TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
FEBRUARY 22, 2026
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U.S. News
- Supreme Court strikes down President Trump's global tariffs — In a 6-3 ruling, the Court declared Trump's broad tariffs (imposed via emergency powers) illegal, dealing a major blow to a key pillar of his second-term agenda and creating economic uncertainty.
- Trump responds by raising proposed global tariff rate to 15% — Defying the ruling, Trump announced an increase from his prior 10% plan, criticizing the Court as "anti-American" and signaling continued aggressive trade policy.
- Ongoing U.S. military buildup and threats toward Iran — Reports indicate Trump is considering "limited" strikes on Iran amid nuclear and regional tensions, with carrier groups positioned and warnings of "bad things" if no deal is reached.
- Winter weather impacts — Blizzard warnings and severe storms affect parts of the U.S., including potential heavy snow in areas like New York City (up to 17 inches predicted in some forecasts).
Politics
- Supreme Court tariff ruling and Trump's defiance — The decision has sparked debate on executive overreach, with Trump vowing to push forward and prepare for his State of the Union address amid setbacks.
- Trump-Iran escalation rhetoric — The administration's focus on potential military action against Iran dominates political discourse, with warnings from advisers to prioritize economy over war.
- Immigration and ICE developments — Reports of ICE involvement in various contexts, including past incidents and broader policy enforcement, continue to fuel partisan divides.
World Affairs
- Deadly explosions in Lviv, Ukraine, investigated as terrorist attack — Incidents in western Ukraine raise concerns amid ongoing regional instability.
- U.S. tensions with Iran and Middle East fallout — Middle East states condemn U.S. ambassador comments seen as supporting Israeli expansionism; Iran faces student protests as universities reopen.
- Australian warship transits Taiwan Strait — The HMAS Toowoomba's passage, monitored by China's navy, highlights Indo-Pacific tensions.
- Trump-Xi summit preparations — Ahead of an April meeting, trade, tariffs, and Taiwan issues loom large despite the recent U.S. tariff ruling.
Education
- Policy trends for 2026 — States push math proficiency reforms, adolescent literacy supports, and broader K-12 changes like cellphone bans and better educator pay.
- IITs allow cross-campus studies — Indian Institutes of Technology introduce flexibility for students starting this academic year.
- CBSE directives in India — Orders to reduce academic pressure on students and strengthen counseling in schools.
Economy
- Impact of Supreme Court tariff ruling — The decision creates uncertainty for prices on imported goods (e.g., furniture, apparel, electronics), though effects may take time; Trump counters with higher proposed rates.
- U.S. Q4 GDP growth revised lower — Growth slowed (e.g., to around 1.4-3.0% annualized in some estimates) due to government shutdown effects and moderated consumer spending.
- Market rotations and tech gains — Big tech (Mag 7) leads rebounds, with investors shifting toward growth sectors amid broader economic signals.
Technology
- Backlash to AI boom — Tech leaders express concern over public resistance to AI integration, contrasting with earlier enthusiasm for tech waves like the dot-com era.
- Samsung expands Galaxy AI multi-agent ecosystem — New AI agents added for better user flexibility and everyday interactions.
- Ongoing AI developments — Tools like Grok gain market share despite controversies; shifts toward local/hackable AI skills and energy-efficient innovations.
Health
- High altitude linked to lower diabetes risk — New research explains protective effects via oxygen-level responses and red blood cell changes.
- Exercise benefits for brain health — Physical activity may repair the blood-brain barrier and reduce age-related leaks.
- Pollution tied to Alzheimer's risk — Emerging links between air pollution exposure and increased disease vulnerability.
- Common bacterium potentially fueling Alzheimer's — Research suggests a pneumonia/sinus-related bacterium may play a role.
Sports
- 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina wrap-up — Final day events, including men's hockey (e.g., potential USA vs. Canada gold-medal matchup) and closing ceremony; U.S. achieves record gold medals in a Winter Games.
- College basketball upsets and rankings — No. 3 Duke defeats No. 1 Michigan, positioning Duke for a potential top AP seed in March Madness.
- Other action — Ivy League swimming/diving championships (e.g., Penn places second); various CBB matchups like Marist vs. Sacred Heart.
