TODAY'S TOP NEWS STORIES
FEBRUARY 3, 2026
U.S. News
- Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother — Authorities in Arizona investigate the 84-year-old mother's vanishing from her Tucson home as a likely abduction or kidnapping while she slept; an urgent search continues.
- Partial government shutdown enters third day — Sparked by disputes over immigration enforcement funding following fatal shootings in Minneapolis; FAA workers furloughed, air traffic controllers unpaid, with GOP hard-liners threatening to block reopening votes.
- Minneapolis immigration protests and federal response — Tensions rise after fatal shootings by federal agents; administration de-escalates, deploys body cameras for officers, but a judge denies blocking agent surge.
- Epstein files fallout continues — DOJ's release of millions of pages (including names and graphic images) prompts survivor demands for takedown; ongoing scrutiny of elite connections.
- Clintons agree to testify in Epstein probe — Bill and Hillary Clinton back down on House Oversight subpoenas, agreeing to interviews to avoid contempt vote amid new document revelations.
- Trump pushes for election 'nationalization' — President Trump urges Republicans to centralize election control; related moves include directing actions in Georgia probe and closing Kennedy Center for $200M renovation.
- Immigration and deportation backlash — Lawsuits challenge visa freezes on dozens of countries and mass deportation efforts; Democrats vow to block related funding bills.
- Government funding impasse — Congress races to end partial shutdown tied to Homeland Security and immigration disputes.
- Rafah border crossing reopens partially — Limited access for Gaza's sick and wounded into Egypt after long closure; slow progress amid U.S.-backed efforts to ease humanitarian crisis.
- U.S.-Iran nuclear talks — Officials prepare to meet (possibly in Istanbul) as Trump expresses hope for a deal; Iran's supreme leader warns any U.S. attack could spark regional war.
- U.S.-India trade deal — Trump announces lowered tariffs on Indian goods to 18% in exchange for India halting Russian oil purchases.
- Gaza and Middle East developments — Israel terminates Doctors Without Borders operations in Gaza; U.S. envoy set to meet Netanyahu.
- Bipartisan consensus on education priorities — New Hunt Institute survey shows broad American agreement on core values like student achievement and support, despite divides.
- Absenteeism progress stalling — Reports highlight ongoing challenges in reducing chronic student absences post-pandemic. (Note: Education coverage was lighter today, with more focus on scholarships, events like Educators Rising Week, and general policy surveys rather than breaking headlines.)
- Stock market mixed but positive start to February — Dow up significantly, S&P 500 and Nasdaq gain; precious metals pull back after rallies, amid dollar weakness.
- Fed holds rates steady — Maintains 3.50%-3.75% range after prior cuts; focus on stabilizing job market and inflation.
- U.S.-India trade agreement impact — Tariffs drop, boosting markets; broader concerns over U.S. debt and tariffs.
- Musk's SpaceX-xAI merger — Creates world's most valuable private company, unifying AI and space efforts.
- Elon Musk merges SpaceX and xAI — Major deal unifies companies, potentially the largest private valuation ever, aiding AI funding needs.
- Waymo raises massive funding — $16B for global self-driving expansion.
- AI investment skepticism — Nvidia's Jensen Huang tempers expectations on big spends (e.g., OpenAI); Oracle plans huge bond sale for AI infrastructure.
- Palantir strong growth — U.S. commercial revenue surges, with high FY2026 guidance.
- Ongoing respiratory illness surge — Flu cases rise after decline, with high COVID and RSV in areas; "germy mix" afflicting many.
- Menopause care access push — California Gov. Newsom proposes expanded coverage for perimenopause/menopause treatments in health plans and Medi-Cal.
- Potential gut-brain link discovery — New research on protein that could heal leaky gut and ease depression from chronic stress.
- Super Bowl 2026 buildup — Seahawks vs. Patriots matchup; debates over halftime (Bad Bunny, alternate conservative shows with Kid Rock); NFL probes Giants co-owner Steve Tisch's Epstein ties.
- NBA highlights — Timberwolves at Grizzlies game; ongoing season action.
- Premier League — Sunderland vs. Burnley match highlights; quiet transfer deadline.
- Winter Olympics prep — Italian biathlete doping exclusion; Lindsey Vonn injury concerns; Milano Cortina readiness.
Dan Rather: Do We Still Have a Constitution? https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/02/dan-rather-do-we-still-have-a-constitutuon/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Stephen Miller advocates for restricting immigrants' path to citizenship, reflecting white nationalist ideologies.
- Miller's rhetoric dismisses the concept of inclusive nationhood, rejecting immigrants as part of American communities.
