 27.
- Other global notes — Ongoing concerns in regions like Myanmar (genocide case hearings) and broader Middle East monitoring.
- School closures due to weather — Numerous districts across the U.S. (e.g., Baltimore, Montgomery County, Harford County, and parts of Houston) closed or went virtual on January 27 due to the winter storm's aftermath.
- Padma Awards recognition — In India, former UGC chief and IIT Madras director among education figures honored in the 2026 Padma Awards announced around Republic Day.
- U.S. Dept. of Education honor — Secretary Linda McMahon names a Louisiana school custodian as the 2026 National RISE Award honoree for inspiring school employees.
- Global growth forecasts — UN, World Bank, and IMF reports project modest global growth around 2.6-3.3% for 2026, with resilience amid trade tensions but slower than pre-pandemic levels; U.S. growth expected near 2%.
- Rupee fluctuation in India — Indian rupee recovers slightly to 91.80 against the USD in early trade.
- Corporate outlook — Indian corporates expected to see improved financial performance and stable credit metrics in FY27.
- AI and gadget trends post-CES 2026 — Ongoing buzz from CES highlights new Intel chips in laptops (e.g., Dell XPS redesigns), AI integration in daily apps, and debates on AI's economic impact.
- Meta's AI restrictions — Meta halts teens' access to AI characters globally amid safety concerns.
- Broader tech discussions — AI spending potentially reshaping economies, with focus on jobs and policy at events like Davos.
- Measles record in U.S. — The U.S. sees a record-breaking year for measles cases, raising alarms about potentially losing measles-free status soon if trends continue.
- GLP-1 medications surge — Increased use of GLP-1 drugs (e.g., for weight/diabetes) tops expert polls as a major 2026 health trend.
- ACA subsidies expiration impact — Millions of Americans face higher healthcare costs or loss of coverage as pandemic-era subsidies expire, pushing some into uninsured status.
- Food as medicine shift — Growing emphasis on whole foods over supplements for chronic conditions.
- NFL: Seahawks advance to Super Bowl — Seattle Seahawks defeat Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in NFC title game; Matthew Stafford comments on future after loss.
- College basketball action — Various games, including Gonzaga edging San Francisco, Kansas beating Kansas State, and upcoming matchups like East Texas A&M vs. Lamar.
- Prep for major events — Anticipation builds for 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina and other global competitions.
ICE Ignores Constitution https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/26/federal-judge-says-ice-may-not-violate-4th-amendment/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Ohio’s charter schools have a long history of underperformance and scandals, particularly in online education.
- Nearly half of all failing grades in Ohio since 2005 have been attributed to charter schools, despite their smaller scale compared to public schools.
- Charter schools receive significant taxpayer funding ($1.56 billion annually), surpassing funding for major urban school districts, yet perform worse academically.
- Charter school advocates argue for selective performance comparisons, avoiding direct comparison with public school districts overall.
- Dyer criticizes the unfair financial and academic dynamics, emphasizing that charter schools are no longer experimental but part of the status quo.
Bill Clinton Issues a Statement About the Present Crisis https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/26/bill-clinton-issues-a-statement-about-the-present-crisis/ via @dianeravitch
- Former President Bill Clinton released a statement condemning the actions of armed ICE agents targeting undocumented immigrants, calling for other leaders to speak up.
- Diane Ravitch's blog highlights the need for democracy and accountability, particularly in the context of recent events and political actions.
- The blog discusses topics such as corruption, extremism, education reform, and the impact of ICE's actions, including the murder of Alex Pretti.
- Recent posts and topics on the blog include statements from public figures, the history of charter schools, and critiques of Trump administration policies.
Obamas Issue Statement About Murder of Alex Pretti https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/26/obamas-issue-statement-about-murder-of-alex-pretti/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Federal Judge Jeffrey Bryan ruled that ICE violated the Fourth Amendment by entering a home without a judicial warrant.
- ICE had been using "administrative warrants," signed by its own employees, instead of judge-signed warrants, to forcibly enter homes.
- Whistleblower Aid revealed that ICE leadership instructed agents to use administrative warrants for home arrests, which led to unconstitutional actions.
- A Liberian national, Garrison Gibson, was forcibly detained in his home by ICE agents, who used a battering ram and pepper spray without presenting a valid judicial warrant.
- Despite a court order for Gibson's release, ICE re-arrested him during a routine immigration check-in, emphasizing its civil detention authority.
Under the Tree #146 | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2026/01/26/under-the-tree-146/
- A proposed preamble for a new Constitution for Public Education by Jay Gillen envisions that all middle-schoolers will expect to have a good-paying job in high school, contributing to their communities and advancing their education.
- Jay Gillen suggests paying teenagers to engage in community-beneficial activities, fostering education, culture, and personal growth, which he believes is both practical and achievable.