These stories reflect a mix of ongoing geopolitical risks (especially U.S.-Iran and trade), domestic policy turbulence under Trump, and seasonal/sports highlights.
Teachers Using Technologies in U.S. Classrooms: Who Decides? https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/02/21/teachers-using-technologies-in-u-s-classrooms-who-decides/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Teachers are recognized as vital to student learning but have little say in selecting and implementing classroom technologies.
- Decisions about purchasing and deploying technology are mainly made by policymakers, school boards, and superintendents, often without meaningful teacher input.
- Other professions, like medicine and law, involve practitioners in decisions about tools and technologies, unlike teaching.
- Excluding teachers from decision-making sends a message that they are mere technicians rather than professionals capable of making informed choices.
- Lack of teacher involvement can lead to avoidable mistakes, such as unused or ineffective technology investments.
- Including teachers in decision-making could result in better integration of technology into lessons, as teachers would develop expertise and share insights with peers.
Current levels of violence, harassment should classify schools as hazardous workplaces Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Violence and harassment in Canadian schools have reached crisis levels, with education workers experiencing high rates of violence and psychological harm, leading to calls for schools to be classified as hazardous workplaces.
- A national report found that 78% of education workers experienced physical violence, 84% faced harassment, and 26% reported PTSD-like symptoms, with many considering leaving the profession.
- Adolescent cannabis use is linked to doubled risks of psychotic and bipolar disorders, with evidence suggesting cannabis exposure during adolescence is a significant risk factor for mental illness.
- The study highlights the need for public health measures to reduce cannabis potency, limit youth exposure, and treat adolescent cannabis use as a serious health issue.
- Research on increasing physical activity among autistic youth emphasizes creating predictable routines, ensuring safe environments, and focusing on activities they enjoy and excel at.
- Excessive social media use by college students is associated with increased feelings of loneliness, with those spending 16 hours or more weekly being significantly more likely to feel isolated.
- Academic institutions are encouraged to educate students about the risks of excessive social media use and promote in-person social interactions to combat loneliness.
- Many schools and families are unprepared for teen cardiac emergencies, with limited awareness of AED availability and training among parents and staff.
- Parents and teens show strong support for CPR and AED training, with initiatives like Project ADAM aiming to improve preparedness for cardiac emergencies in schools.
- Problematic digital habits in early adolescence are linked to higher risks of mental health struggles, sleep disturbances, and suicidal behaviors, emphasizing the need for interventions targeting addiction-like screen use.
glen brown: Cubans Struggle Against a Tightening US Noose https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/02/cubans-struggle-against-tightening-us.html
### Key Points
- The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Trump exceeded his authority under the IEEPA by imposing sweeping tariffs, citing the "major questions" doctrine.
- Small business owner Beth Benike suffered significant financial losses due to Trump’s tariffs, including staff cuts and personal financial strain.
- Reports from the Tax Foundation and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York highlighted the financial burden of tariffs on American households, with an estimated $1,000 extra annual cost per household.
- Trump claimed that tariffs secured $18 trillion in foreign investments, but experts, including Scott Lincicome, debunked this claim as inaccurate and unrealistic.
- The article also references broader political and social issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, climate change policies, and domestic political controversies.
CURMUDGUCATION: The Wrong Way To Deal With Anxiety https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-wrong-way-to-deal-with-anxiety.html
### Key Points
- Avoiding anxiety-inducing situations reinforces fear and hinders students from developing coping mechanisms.
- Effective ways to manage anxiety include facing fears with support, preparation, and encouragement.
- Adults should teach students about anxiety, provide reassurance, and avoid creating undue pressure.
- Teachers should encourage students by emphasizing their ability to handle challenges and learn from failure.
Trump needs to return his FIFA Peace Prize His 'Board of Peace' meets on the eve of another war. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/trump-needs-to-return-his-fifa-peace
### Key Points
- Trump’s “Board of Peace” is criticized as a facade for a real estate investment plan to transform Gaza into a tourist hub, excluding Palestinians.
- U.S. foreign policy is contradictory, pursuing redevelopment in Gaza while escalating military actions in the region, especially against Iran.
- The initiative lacks transparency, legal authority, and inclusivity, operating outside normal oversight channels.
