TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
FEBRUARY 28, 2026
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U.S. News
- Bill Clinton testifies before Congress on Jeffrey Epstein ties — Former President Bill Clinton became the first ex-president forced to testify in Congress, grilled by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. He maintained he "saw nothing and did nothing wrong."
- Trump administration bans federal use of Anthropic's AI technology — In a clash over AI safety and Pentagon access, President Trump ordered all U.S. agencies to stop using Anthropic's tech, with the Pentagon given a phase-out period.
- Mass federal layoffs continue, including at NOAA — The Trump administration fired hundreds at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (with more possible), amid broader workforce overhauls; a judge ruled some probationary firings likely unlawful.
- Rare planetary alignment visible tonight — A six-planet parade (Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, Jupiter) lines up after sunset, offering a rare stargazing event.
Politics
- Bill Clinton's historic congressional testimony on Epstein — As above, marking a major political spectacle with partisan overtones.
- Trump weighs military action against Iran amid nuclear talks — Trump expressed dissatisfaction with negotiations, risking escalation without clear objectives, as the U.S. builds up forces in the region.
- Trump administration's federal workforce cuts and policy shifts — Ongoing mass firings and rulings (e.g., Supreme Court reining in tariffs) highlight tensions in government overhaul efforts.
- Former President Biden honored at South Carolina Democratic event — Biden received a warm reception from Democrats crediting him for his 2020 campaign revival.
World Affairs
- Pakistan-Afghanistan escalation into 'open war' — Pakistan launched airstrikes on Afghan cities (including Kabul), declaring full-scale conflict after border clashes with Taliban forces; international calls for de-escalation from the UN, EU, Iran, Russia, and China.
- U.S.-Iran nuclear talks stall amid war threats — Indirect negotiations in Geneva show some progress but no deal, with Trump considering strikes and a massive U.S. military buildup in the Middle East.
- Potential U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal — Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met/meets Trump to sign an agreement granting U.S. access to Ukraine's resources in exchange for investment and possible security guarantees, potentially advancing peace talks.
Education
- U.S. Department of Education policy and staffing changes — Ongoing efforts to fire staff (costing over $28 million per watchdog reports) and vows to hold institutions accountable on accreditation and other rules.
- Proposed federal rules on graduate loans and professional degrees — The Department issued proposals for new loan limits under initiatives like One Big Beautiful Bill.
Economy
- U.S. economy slows — Q4 2025 growth dropped to 1.4% annually (from 4.4% prior), amid tariff impacts and policy uncertainty.
- Trump's temporary 10% import surcharge — Effective recently on many imports (with exceptions), aimed at addressing international payments issues, lasting 150 days.
- Tariffs and economic outlook — Supreme Court rulings limited some Trump tariffs; debates continue on whether the economy is booming or facing risks from policy shifts.
Technology
- Trump bans Anthropic AI from federal agencies — As above, stemming from disputes over unrestricted Pentagon access and AI safety concerns.
- Block cuts 40% of workforce due to AI embrace — About 4,000 jobs lost as the company (Square, Cash App) shifts to AI tools.
- OpenAI raises massive $110B funding round — Valued at $730B, with backing from Amazon, Nvidia, and others.
- AI-driven RAM price surge ('RAMmageddon') — Memory chip costs up 80-90% due to AI data center demand shifting production.
Health
- Measles cases exceed 1,100 in U.S. in early 2026 — Outbreaks spread across states (6x typical annual total), with experts warning of risks; cases reported in places like Massachusetts.
- Rare Disease Day awareness — February 28 highlights rare conditions, with fundraisers and calls for research (e.g., SLC6A1 neurological disorder).
- Obamacare plan rule changes — Trump administration proposals shift more costs to Americans, with corrections/clarifications in reporting.
Sports
- College basketball: Duke vs. Virginia — Top-ranked Duke faces No. 11 Virginia in a key ACC matchup.
- NHL: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Detroit Red Wings — Hurricanes aim for a fifth straight win and extended point streak.
- Men's college basketball: Penn defeats Dartmouth — Quakers rally behind standout TJ Power.
- Various events — NASCAR qualifying at Circuit of the Americas, IndyCar practice, and ongoing NFL Scouting Combine coverage.
These reflect the most prominent and recurring stories from available sources as of late February 28, 2026. Major themes include geopolitical tensions (Iran, Pakistan-Afghanistan), Trump administration actions (AI bans, firings, tariffs), and domestic/public interest items (Epstein testimony, celestial event, measles surge).
Trump at the Hockey Olympics Final https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/27/trump-at-the-hockey-olympics-final/ via @dianeravitch
- The White House posted a video of Trump skating at the hockey finals during the Olympics, where he scored a goal but later engaged in an unbecoming altercation with a Canadian player.