- Historical parallels are drawn between Miller's ideas and Senator James Henry Hammond’s 1858 "mud-sill theory," which justified a permanent labor class.
- Hammond’s view placed Black Americans and women in subordinate roles, asserting white men as an aristocracy.
- Abraham Lincoln rejected Hammond’s caste-based worldview, emphasizing workers' contributions to democracy and economic progress.
- Lincoln warned against exceptions to the principle of equality, fearing they would undermine American democracy.
- Miller's hierarchical ideology mirrors Hammond’s belief in ruling classes and rejection of equality.
- Federal agents under Trump have been accused of using violence against peaceful protesters, including children, in Portland, Oregon.
- MAGA Republicans blame protesters for violence, labeling community watch groups as "domestic terrorists."
- A federal judge criticized the cruelty of detaining immigrants, emphasizing constitutional violations by U.S. officials.
- Democrat Taylor Rehmet flipped a Texas Senate seat from Republican to Democratic despite significant Republican campaign spending.
- Trump family engaged in secret cryptocurrency deals with Abu Dhabi royals, raising ethical concerns about foreign influence and AI technology access.
New Hampshire: Republicans Rachet Up their War on Public Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/02/new-hampshire-republicans-rachet-up-their-war-on-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- New Hampshire Republicans are advancing an open enrollment plan that would allow students to attend schools in other districts, potentially harming public education.
- The plan benefits wealthier districts and families while placing financial burdens on poorer districts and their taxpayers.
- Transportation costs and tuition differences make the plan inaccessible for lower-income families, further widening educational inequities.
- The plan risks creating an economic imbalance by increasing costs for sending districts and decreasing costs for receiving districts.
- Critics argue the plan does not address the state's constitutional obligation to provide adequate education funding, which already falls far below the national average.
glen brown: A few updates as we head into the week by Joyce Vance https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-few-updates-as-we-head-into-week-by.html
### Key Points
- The Trump administration's EPA valued human life at zero dollars, undermining pollution regulations and allowing industries to profit from harm to public health.
- The Biden administration worked to improve environmental standards, including reducing PM2.5 emissions and incorporating parents' willingness-to-pay into health impact calculations.
- Public support for stricter air quality standards is high, but many voters may not fully understand the implications of their choices.
- The fossil fuel industry's influence on politics has led to weakened regulations and increased environmental degradation.
- The article draws historical and ethical parallels, criticizing the lack of accountability for corporate harm and warning of potential societal backlash.
- The author advocates for nonviolent resistance and collective action to combat environmental destruction and political corruption.
Effects of Age on Entry to Women's Education on their Careers and Children Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Starting women's education later positively impacts their wages, career progression, and children's health, with significant long-term benefits.
- Charter schools slightly increase the identification of students with disabilities but reduce time spent in special education environments while maintaining achievement gains.
- Embedding critical thinking and imagination in education from an early age is essential to address global challenges like climate change and misinformation.
- Trust in PhD advisors significantly influences students' motivation, well-being, research output, and overall success during graduate school.
- Concussions in young children can lead to prolonged symptoms affecting behavior and learning, emphasizing the need for proper evaluation and care.
- Higher education institutions should adopt flexible, life-aligned designs to support women balancing caregiving, work, and education.
- Professional development for early-career TESOL teachers is influenced by diverse learning experiences, mentoring, and opportunities for reflection.
Most college students rebounded after pandemic, but to varying degrees Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
One in four teens face violence, higher substance use Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
Teacher Tom: Fixing Design Flaws in Your Classroom and Playground https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/fixing-design-flaws-in-your-classroom.html
### Key Points
- Design flaws in physical spaces, such as doors or supermarket scanners, often fail to consider how people naturally behave.
- Classroom and playground environments can unintentionally encourage behaviors like running or shouting due to poor design. Adjustments can resolve these issues.
- The Reggio Emilia model emphasizes the environment as a "third teacher," which plays a critical role in shaping children's behavior and learning.
- Teacher Tom offers a 6-week course to help educators and parents transform their spaces into supportive, child-centered learning environments.
Janresseger: Disillusionment: The Charter School Dream Has Utterly Collapsed | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/disillusionment
### Key Points
- Charter schools, initially envisioned as innovative and community-driven, have become dominated by for-profit organizations disconnected from families and communities.
- The lack of regulation in charter schools has led to mismanagement, profiteering, and financial scams, undermining educational goals.
- Authorizer laws have created a lucrative market for authorizers, with weak oversight allowing failing schools to continue operating.
- Governance of charter schools often lacks transparency, with unelected boards and financial conflicts of interest.
- The NPE report concludes with recommendations for reform, urging the public to demand accountability and regulation to prevent misuse of taxpayer funds.
