TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
FEBRUARY 7, 2026
- Trump administration actions on immigration and federal workforce — Reports highlight easier processes for firing federal workers (via Schedule F changes), ongoing immigration enforcement debates (including raids and agent deployments), and potential DHS funding issues.
- U.S.-Iran tensions and military posture — Amid nuclear talks, the U.S. continues military build-up in the Middle East, including incidents like shooting down drones near carriers.
- Border and enforcement developments — ICE drawdowns in areas like Minneapolis and lawsuits over immigration activities near schools.
- Other domestic notes — Trump showcases first-year successes in interviews, with focus on America First agenda progress.
- U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman — Indirect discussions conclude with plans for follow-up rounds; Trump emphasizes demands on Iran's nuclear program, proxies, and protests to avoid conflict.
- Trump executive order on Iran threats — New order addresses threats from Iran's government, potentially imposing tariffs on countries doing business with Iran.
- India-U.S. interim trade deal framework — White House releases joint statement on tariff reductions and negotiations toward a broader bilateral deal.
- Domestic political moves — Easier firing of federal workers under Trump, and ongoing DHS funding battles between parties.
- U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations — Talks in Oman focus on frameworks; Iran rejects halting enrichment but shows some flexibility; Trump warns of military action if no deal.
- Russia-Ukraine war updates (day 1444) — Fierce frontline fighting continues despite winter, with the front line stretching ~1,200 km.
- Pakistan mosque suicide bombing — At least 31 killed and 169 injured in attack on Shia religious center in Islamabad; India rejects Pakistan's baseless allegations of involvement.
- Gaza 'Board of Peace' meeting planned — White House sets February 19 leaders' meeting for Trump's initiative on Gaza.
- India-U.S. trade progress — Lifting of 25% tariff on India over Russian oil imports as part of interim deal implementation.
- Private school choice expansion — Enrollment and spending surging in programs nationwide, with Texas' large new program opening applications.
- Immigration enforcement near schools — Educators sue over ICE activities on or near school grounds; coalitions seek blocks in states like Minnesota.
- State higher ed funding trends — Slight increase in FY 2026, but growth slowing.
- Federal actions — Department of Education issues guidance on prayer/religious expression in public schools and proposed rules for affordable higher ed and loan repayment.
- Dollar concerns — The Economist highlights "the dangerous dollar," with analysis on why it may fall further and treacherous implications.
- Big Tech AI capital spending surge — Companies like Amazon ($200B planned), Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft expected to spend over $630-650B combined on AI infrastructure in 2026.
- India-U.S. trade deal benefits — Framework opens massive market access for Indian exporters (e.g., MSMEs, agriculture); seen as creating jobs and boosting exports.
- Inflation and central bank moves — Euro zone inflation falls; Bank of England holds rates steady with some calls for cuts.
- Big Tech's massive AI investments — Projections of $650B+ in 2026 spending spark chip rallies (e.g., Nvidia shares up); focus on cloud growth (Azure +39%, AWS +24%) and AI splurge.
- AI in corporate impact — Software stocks volatile as AI disrupts business models; scrutiny on returns from heavy outlays.
- Tech sector quarterly insights — Charts show surging capex on AI, with Amazon leading aggressive push.
- Prenatal alcohol exposure research — New monkey studies suggest brain-alcohol links form before drinking begins.
- Superbug-fighting sugar discovery — Australian scientists identify bacterial sugar target for defeating drug-resistant bacteria.
- Ongoing concerns — Potential threats to U.S. measles-free status from outbreaks; digital health trends like extended telemedicine flexibilities through 2026; workforce "reinvention" in hospitals.
- NBA matchup — Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors game scheduled (8:30 p.m. ET), with key players like LeBron James in focus.
- NFL Super Bowl LX prep — Updates on Patriots QB Drake Maye and Seahawks S Nick Emmanwori cleared to play; final practices held.
- Other notes — Mark McGwire returns to Athletics in player development; various international friendlies and recaps (e.g., Warriors' recent clutch win).