- A response video depicted an exaggerated and unflattering portrayal of Trump falling on the ice, further emphasizing the absurdity of the original content.
- A comment speculates that such posts might be part of a strategy to erode trust in visual media by showcasing how easily fake content can be created.
- The article includes a long archive of previous blog posts and mentions various topics and posts from Diane Ravitch's blog, including education reform, political satire, and social issues.
Greg Olear: Trump's Name Appears in the Epstein Files 1 Million Times. This is What It Looks Like. https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/27/greg-olear-trumps-name-appears-in-the-epstein-files-1-million-times-this-is-what-it-looks-like/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Greg Olear’s blog post humorously visualizes one million mentions of Donald Trump’s name by comparing it to replacing every word in classic novels like *Anna Karenina* and *Moby-Dick*.
- Diane Ravitch's blog covers diverse topics such as democracy, accountability, education reform, and political events.
- Recent posts include discussions about AI, Trump’s involvement in the Epstein files, and activism against ICE practices.
- The blog is licensed under Creative Commons and has amassed over 43 million hits.
Timothy Snyder: Apocalypse Now, a Satire https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/27/timothy-snyder-apocalypse-now/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Timothy Snyder, a historian, wrote a satirical piece imagining a Trump cabinet meeting, critiquing policies undermining democracy.
- The satire addresses the destruction of public education through privatization and redirection of funds.
- It critiques wealth redistribution favoring oligarchs and eliminating taxes for the wealthy.
- The piece highlights the administration's alleged support for autocratic regimes and the erosion of U.S. democratic institutions.
- Snyder portrays environmental and health crises as deliberate strategies to destabilize society.
- The satire includes commentary on the use of AI in warfare and the potential for catastrophic outcomes.
- The fictional dialogue reflects recent political events and decisions under the Trump administration.
A Federal Book Ban Bill PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/a-federal-book-ban-bill
- The Network for Public Education has released an explainer about the federal voucher program, a program envisioned by Betsy DeVos, highlighting reasons why states should avoid opting in.
- Peter Greene comments on Bill Gates' history with education, stating that Gates has consistently been wrong about educational matters.
- A discussion about New Hampshire's schools suggests a move towards segregation, sparking debate.
- The importance of teaching students content knowledge remains relevant despite past claims that it is unnecessary.
- Substack is promoted as a platform for cultural content and community engagement.
glen brown: "If you’ve studied history — and you know I have — that’s the moment when the hair on the back of your neck should stand up" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/02/if-youve-studied-history-and-you-know-i.html
### Key Points
- Jeffrey Epstein was involved in the transhumanist movement, which aims to create a "posthuman" species through advanced technologies.
- Transhumanism is criticized for being a modern form of eugenics and fostering toxic attitudes such as sexism, racism, and elitism.
- Epstein had connections with prominent transhumanists, including Nick Bostrom, Aubrey de Grey, and Peter Thiel, and funded organizations like Humanity+ and the Singularity Institute.
- Epstein allegedly planned to use his New Mexico ranch to create a "super-race" by impregnating women with his DNA, though this plan was not implemented.
- Epstein was interested in cryonics and biohacking, aiming to achieve immortality through advanced biotechnologies.
- The article also draws parallels between Epstein’s ideas and Elon Musk’s alleged ambitions to create a superior human race through his offspring.
Teacher Tom: I Always Believe the Children https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/i-always-believe-children.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom shares his experience responding to a jury summons, emphasizing civic duty and the emotional weight of the case presented.
- The case involved charges of child molestation, prompting reflections on societal issues of abuse, gender trust, and the hidden prevalence of such crimes.
- As a male preschool teacher, he discusses the scrutiny he faces and the measures he takes to maintain trust and transparency in his profession.
- He reflects on his disqualification from jury duty due to his inability to remain impartial, driven by his instinct to believe children.
The System Works — Just Not for the Future https://norinrad10.com/2026/02/27/the-system-works-just-not-for-the-future/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points
- The current education system is outdated and fails to prepare students for the fast-evolving, technology-driven world.
- Schools still focus on traditional metrics like test scores, which prioritize adult comfort over student learning and adaptability.
- Education emphasizes compliance over fostering critical thinking and adaptability, which are essential for future success.
- Real-world skills such as negotiation, problem-solving, and adaptability are undervalued and unmeasured in the current system.
- Legislative actions often focus on minor issues rather than addressing the structural problems in education.
- The system fails to effectively address the needs of immigrant and English learner students, raising questions about priorities and funding.
- There is a need for a complete redesign of education to focus on adaptability, relationships, and real-world skills.
Nancy Bailey's Education Website: Three Overlooked Reasons Why Children Struggle With Reading | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/three-overlooked-reasons
- Unreasonable expectations in early childhood education, such as pushing children to read in kindergarten, have led to increased pressure and negative outcomes for young learners.
