JANUARY 24, 2026
U.S. News
- A massive winter storm is impacting over 160-180 million Americans, bringing heavy snow, ice, freezing rain, and dangerous conditions from New Mexico to Maine and the Northeast (including potential record-breaking snow in places like New York City). Travel disruptions, power outages, and safety alerts are widespread.
- Ongoing U.S. immigration enforcement actions, including reports of ICE operations in Minnesota targeting individuals based on race or appearance.
- Broader weather-related preparations and impacts dominating domestic headlines, with cities bracing for what could be one of the biggest snow events in years.
- Escalating U.S.-Iran tensions: President Trump announced a large naval "armada" heading toward Iran, intensifying pressure on the regime amid threats of military action.
- Vice President Vance highlighted the administration's anti-abortion record during events tied to the March for Life.
- Elon Musk is ramping up political involvement and funding efforts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
- Discussions around potential Federal Reserve pressures or subpoenas under the current administration.
- Trump backed off earlier threats regarding Greenland acquisition, focusing instead on non-forceful approaches during recent international remarks.
- Heightened U.S.-Iran standoff continues to dominate global tensions, with naval movements and regime threats.
- Lessons from the recent Greenland sovereignty crisis, prompting Europe to reflect on alliances, EU/NATO roles, and responses to U.S. foreign policy shifts.
- Power vacuum and instability in Yemen reported amid regional developments.
- Broader international reactions to U.S. foreign policy moves, including tariffs threats on European allies and comments on Ukraine/Russia negotiations.
- International Day of Education (UNESCO observance on January 24), celebrated globally with the theme emphasizing "The power of youth in co-creating education." It highlights education's role in peace, development, and empowering young people, with calls for accessible higher education worldwide.
- IMF upgraded its global growth forecast to 3.3% for the year, citing notable economic resilience despite various challenges.
- U.S. third-quarter GDP growth revised upward to a 4.4% annualized rate—the fastest since mid-2023.
- Concerns over potential Trump administration influence on the Federal Reserve, including risks of overly low interest rates leading to inflation or economic instability.
- Recent CES 2026 highlights continue to resonate, including Intel's launch of new Core Ultra Series 3 processors and advancements in humanoid robotics from companies like Nvidia.
- Discussions at Davos 2026 on tourism as emerging global infrastructure, blending tech and economic trends.
- Ongoing gadget and consumer tech releases, such as new open-ear earbuds from Anker Soundcore.
- A U.S. vaccine advisory panel chair questioned broad recommendations for polio and other childhood vaccines, sparking debate on policy.
- NIH proposal to shift embryonic stem cell research focus toward alternatives that prioritize patient outcomes and reduce reliance on such cells.
- Study on "super agers" (people over 80 staying mentally sharp) linking longevity to distinct genetic advantages.
- Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza declared for the NFL Draft, with speculation he could be a top overall pick.
- College women's basketball action, including a full slate of West Coast Conference games featuring teams like LMU.
- Various local and international matches, such as soccer friendlies (e.g., FK Pelister vs. FK Zeljeznicar) and college games wrapping up sweeps.
At Davos: President of Finland Says Putin Is Losing in Ukraine https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/23/at-davos-president-of-finland-says-putin-is-losing-in-ukraine/ via @dianeravitch
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated at Davos that Russia is losing the war in Ukraine, with heavy casualties and a deteriorating economy. He believes Ukraine will likely join the EU and possibly NATO.
- The blog includes commentary on the implications of Russia's actions and speculations about the motivations of other leaders, such as Trump, in relation to the conflict.
- Other recent blog topics include critiques of Trump’s policies, ICE raids, and other political and educational issues.
Federal Judge Questions Trump's Demolition of East Wing and Construction of Ballroom https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/23/federal-judge-questions-trumps-demolition-of-east-wing-and-cobstruction-of-ballroom/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Federal Judge Richard Leon questioned the legality of Trump’s demolition of the East Wing and ballroom construction, citing lack of congressional authorization.
- Trump bypassed statutory approval processes by replacing independent commission members with loyalists.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit to stop the project, arguing it exceeds the scope of federal law.
- Judge Leon emphasized that the project’s scale is far beyond typical White House maintenance projects, such as a swimming pool or tennis pavilion.
- The proposed ballroom would be almost twice the size of the current White House structure, raising significant concerns.
Peter Greene: Will Mississippi Ditch Its "Miracle" by Endorsing Vouchers? https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/23/peter-greene-will-mississippi-ditch-its-miracle-by-endorsing-vouchers/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Mississippi legislators are debating school vouchers despite recent public school improvements.
- The Senate supports limited public school choice but opposes vouchers for private schools.
- The House proposes the Mississippi Education Freedom Act, introducing education savings accounts for private school tuition.
- Critics argue that diverting resources from public schools undermines their progress.
glen brown: The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government... https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-fourth-amendment-protects.html
### Key Points
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discusses the rupture in the global order and the end of the rules-based international system.