- Jay Gillen, author of *Educating for Insurgency* and *The Power in the Room*, and Jamarria Hall, a student advocate and lead plaintiff in the landmark Gary B. v. Whitmer case, discuss the need for systemic changes in public education.
- The Gary B. v. Whitmer case highlighted the inadequacies in Detroit public schools’ ability to provide access to literacy, resulting in a $94.4 million settlement in 2023.
- Additional resources and literature by Jay Gillen and others are available, discussing radical education reforms, peer-to-peer economic power, and the constitutional right to quality education.
Teacher Tom: Play-Based Learning Cannot Be Measured . . . And That's a Good Thing https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/play-based-learning-cannot-be-measured.html
### Key Points
- Play-based learning allows children to learn naturally and unconsciously through exploration and interaction with their environment, which is often more impactful than formal teaching.
- Critics of play-based learning struggle with its lack of measurable evidence, as they prioritize conscious, testable knowledge over experiential learning.
- Much of human learning occurs unconsciously, as supported by research, making traditional education systems appear limited in fostering deeper understanding.
- Engaging children in conversations about their experiences rather than directly asking about their learning can provide better insights into their development.
- The author offers a course to help educators and parents create environments that encourage play-based learning, emphasizing the importance of the "third teacher."
Absolute MUST WATCH from David Jolly https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/1/26/2365542/-Absolute-MUST-WATCH-from-David-Jolly?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source=teacherken
- David Jolly, a former Republican Congressman from Florida, is running for Governor of Florida as a Democrat against a Trump supporter. His speech is highlighted as a rare moment of moral clarity and inspiration in politics.
- Discussions criticize Republican efforts to suppress voting rights under the guise of immigration issues and warn against trusting Republicans due to their past actions.
- Substack is mentioned as a platform for cultural content and writing.
glen brown: "Our president has the emotional maturity of a ten-year-old, and our country’s reputation is paying the price" - Thom Hartmann https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/our-president-has-emotional-maturity-of.html
### Key Points
- The author emphasizes the role of a writer in resisting oppression and maintaining independence from doctrines and politics, quoting Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- Commentary on social justice, pensions, healthcare, education reform, and political events, including the January 6th Capitol attack and global conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian war and the Ukraine crisis.
- Criticism of Donald Trump’s presidency, including his policies on taxes, immigration, foreign relations, and alleged disregard for constitutional principles.
- Coverage of ongoing issues like climate change, economic inequality, systemic racism, and labor rights, with a focus on activism and resistance.
- Reflections on cultural elements such as poetry, literature, music, and personal anecdotes, providing a broader context to the political and social commentary.
Crisis Exposes Cowards in Charge – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/01/26/crisis-exposes-cowards-in-charge/
### Key Points
- Leadership during crises reveals true character, with problematic leaders prioritizing self-preservation over truth, control over accountability, and power over people.
- Problematic leaders often blame victims, redirect responsibility, and frame individuals raising concerns as the problem.
- Lack of transparency is a deliberate strategy used by leaders to manage narratives, delay accountability, and reduce public pressure.
- Leaders may resort to partial truths, misleading statements, and character assassination to discredit critics and whistleblowers.
- Premature and incomplete information is often used to shape public perception, making it difficult to reverse initial impressions.
- Ethical leadership focuses on truth, transparency, and prioritizing people over power, understanding that transparency is essential for legitimacy.
- Crises themselves do not destroy institutions; the decisions made by leaders during crises determine the outcome.
- The article is authored by Julian Vasquez Heilig, a professor and expert in leadership, policy, and institutional accountability.
The Smart Phone Will Be ICE’s Undoing. | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2026/01/26/the-smart-phone-will-be-ices-undoing/
### Key Points
- The blog covers a wide range of topics, including education, public policies, and societal issues.
- Smartphones are described as both a societal nuisance and a powerful tool for exposing injustices, particularly against ICE agents.
- The article discusses how video recordings and technological advancements can hold individuals accountable for their actions, despite attempts to conceal their identities.
- Broader themes include public education, government overreach, social justice, and the misuse of power.
65: "So now we are getting drunk/ What was sinking now is sunk" "And when you wake up on your eleventh birthday you expect to feel eleven, but you don’t." Eleven, Sandra Cisneros PAUL THOMAS https://substack.com/home/post/p-185756795?source=queue
### Key Points
- Paul Thomas shares his experience of turning 65 during a winter storm in the Carolinas, reflecting on his canceled plans to visit Asheville, NC, and his sentimental connection to the area.
- He discusses Sandra Cisneros's story "Eleven," drawing parallels between aging and the accumulation of years, and reflects on physical and emotional changes as he grows older.
- Thomas connects aging with literary works like Maggie Smith’s “Good Bones” and Yeats’ poetry, contemplating the state of the world, resilience, and the importance of rejecting fatalism.