- Inclusion policies for students with disabilities often fail due to lack of adequate teacher preparation, individualized instruction, and smaller class sizes, impacting their reading progress.
- Fast-tracking teachers through programs like Teach for America undermines the profession, as it produces less qualified educators who are often placed in high-need classrooms.
- Declines in special education preparation programs and leadership training have resulted in shortages of well-prepared special education teachers, which negatively affects children with disabilities.
Pre-Order this dazzling book here… | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2026/02/27/pre-order-this-dazzling-book-here/
This article introduces a book titled "Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young: A Fugitive Family in the Revolutionary Underground" by Zayd Ayers Dohrn. The memoir delves into the author’s childhood experiences as the son of fugitive parents involved in radical activism, exploring themes of family, radicalism, and the emotional toll of political resistance. The book is set to release on May 19, 2026.
### Key Points
- The book is written by Zayd Ayers Dohrn, a playwright, screenwriter, and professor at Northwestern University.
- Dohrn’s memoir recounts his life as a child born to fugitive parents, with his mother being on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list.
- The memoir uncovers the hidden history of radical movements, including the Weathermen’s bombing campaign, alliances with the Black Liberation Army, and Assata Shakur’s prison break.
- The book explores the emotional and psychological impact of growing up in a family involved in radical activism.
- It has received high praise for its storytelling, depth, and ability to provoke thought on political violence and resistance.
- The book is published by W. W. Norton & Company and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
- Readers can pre-order the book, and it has been described as a mix of personal and social history, offering a gripping and profound narrative.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: This and That, February 28, 2026 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/02/this-and-that-february-28-2026.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Two southend schools, Franklin High School and John Muir Elementary, were placed under shelter-in-place orders due to nearby shootings. Police arrested teen suspects involved, who were found with illegal firearms.
- A 16-year-old was arrested after shooting at security guards and attempting to hijack an Uber while intoxicated.
- Seattle Public Schools' new superintendent, Ben Shuldiner, is holding community meetings to engage with families and staff, with sessions scheduled in March and early April.
- State lawmakers are considering budget cuts to the Running Start program, potentially reducing course availability and increasing costs for students.
- Allegations of nepotism within Seattle Public Schools have surfaced, with concerns over staff promotions and reassignments based on personal connections.
February’s Parent Engagement Resources | Engaging Parents In School... https://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2026/02/27/februarys-parent-engagement-resources-2/
### Key Points
- February’s Parent Engagement Resources include practical tips such as planning a Family STEM Night, addressing screen time challenges, and involving parents in creating AI use rules for schools.
- Highlights from the Full-Service Community Schools Program and strategies for supporting teachers and addressing difficult situations with parents are shared.
- Innovative approaches like providing gas cards, bikes, and financial incentives for parents are being considered to combat chronic absenteeism in Detroit schools.
- Additional resources include books on parent engagement, student motivation, and strategies for teaching English Language Learners.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, February 27, 2026, President Trump’s foreign policy remarks and upcoming travel are dominating the headlines.
Foreign Policy & Diplomatic Moves
"Friendly Takeover" of Cuba: Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn before departing for Texas, President Trump suggested the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba.
He noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in high-level talks with Havana, describing the Cuban government as being in "a big deal of trouble" economically. Frustration over Iran Talks: The President expressed displeasure with the pace of indirect nuclear negotiations with Iran currently taking place in Switzerland.
While stating he would "love not to use" military force, he added that "sometimes you have to," reinforcing his "peace through strength" stance. Secretary Rubio to Israel: Amid these tensions, the State Department announced that Secretary Marco Rubio will travel to Israel from March 2–3 to discuss Iran, Lebanon, and the administration's 20-point plan for Gaza.
Domestic & Legal Updates
Texas Visit & Energy Remarks: President Trump is traveling to Corpus Christi, Texas, today.
He is scheduled to deliver remarks focusing on American energy dominance and the impact of the administration's tax and border policies on the state. Syrian TPS Case at the Supreme Court: The administration has officially asked the Supreme Court to freeze a lower court ruling that blocked the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrian nationals.
This follows the ousting of the Assad regime late last year. Midterm Election Concerns: Critics and state election leaders have raised alarms today regarding potential federal oversight of voting machines ahead of the 2026 midterms, following recent administration comments on election integrity.
Economic & Labor Policy
Joint Employer Rule Reinstated: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) formally restored the 2020 "joint employer" standard yesterday, a move that requires a business to have "direct and immediate control" over workers to be considered their employer.
New Independent Contractor Rule: The Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to simplify worker classification, focusing on entrepreneurial opportunity and control, similar to policies seen in the first Trump term.