- Middle powers like Canada are urged to build a new order based on values such as sovereignty, solidarity, and human rights.
- Václav Havel's concept of "living within a lie" is used to illustrate the fragility of systems sustained by compliance, urging countries to act with honesty and integrity.
- The speech critiques the asymmetries and hypocrisies of the old international order and calls for strategic autonomy in energy, finance, and supply chains.
- Canada is adopting "values-based realism," balancing principles with pragmatic engagement to address global challenges.
- The government is prioritizing domestic strength through investments in energy, AI, defense, and trade partnerships to enhance resilience and sovereignty.
- Canada is actively forming alliances and coalitions to tackle issues like Arctic sovereignty, plurilateral trade, and critical minerals.
- Middle powers are encouraged to unite and create a "third path" to counterbalance great power dominance and economic coercion.
- Canada embraces its role as a pluralistic, reliable partner, aiming to lead by example in building a cooperative and just global order.
Overturning the Tables of Graft in a St. Paul Church – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/01/23/overturning-the-tables-of-graft-in-a-st-paul-church/
### Key Points
- The Gospel story of Jesus overturning tables in the temple serves as a metaphor for challenging institutional corruption and unethical practices.
- Jesus’ actions were driven by moral clarity and not by violence, aiming to expose hypocrisy, injustice, and misuse of sacred spaces.
- Disruption, while uncomfortable, can lead to restoration, healing, and inclusion, as seen in the aftermath of Jesus’ actions.
- Ethical reform is both subtractive (removing corruption) and generative (creating space for justice and healing).
- The story emphasizes the distinction between ethical disruption and coercion, advocating for accountability without authoritarianism.
- It draws parallels to contemporary issues, such as the recent St. Paul church incident, questioning the legitimacy of institutions entangled with power and injustice.
- The article concludes that ethical protest and disruption are essential for maintaining justice and democracy, as they challenge systems to uphold their moral and ethical responsibilities.
Teacher Tom: Exploring the World is How We Explore Our Minds https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/exploring-world-is-how-we-explore-our.html
### Key Points
- A two-year-old named Paula explores her new preschool environment, starting with a connection to a stuffed bear.
- Paula gradually transitions from relying on her mother to interacting with her teacher, peers, and the environment, showcasing the natural process of learning and connection.
- Exploration is described as a fundamental way humans connect their knowledge with new experiences, often in the context of a supportive community.
- Teacher Tom highlights the value of extended families and communities in supporting children’s growth, referencing Kurt Vonnegut’s perspective on the importance of connection.
- The article concludes with a promotion for an upcoming workshop on play-based education and a call to support Teacher Tom's efforts.
### Key Points
- Congressional hearings have devolved into partisan sniping sessions focused on social media attention rather than legislative action.
- A recent House hearing with Jack Smith demonstrated this trend, with Republicans attempting to trap him and Democrats allowing him to provide substantial responses.
- The author laments the loss of bipartisan cooperation in Congress and warns of dire consequences for the nation if the focus remains on political showmanship.
Has "Science of" Education Reform in the UK "Achieved Competitive Advantage Over" the US? "Science of" Education Reform Experts on Social Media® Don't Lack Certainty, But Do Lack Credibility PAUL THOMAS https://substack.com/home/post/p-185537367
- The article critiques "Science of" education reform experts on social media for making bold claims without sufficient evidence, highlighting the lack of credibility and over-reliance on terms like "knowledge-rich" and "cognitive psychology."
- It questions the claim that the UK has gained a "competitive advantage" over the US in education reform, citing a lack of evidence and ongoing educational crises in the UK despite the implementation of systematic phonics instruction since 2006.
- Research indicates that the UK's focus on phonics has not improved overall reading comprehension or student achievement, and a more balanced approach to reading instruction has been recommended by researchers.
- The author references studies that challenge the effectiveness of phonics-centered education and criticizes policies such as cellphone bans, which are not supported by scientific research.
Meeting the Moment: Protecting Kids, Making Sense of Chaotic Times What schools can do when the government makes students and families feel unsafe ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/meeting-the-moment-protecting-kids
### Key Points
- The article discusses the impact of aggressive ICE raids in Minnesota and other U.S. cities, causing fear and instability among students and families.
- Educators, particularly school librarians, play a crucial role in providing safety, emotional support, and stability for students during uncertain times.
- Librarians are positioned as essential figures who can act as safety nets, truth-checkers, and emotional anchors for students affected by these events.
- The importance of creating safe, supportive spaces in schools, where students feel dignified and secure, is emphasized.
NYC Public School Parents: Craig Garrett on the need for human-centered schools rather than learning based upon AI. https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2026/01/craig-garrett-on-need-for-human.html
### Key Points
- Craig Garrett advocates for human-centered education instead of AI-based learning, citing harmful effects on students and misplaced funding priorities.
- Criticism of NYC school leadership for prioritizing costly AI contracts over addressing basic infrastructure issues in schools.