- He finds joy and meaning in creative works, such as TV series, music, and poetry, and expresses hope for the future through younger generations and new art forms.
- The article concludes with a call for supporting public work and introduces Paul Thomas as a professor, poetry editor, and award-winning writer.
The Contribution of College Majors to Gender and Racial Earnings Differences Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Gender and racial/ethnic disparities in earnings among college graduates are influenced by differences in major choices and returns. Women and minorities are less likely to choose high-earning fields and experience lower returns from such majors.
- Early interventions help nonspeaking autistic children develop language skills, with about two-thirds acquiring single words and half achieving more complex language. Duration of intervention is more important than intensity, and individualized approaches are necessary.
- ADHD impacts students' ability to focus and self-regulate, making autonomous learning both challenging and motivating. Listening to children’s experiences can provide insights into their needs for inclusion and support in schools.
- The third edition of "Treating and Preventing Adolescent Mental Health Disorders" provides updated insights on adolescent mental health, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, strategies for stigma reduction, and a call for a national youth development policy in the U.S.
- A nationwide study on Montessori education shows it enhances academic and developmental outcomes at a lower cost compared to conventional preschool programs, with benefits emerging by the end of kindergarten.
- Research reveals that recycled tire rubber used in playgrounds and sports fields releases toxic chemicals, posing risks to human health and the environment, especially with smaller particles. Regulation and safer alternatives are recommended.
- A national poll shows evolving parental attitudes toward children swearing, with many citing peers and media as primary sources. Parents employ varied strategies to address and limit swearing based on context and personal values.
Weekend Quotables NRA suddenly forgets the 2nd Amendment. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-9ab
### Key Points
- Federal immigration agents fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, leading to public outrage and political debate.
- Governor Walz activated the National Guard but clarified its role in stabilizing the city, not opposing ICE.
- Prominent figures, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Keith Olbermann, called for resistance against ICE's actions.
- The NRA faced criticism for staying silent on the shooting, despite their advocacy for gun rights.
- Pretti’s family refuted claims made by the Trump administration, asserting he was unarmed and helping others.
- Calls for accountability and the removal of ICE and CBP from cities have grown louder.
- Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara distanced his department from ICE, citing a history of non-violence.
- Public figures and media highlight the need for independent investigations and resistance against federal overreach.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Talking to Kids about ICE Fears https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/01/talking-to-kids-about-ice-fears.html?spref=tw
Curmudgucation: Are Education Savings Accounts Actually Vouchers? https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/are-education
### Key Points
- Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are described as a type of voucher that allows flexibility in spending taxpayer education dollars on private schools or other education-related expenses.
- The distinction between ESAs and traditional vouchers is minimal and primarily involves the range of permissible expenditures.
- The article argues that efforts to rebrand ESAs as something distinct from vouchers are misleading, as both divert taxpayer money away from public schools.
- The public has largely recognized the similarities between ESAs and vouchers, despite attempts by school choice advocates to differentiate them.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, January 26, 2026, President Trump’s second term is facing a major domestic crisis centered in Minnesota, alongside significant developments in foreign policy regarding Venezuela and the Arctic.
The Crisis in Minneapolis
The dominant story today is the fallout from the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis this past Saturday.
Government Shutdown Looms: Senate Democrats have vowed to block a major FY2026 funding package unless money for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE is stripped out.
With a Friday deadline approaching, a partial government shutdown is now a distinct possibility. Legal Battles: A federal judge is hearing arguments today on whether to temporarily halt the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
Meanwhile, state officials and the ACLU are seeking emergency orders to prevent the destruction of evidence related to the shootings. Trump's Response: President Trump told reporters that while the "surge" in Minnesota will end "at some point," he maintains that agents have done a "phenomenal job."
He also announced he is sending Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee the situation.
Foreign Policy & "The Discombobulator"
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump revealed new details regarding the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Secret Weaponry: Trump claimed the U.S. used a secret weapon called "The Discombobulator" to disable Venezuelan equipment and "turn off the lights" in Caracas during the raid.
Cartel Threats: He renewed threats to conduct military strikes against drug cartels on land, including potential operations in Mexico.
Arctic Tensions: Leaders in Greenland and Denmark have issued a "hard line" response to Trump’s recent comments at Davos regarding a new security framework for the Arctic, stating Greenland's status is "not negotiable."
Domestic Policy & Investigations
Ilhan Omar Investigation: Trump suggested on social media today that the DOJ is investigating the wealth of Representative Ilhan Omar, linking her to alleged welfare fraud in Minnesota.
Supreme Court Tariff Fight: Over 200 members of Congress filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court today supporting a coalition of states (led by Oregon) challenging Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose global tariffs.
Clemency Scrutiny: New reports are highlighting a recent wave of pardons and commutations issued by the President, specifically focusing on individuals convicted of white-collar fraud.