- The membership of the “Board of Peace” is dominated by U.S. allies, excluding key global players like Russia, China, and most of Europe, as well as the Palestinians.
- Trump’s military build-up in the Middle East signals potential war with Iran, further destabilizing the region.
Public School Profiteering in Stockton | tultican https://tultican.com/2026/02/21/public-school-profiteering-in-stockton/
### Key Points
- Stockton Unified School District faces challenges from privatization and charter school expansion, despite its successes in educating disadvantaged students.
- Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez has brought stability and national recognition to SUSD, addressing long-standing management issues.
- Charter schools in Stockton, backed by billionaires, divert students and resources from public schools while avoiding costly students like those with disabilities.
- The privatization of education through charter schools risks destabilizing neighborhoods and undermining public education systems.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Middle and High School Parents, FYI https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/02/middle-and-high-school-parents-fyi.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Alysa Liu became the first U.S. woman in 24 years to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating and the first in her 20s since 2006. Her story highlights the importance of following one's own path despite societal pressures.
- Liu's unique "halo" hairstyle and "smiley" piercing have gained attention and may influence youth trends.
- Concerns about nepotism within Seattle Public Schools, particularly involving principals and senior staff, suggest promotions may be based on personal connections rather than merit.
- Director Geary shared her perspective on advanced learning services during a Board meeting, emphasizing the need for clarity in their descriptions.
Choosing Democracy: The Election Crises that AI has Created https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-election-crises-that-ai-has-created.html
### Key Points
- AI-generated content, including deepfakes and misinformation, is influencing elections globally, creating challenges for democracy.
- Tech companies have pledged to track AI-generated content and curb election-related risks, but their commitments lack concrete enforcement mechanisms.
- Generative AI tools can enable fraudsters to produce deceptive content and manipulate election information on a large scale.
- Some AI tools perform poorly in providing accurate election information, potentially harming voter access and decision-making.
- OpenAI has introduced policies to limit election-related harms but has not addressed all critical false narratives and risks with third-party developers.
- Governments and tech companies must collaborate to create stronger regulations, including deepfake disclaimers, election ad transparency, and benchmarks for AI system reliability.
- Broader legislative reforms, such as the Freedom to Vote Act, are needed to protect democracy from AI-amplified threats.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
It has been a high-stakes weekend in Washington. Today, February 21, 2026, news is dominated by a major legal showdown between President Trump and the Supreme Court over his economic agenda.
Here are the top stories involving Donald Trump today:
1. The Tariff Tug-of-War
Just 24 hours after the Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff regime, President Trump announced this morning that he is raising a new global tariff to 15%, up from the 10% rate he proposed late Friday.
The Conflict: On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the President had exceeded his authority by using emergency powers to unilaterally impose sweeping taxes on imports, declaring that the power to tax lies with Congress.
The Pivot: Bypassing the court's check, Trump is now invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for temporary 150-day surcharges to address "balance-of-payment" deficits.
The Response: Trump lashed out at the justices on Truth Social, calling the ruling "anti-American" and singling out his own appointees—Justices Gorsuch and Barrett—as "lapdogs" for the opposition.
2. Business Demands for Refunds
Following the court's ruling that the previous tariffs were illegal, major U.S. business associations are now demanding immediate refunds for the estimated $134 billion collected by the Treasury since the policy began.
Retailers and manufacturing groups argue that these "unlawful" taxes should be returned to help stabilize small businesses.
The White House has not yet signaled whether it will comply, and legal experts expect a messy, multi-year litigation process over the funds.
3. D.C. Emergency Declaration
In a less contentious move, President Trump approved a federal emergency declaration for the District of Columbia today.
This authorizes FEMA to provide assistance and funding (covering 75% of costs) for recovery efforts following a major sewer line collapse that has been causing infrastructure issues since mid-January.
4. National Security Order: Farming & Defense
Earlier this week, Trump signed an executive order under the Defense Production Act to ensure a domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides.
The administration argues these are critical for both military readiness (semiconductors/smoke devices) and agricultural productivity, aiming to prevent "offshoring" of the U.S. food supply chain.
Upcoming Event: Keep an eye out for the State of the Union address scheduled for this coming Tuesday, February 24, where the President is expected to double down on his "Making America Great Again" trade policies despite the recent court defeat.