### Key Points
- Former President Donald Trump proposed releasing billions in federal funding for a New York-New Jersey tunnel project if Senator Chuck Schumer agreed to rename Penn Station and Dulles Airport after him.
- Schumer declined the proposal, which highlights Trump’s apparent desire for self-aggrandizement and immortality through naming landmarks after himself.
- The blog critiques Trump’s behavior as egotistical and comments on his history of self-promotion.
Do they trust you? JD ORGANIZING IN RETIREMENT https://jd2718.substack.com/p/do-they-trust-you
### Key Points
- The author shares their active participation in RTC meetings since retiring in January 2023 and their election as Assistant Secretary of the Chapter.
- A resolution supporting the New York Civil Rights Act to penalize ICE agents for violating civil rights and addressing the use of masks by agents was debated and voted on.
- The author reflects on their personal commitment to supporting immigrants and opposing ICE's practices, viewing the resolution as a strong starting point for change.
- A retiree proposed an amendment to remove the paragraph about masks, believing it conflicted with abolishing ICE, but this was seen as a mistake.
- The amendment was seconded by an RTC executive board member, leading to a vote that amended the resolution.
- Ultimately, the RTC supported the New York Civil Rights Act but missed the opportunity to advocate for removing ICE's masks.
Schools Matter: Paul Thomas Calls Out Chain Gang Teaching Expert, Doug Lemov http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/02/paul-thomas-calls-out-chain-gang.html
- The article critiques the certainty and lack of credibility among "Science of" education reform advocates on social media, highlighting their exaggerated claims with little evidence.
- There is a shift in rhetoric among these advocates from "science of" terminology to terms like "knowledge-rich" and "cognitive psychology."
- England's education reforms, particularly in reading, have been implemented since 2006, focusing on systematic phonics instruction and phonics checks. However, these reforms have not significantly improved comprehension or overall student achievement.
- Research in England shows a correlation between phonics check performance and students' birth month, with older students performing better.
- Critics argue for a more balanced approach to reading instruction in England, as the current system has not yielded the desired outcomes.
- Studies and experts challenge the notion that England has achieved a "competitive advantage" over the US in education, with evidence showing a drop in phonics results among disadvantaged pupils.
- The article also critiques the lack of scientific backing for policies like cellphone bans in schools.
Schools Matter: HIE (Homogeneity, Inequality, Exclusion) Now Official Policy in D.C. http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/02/hie-homogeneity-inequality-exclusion.html
### Key Points
- Black farmers have lost significant land ownership since 1910, now owning less than 4.7 million acres compared to 16 million previously.
- John Boyd Jr. criticized the federal government for deprioritizing DEI and Black farmer issues, favoring corporate and white farmers instead.
- Boyd revealed he was excluded from a White House farm meeting, indicating systemic exclusion of Black farmers from policy discussions.
- Federal relief funds claimed by the Trump administration did not adequately reach all farmers, further exacerbating challenges for Black farmers.
Rent-a-Human, When AI Becomes (Almost) Everyone’s Boss – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/02/06/rent-a-human-when-ai-becomes-almost-everyones-boss/
This article explores the growing influence of AI in labor management, highlighting how AI systems are quietly taking over as "invisible bosses" in the gig economy. It illustrates the structural shift where AI assigns tasks, evaluates workers, and personalizes payouts based on desperation and compliance, fundamentally changing the nature of work, power, and consent.
### Key Points
- AI systems are evolving from assisting labor to managing and assigning tasks autonomously, creating an "AI ultra gig economy."
- Ratings have become critical in the gig economy, determining workers’ access to opportunities and income, reinforcing cycles of compliance and desperation.
- AI uses data patterns to personalize offers, leveraging workers’ desperation to adjust payouts and eliminate negotiation.
- The gig economy logic extends to political participation, where AI can hire individuals for tasks like protests, amplifying causes without ideological commitment.
- AI management fragments labor, weakening collective action, and strengthening the power of capital owners who control platforms.