### Key Points
- Educational institutions have a responsibility to actively engage in protecting knowledge, academic freedom, and democratic values, especially when these are under threat globally.
- "Knowledge diplomacy" emphasizes international collaboration, public engagement, and maintaining academic independence to ensure the integrity of knowledge.
- Universities and schools must defend academic freedom, support scholars and students facing political scrutiny, and communicate the importance of independent research and inquiry.
- The absence of leadership in addressing threats to knowledge allows political agendas to dominate narratives about education and truth.
- Educational institutions are essential for sustaining democracy by fostering open inquiry, protecting evidence, and preparing students to engage responsibly in a complex world.
- Some institutions, such as the University of Michigan, have taken a proactive stance on defending academic freedom, while others have been criticized for yielding to political pressures.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Welcome Superintendent Schuldiner! https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/02/welcome-superintendent-schuldiner.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Benjamin Schuldiner has started as the new superintendent of Seattle Public Schools as of February 1, 2026, with plans to visit every school in the next 100 days.
- Schuldiner's first public appearance will be at a Board Special Meeting Work Session on February 4, focusing on math progress monitoring and budget discussions.
- The district's first Board retreat of the year is scheduled for February 7, with topics including strategic planning, governance, and superintendent-board collaboration.
- Concerns are raised regarding the lack of communication from the district about Schuldiner's arrival and issues of nepotism within the district's administration.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Two Seattle Schools' Students Shot Dead Near Raini... https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/02/two-seattle-schools-students-shot-dead.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Two students from Rainier Beach High School were tragically shot at a bus stop in Rainier Valley, leading to school delays and cancellations of activities in nearby schools.
- Seattle police believe the shooting was targeted and are investigating; the suspect fled the scene on foot. Crisis counseling and increased patrols have been organized for the affected community.
- A vigil was held for the victims, who were friends, and one of the families shared their grief during the event.
- The new Superintendent, Ben Shuldiner, emphasized safety as a priority and highlighted the need for collective efforts to improve Seattle Public Schools.
- Concerns were raised regarding the shooter potentially being another student and the need for secure gun storage by parents.
- Separate discussions in the article touch on nepotism within Seattle Public Schools and issues related to advanced learning programs.
Lessons from the Lone Star State A winning populist campaign with support for public education at its center JENNIFER BERKSHIRE https://educationwars.substack.com/p/lessons-from-the-lone-star-state
### Key Points
- Taylor Rehmet, a Democrat, won a Texas state legislative special election in a district previously held by Republicans for decades.
- Rehmet's campaign emphasized economic populism and strong support for public education, contrasting with his opponent's unclear stance on school vouchers.
- The Republican candidate, Leigh Wambsganss, faced backlash for her association with extremist education policies, including book bans and voucher schemes.
- School vouchers remain unpopular in Texas, even among grassroots conservatives, as they are viewed as benefiting the wealthy at the expense of public schools.
- Rehmet’s victory reflects growing frustration with the politicization of public education and signals a broader political shift against the GOP's education policies.
NEW Location! The Hope of our Movements
Vijay Prashad & Bill Ayers in conversation Sunday, Feb 15 at 3:30pm Vijay Prashad is a historian, journalist, and author of many books; including Washington Bullets, Red Star Over the Third World, The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World, and The Poorer Nations: A Possible History of the Global South. He is also the executive director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research.
Under the Treel
1531 W. 18th St. . Chicago, IL · 60608 pilsencommunitybooks.com/events
CURMUDGUCATION: Think of the Children https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2026/02/think-of-children.html
### Key Points
- The phrase "we're doing this for the children" is frequently misused to justify policies that prioritize adult interests over children's needs.
- Some groups argue that children belong to their parents rather than the government, which can lead to children being treated as property rather than individuals.
- Policies restricting education content (e.g., banning books or avoiding teaching about slavery) aim to control what children are exposed to, often reflecting adult ideological goals.
- Arguments against providing financial or systemic support for children often prioritize adult preferences, such as opposition to guaranteed income or mandatory vaccinations.
- Campaigns like "Greater Than" claim to prioritize children's needs but are rooted in promoting traditional family structures and opposing same-gender marriage.
- The "Save the Children" narrative often excludes essential policies like parental leave, affordable childcare, and sufficient public school funding, which would genuinely support children's well-being.
Weekend Quotables Trump: 'I'm shutting down the Trump/Kennedy Center on July 4th.' MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-af8
- Former President Trump announced the shutdown of the Trump/Kennedy Center for two years, citing concerns about Chinese infiltration.
- Philly D.A. Larry Krasner vowed to track down and hold accountable extremist groups, comparing them to Nazis.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized Trump’s executive order imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, warning of humanitarian consequences.