- Concerns about AI's real-world impact, including negative effects on students and ethical issues with tech companies prioritizing engagement over safety.
- Call for a two-year moratorium on AI use in NYC public schools, with petitions and forums to raise awareness and gather support.
- Resources for parents on privacy protection, class size petitions, and involvement in educational policy discussions.
Dear Ohio Anti-Property Tax Campaign, the State of Ohio should NOT pay for education alone The Ohio Supreme Court called for a reduction in schools' overreliance on property tax, not those taxes' elimination. STEPHEN DYER https://10thperiod.substack.com/p/dear-ohio-anti-property-tax-campaign
### Key Points
- The Ohio Supreme Court called for a reduction in reliance on property taxes for school funding, not their elimination.
- The state's failure to fully fund its school funding system has led to local communities relying heavily on property taxes.
- Eliminating property taxes without a replacement plan would result in severe consequences for school districts, including closures, staff reductions, and loss of essential services.
- Charter schools and private school subsidies are criticized for inefficiency and poor academic outcomes compared to public schools.
- Ohio school districts raise significant revenue through property taxes, which cannot be replaced easily.
- Suggested alternatives include reducing property taxes proportionally to state aid increases, implementing a statewide property tax for basic education needs, or reforming HB 920 to reduce levy frequency and size.
- Eliminating property taxes would negatively impact other public services such as libraries, mental health services, and infrastructure.
The Timing Tells You Everything https://norinrad10.com/2026/01/23/the-timing-tells-you-everything/ via @norinrad10
The article critiques Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) for hosting Colin Kaepernick on the anniversary of a tragic school shooting, questioning the timing and priorities of the district. It examines Kaepernick's visit, which was tied to promoting his storytelling platform Lumi, and contrasts the district's treatment of Kaepernick with their handling of the Antioch High School shooting anniversary. The article also highlights discrepancies in MNPS's decision-making processes, including the unclear criteria for vendor selection and the perceived lack of institutional accountability for past incidents.
### Key Points
- MNPS hosted Colin Kaepernick on the anniversary of the Antioch High School shooting, raising questions about the district’s priorities.
- Kaepernick’s visit was linked to promoting Lumi, a digital storytelling platform, rather than addressing gun violence or school safety.
- Concerns were raised about MNPS’s decision to adopt Lumi without sufficient evaluation of its educational value or necessity.
- The district’s lack of public acknowledgment of the Antioch tragedy contrasts with its promotion of the Kaepernick event.
- The article contrasts Kaepernick’s reception with that of Kevin Dyson, another former NFL player with extensive educational experience, highlighting a disparity in how MNPS engages with individuals.
- The piece critiques MNPS’s decision-making, including its handling of vendor contracts and leadership appointments, pointing out inconsistencies and lack of transparency.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, January 23, 2026, news surrounding President Donald Trump is dominated by his activities at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and a flurry of executive actions marking the start of his second year in office.
The following are the top stories involving the President today:
1. The Launch of the "Board of Peace"
In a high-profile ceremony in Davos, President Trump officially inaugurated his Board of Peace, an initiative he claims will eventually "supplant" or work alongside the United Nations to resolve global conflicts.
Gaza Vision: Jared Kushner presented a "New Gaza" development plan involving glitzy resorts and data centers, contingent on Hamas demilitarizing.
Rafah Reopening: Palestinian officials at the event announced that the Rafah crossing to Egypt will reopen next week for the first time since May 2024.
Global Membership: Trump claimed 59 countries have signed on, though only 19 leaders were physically present for the signing.
2. Arctic Security & The "Greenland Deal"
The President announced a framework deal with NATO and Denmark that grants the U.S. "total access" to Greenland for military and security purposes.
Tariffs Withdrawn: In exchange for this access, Trump has reportedly canceled threatened tariffs on eight European countries.
Golden Dome: The agreement integrates Greenland into the "Golden Dome" missile defense system to counter Arctic threats from Russia and China.
3. Diplomatic Friction in Davos
The President’s visit was not without controversy, as he sparred with several world leaders:
Carney Spat: Trump withdrew an invitation for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to join the Board of Peace after the two traded barbs in their respective speeches.
Zelenskyy Meeting: After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump stated "the war has to end," but Zelenskyy cautioned that territorial issues remain unresolved.
4. Executive Power & Domestic Policy
Back in Washington, the administration continues to push a "muscular" executive agenda:
DEI Ban: An executive order issued today formally moves to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies and schools.
Jack Smith Testimony: Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee yesterday, defending his previous investigations into Trump. The President responded today by calling for Smith’s prosecution.
JPMorgan Lawsuit: Trump has filed a $5 billion lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon, alleging "debanking" after his accounts were closed years prior.
5. First Lady's Agenda
The White House announced that First Lady Melania Trump will ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on January 28 to mark a year of her "Fostering the Future" initiative and her work on the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act regarding online deepfakes.