- The shift is not about replacing all workers but managing access to work, leaving humans to perform tasks AI cannot handle, while quietly reshaping global power dynamics.
### Key Points
- The article condemns Donald Trump for sharing a racist meme depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as primates, calling it a clear example of his deep-rooted racism.
- The author argues that such actions from a president normalize dehumanization and racism, which undermines democracy and equality.
- Historical context is provided, linking Trump's behavior to a long history of racism in America, including slavery, Jim Crow laws, and systemic discrimination.
- The article criticizes the silence of Republican leaders, calling it complicity and urging them to denounce such behavior.
- The piece stresses the need for Americans to demand that the presidency reflect the nation’s highest ideals rather than its worst instincts.
CURMUDGUCATION: My Local Paper Bites The Dust https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2026/02/another-local-paper-bites-dust.html
### Key Points
- The local newspaper, a vital source of community news and history, is shutting down due to financial struggles.
- The closure creates a significant gap in documenting local events, milestones, and history, leaving the community without a reliable source of information.
- The writer reflects on their personal connection to the newspaper, having contributed as a columnist for nearly 28 years, and discusses the broader implications of losing local journalism.
- The decline of local journalism is tied to economic challenges and shifts in media consumption, with broader consequences for community cohesion and accountability.
- Without the newspaper, the community risks relying on unreliable sources like social media for information, further eroding the quality of local narratives.
Miracle Children: When A School Is Too Good To Be True From Forbes.com PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/miracle-children-when-a-school-is
### Key Points
- T.M. Landry College Prep became famous for helping working-class Black students achieve admissions to top colleges, but its methods were deceptive.
- The school submitted fraudulent applications with fake activities and fabricated life experiences to manipulate elite institutions.
- The founder, Mike Landry, exploited weaknesses in university admissions systems to achieve these results.
Teacher Tom: Discovering What Makes Us Come Alive https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/discovering-what-makes-us-come-alive.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom reflects on the concept of leisure, purpose, and pleasure, emphasizing that a meaningful life is one where work and pleasure are intertwined.
- He discusses Aristotle's philosophy that leisure and pleasure are essential for discovering one's true path in life.
- The article critiques societal norms that prioritize duty and virtue over the pursuit of pleasure and purpose, starting from a young age.
- Teacher Tom advocates for play-based education, emphasizing that children naturally discover purpose and passion through play.
- He criticizes the focus on education as a means to economic success rather than fostering curiosity and self-discovery.
- The author highlights the struggles of retired individuals who have spent their lives focused on duty, leaving them uncertain about their purpose in retirement.
- Teacher Tom promotes his course on creating environments that encourage children to learn through play and discover their purpose.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Students Walk Out in Protest over ICE Actions https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/02/seattle-students-walk-out-in-protest.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Hundreds of Seattle high school students protested against ICE actions, demanding defunding and local protections.
- The protest was organized by ICE Out Seattle Schools, a student-led coalition, and involved a march to the Space Needle.
- Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson issued an executive order restricting ICE activity on city property.
- Issues of nepotism and favoritism in Seattle schools were highlighted, with specific examples of staff promotions and reassignments.
- A Board meeting discussed advanced learning services and related school policies.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools' Calendar for 2026-2027 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/02/seattle-schools-calendar-for-2026-2027.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- The 2026-2027 Seattle Schools calendar starts before Labor Day, with key holidays like Memorial Day and Juneteenth affecting school schedules.
- Concerns about nepotism in Seattle Schools are raised, focusing on personnel promotions and roles based on personal connections.
- Community discussions include topics like high school boundaries, zoning disputes, and advanced learning services.
Trump gives farmers a pile of manure Strong showing for progressives in N.J. special election MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/trump-gives-farmers-a-pile-of-manure
### Key Points
- Analilia Mejia, a progressive candidate with ties to Bernie Sanders, made a strong showing in a close N.J. special election, signaling a shift away from high-dollar campaigns and a challenge to AIPAC and Democratic Party leadership.