- Kristi Noem dismissed Minnesota protesters as “violent monsters” and urged the nation to move on.
- Garrett Graff expressed concerns over the creation of an overly powerful law enforcement agency.
- Jane Fonda defended CNN and criticized autocratic actions.
- Bad Bunny made a political statement at the Grammys, advocating for immigrant rights and equality.
- Billie Eilish emphasized the importance of protesting and speaking out against injustices.
Choosing Democracy: Cooperation /Unity in the Resistance https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/02/cooperation-unity-in-resistance.html
### Key Points
- The "No Kings" coalition, led by groups like Indivisible and ACLU, organizes mass mobilizations and training sessions to resist federal violence and authoritarian actions.
- The "Eyes on ICE" training educates people on documenting federal violence and understanding their rights, with over 200,000 participants attending the first session.
- The coalition emphasizes localized action and community-building to strengthen resistance, rather than relying solely on national directives.
- The "No Kings" protests are strategically designed to address current authoritarian threats, such as federal overreach and violence, while building long-term organizational capacity.
- Democratic leadership is criticized for lacking urgency in addressing the authoritarian threat, with grassroots pressure seen as essential for driving effective opposition.
ICE Out Now!: Melting the ICE Age with Social Movement Heat Jesse Hagopian delivered this speech at a rally organized by Seattle educators for immigrant rights and to defend students from being kidnapped by federal agents. JESSE HAGOPIAN https://jessehagopian.substack.com/p/ice-out-now-melting-the-ice-age-with
Jesse Hagopian delivered a speech at a rally in Seattle, organized by educators and unions, advocating for immigrant rights and the removal of ICE from schools and the city. The rally emphasized solidarity, collective care, and the power of workers uniting across sectors to protect immigrant communities and resist systemic oppression targeting communities of color.
### Key Points
- Jesse Hagopian spoke at a rally in Seattle, organized by educators and unions, to demand the removal of ICE and support immigrant rights.
- The rally highlighted the commitment of educators, counselors, and unions to social justice and the protection of immigrant communities.
- The nurses' union joined the rally, emphasizing the strength of cross-sector solidarity in resisting systems of fear and oppression.
- Hagopian discussed the historical connection between anti-immigrant policies and the criminalization of Black communities, advocating for collective care and courage over fear.
- The movement is built on ordinary people choosing love and solidarity to combat systemic injustices.
No Kings https://www.nokings.org/
Resource Guide & Community Response For No Kings Day — No Kings https://www.nokings.org/kyr
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, February 2, 2026, the news cycle regarding President Trump is dominated by significant domestic policy shifts, international tensions, and ongoing controversy over his infrastructure and cultural projects.
Below are the top stories for today:
1. Healthcare: RFK Jr.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a $100 million investment today to implement President Trump's "Great American Recovery" initiative.
The Focus: The funding centers on the STREETS Initiative, targeting homelessness and opioid addiction through psychiatric care and medical stabilization.
The Shift: This marks a formal departure from "harm reduction" policies toward recovery-based interventions.
Mental Health: A new $10 million grant program for Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) was also unveiled to support adults with serious mental illness through the civil court system.
2. Foreign Policy: Tensions Flare with Iran
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned of a "regional war" if the U.S. carries out any military strikes.
The Context: President Trump has threatened force following Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide protests.
Military Presence: The USS Abraham Lincoln remains in the Arabian Sea as a deterrent, while Trump maintains that Iran still wants to negotiate over its nuclear program.
3. Culture & Architecture: The Kennedy Center Closure
President Trump sparked a major debate in Washington by announcing the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will close for two years starting in July.
The Goal: Trump plans to renovate the facility into a "spectacular entertainment complex" and has already added his name to the facade.
The Controversy: Critics and preservationists are fighting the overhaul, alongside Trump's other architectural plans, which include building a "Triumphal Arch" near Arlington National Cemetery and a $400 million ballroom at the White House.
4. Economy: Rents Hit 4-Year Low
The White House is touting new data showing that national median rents have fallen to their lowest levels since 2022.
The Claim: The administration credits its "affordability push" and the reduction of bureaucratic barriers for a 6.2% drop from previous peaks.
Labor: On the employment front, Trump has nominated Brett Matsumoto to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to "fix" historical issues with agency data reporting.
5. Domestic Governance: Partial Government Shutdown
A partial government shutdown entered its third day today following a funding standoff in Congress.
The Impact: Nonessential operations at the Department of Defense and HHS are currently paused.
The Outlook: House Speaker Mike Johnson hopes to bring a funding package to the floor by Tuesday, though Senate Democrats are currently holding out for changes to immigration enforcement.