- Mejia's campaign criticized the influence of pro-Israel lobbying and focused on issues like the government failing to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax subsidies.
- Trump claimed that farmers benefited from $12 billion in tariff-related aid, but critics argue it was a temporary bailout caused by his trade policies, which created a crisis for farmers.
- The bailout primarily benefited large commodity producers and was funded by taxpayers, not tariff revenue as claimed by Trump.
- Critics, including Elizabeth Kucinich, argue that the current system favors corporate monopolies over small farmers and does not address the root causes of the agricultural crisis.
### Key Points
- Ohio's shift to a Republican stronghold is threatened by HB 671, which could alienate Trump-supporting rural and urban voters.
- HB 671 would require significant property tax hikes or school closures to maintain funding, disproportionately affecting districts already struggling financially.
- The bill supports private school tuition subsidies, benefiting wealthy individuals while burdening middle- and low-income families.
- The legislation is deemed unconstitutional as it contradicts Ohio's mandate to provide a thorough and efficient public school system.
- The bill appears to be a political move to deter districts from joining lawsuits against the state's private school subsidy program.
Parents seek online peer advice about substance use among their children Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Dietary patterns may influence adolescent mental health, with healthier diets linked to fewer depressive symptoms and poorer diets associated with psychological distress. Evidence for individual nutrient supplementation, like vitamin D, remains mixed. Adolescence is seen as a critical period for brain development and mental health interventions.
- Parents often seek online peer advice about substance use concerns among children, but the advice can be contradictory and lacks evidence-based support. Researchers suggest translating evidence-based guidance into accessible resources for parents.
- Physical aggression by adolescents toward parents is common but often occurs during puberty-related conflicts. Risk factors include parental verbal aggression, physical punishment, and ADD symptoms, while protective factors include constructive conflict resolution and supportive parenting. Early prevention measures are emphasized.
- Black and Latino teens exhibit stronger digital literacy skills related to race-based disinformation compared to their white peers, likely due to their lived experiences navigating racism. Researchers advocate for culturally responsive pedagogy to build on these skills.
- Girls report higher well-being and safety at school compared to boys, likely due to biological factors such as dopamine activity and differences in behavior. Gender differences also exist in subject preferences and perceived performance. Suggestions include incorporating physical activity and passion projects into daily school routines.
- Self-harm rates among Irish adolescents have increased post-pandemic, particularly among females, trans/gender-diverse youth, and early school leavers. The study highlights the need for targeted mental health interventions and universal prevention strategies.
Rates of autism in girls and boys may be more equal than previously thought Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
NYC Public School Parents: "Conversations with the Chancellor" starting next week https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2026/02/conversations-with-chancellor-starting.html
### Key Points
- The new NYC Schools Chancellor, Kamar Samuels, announced a five-borough community engagement series titled "Our Schools. Our Future: Conversations with the Chancellor," starting February 10, 2026.
- The series aims to engage students, families, educators, and community members on critical school issues and gather ideas for improving decision-making processes.
- Parents concerned about class size or privacy/AI issues are encouraged to attend and speak at these sessions.
- A petition is being circulated to enact a two-year moratorium on the use of generative AI in NYC public schools, targeting Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Chancellor Kamar Samuels.
- Resources and events are available, including a privacy briefing on protecting children's data, a class size survey, and a petition for a multi-year class size plan.
- The blog highlights recent events such as the Annual Skinny Awards and the Parent Action Conference, with links to photos and presentations.
- The blog is managed by Leonie Haimson, a longtime advocate for smaller class sizes and student privacy in NYC public schools.
- Contact information for key education policymakers, petitions, and links to educational resources are provided for parents and stakeholders.
- The blog promotes the "Talk out of School" podcast, co-hosted by Leonie Haimson, focusing on NYC public school issues.
“Heavens never seals off all the exits”
― Mo Yan https://norinrad10.com/2026/02/06/16224/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points
- Nashville faced a devastating ice storm, causing widespread power outages and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
- Political leaders criticized Nashville Electric Service (NES) for inadequate preparation and response, highlighting failures in mutual aid, tree trimming, disaster planning, and communication.
- State officials threatened legislative intervention, while local politicians engaged in political posturing instead of addressing the crisis effectively.
- MNPS Superintendent Adrienne Battle offered food and clothing to affected families but faced criticism for uncreative responses and prioritizing optics over outcomes. Schools reopened despite power outages in some buildings.
- MNPS implemented a modest change in school start times for high schools, shifting to 7:25 a.m., but the decision faced criticism for lacking broad community support and being driven by a mayoral campaign promise rather than genuine stakeholder input.
- Concerns were raised about the impact of the school start time adjustment on working parents, transportation logistics, and the lack of transparency regarding the study's funding.
- The article concludes with a call for accountability and real leadership in addressing community needs, rather than focusing on political wins.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, February 6, 2026, President Donald Trump and his administration have dominated the news cycle with several major policy shifts and executive actions centered on "America First" initiatives.
🔝 Top Stories
🎯 1. Major Civil Service Overhaul (Schedule Policy/Career)
A significant new rule has been finalized today that makes it much easier for the President to fire federal workers.
The Change: Thousands of civil service positions (estimated around 50,000) are being reclassified into a new "Schedule Policy/Career" category.
The Impact: These employees will lose traditional civil service protections, effectively allowing the administration to remove career bureaucrats in "policy-influencing" roles.
Reaction: While the administration argues this increases accountability and efficiency, labor unions and Democrats have slammed the move as a "politicization of the civil service" and have already filed lawsuits to block it.
⛴️ 2. "America First" Arms Transfer Strategy
President Trump signed an Executive Order today establishing a new framework for selling American weapons abroad.
The Goal: To use the $300 billion annual defense export market to reindustrialize the U.S..
The Shift: Arms transfers must now prioritize building U.S. production capacity and supporting domestic manufacturing.
The order also aims to slash "cumbersome bureaucracy" to deliver weapons faster to allies so they can "take responsibility for their own regions."
🏛️ 3. Nuclear Arms Control & New START
Following the expiration of the New START treaty with Russia, the administration signaled today that it will not seek a simple extension.
New Vision: U.S. officials at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva stated that bilateral treaties are "inappropriate" in 2026.
The Strategy: Trump is pushing for a new, multilateral architecture that includes China, citing their rapid nuclear expansion as a primary reason for moving past the old U.S.-Russia framework.
📁 Other Key Developments
🎣 Atlantic Fishing Unleashed: Trump signed a proclamation restoring commercial fishing access to nearly 5,000 square miles of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, revoking Obama/Biden-era environmental protections to support the New England lobster and fishing industries.
🇮🇷 Iran Sanctions & Tariffs: A new Executive Order targets countries that trade with Iran. It establishes a system to impose additional U.S. tariffs on any nation acquiring goods or services from the Iranian regime.
🚜 "Right to Repair" for Farmers: The EPA released new guidance today supporting farmers' rights to repair their own equipment, a move the administration says will drop annual farm operating costs by 10%.
🚛 Operation SafeDRIVE: The Department of Transportation announced the removal of nearly 2,000 "unqualified" truckers from U.S. roads following a multi-state enforcement sweep.
⚖️ Controversy & Politics
Social Media Backlash: Republicans and Democrats alike have condemned a video reposted by the President on Truth Social that depicts Barack and Michelle Obama in a racist manner.
Immigration Legal Aid: Over 100 Democrats are currently condemning an administration attempt to eliminate funding for legal counsel for approximately 26,000 unaccompanied migrant children.
Jeff Bezos Killed the Washington Post The billionaire wanted the Post to die, because a vigorous, well-resourced newspaper does not help his bottom line. https://slate.com/business/2026/02/jeff-bezos-washington-post-layoffs.html
No Kings https://www.nokings.org/
Resource Guide & Community Response For No Kings Day — No Kings https://www.nokings.org/kyr
