JANUARY 26, 2026
- IRS officially opens the 2026 tax filing season on January 26, with new tools, resources, and some changes from recent tax laws (including potential savings under updates like the reported "One Big Beautiful Bill Act") starting to apply for many Americans.
- Ongoing immigration enforcement controversies in Minnesota and elsewhere, including a fatal shooting by federal agents during an ICE operation, with videos raising questions about the self-defense claim and debates over racial profiling in crackdowns.
- Winter weather impacts causing power outages, surges in energy prices, and school/city service disruptions in parts of the Eastern and Southern U.S. due to frigid conditions and storms.
- Federal-state tensions over immigration policies, with officials on both sides claiming the moral high ground after recent incidents.
- Continued debates and criticisms around President Trump's policies, including tariff threats on European allies, governance changes related to international issues (e.g., Gaza references in some reports), and congressional actions like contempt votes or oversight.
- Congressional committee hearings and sessions (e.g., House Oversight, Education committees active around this date), focusing on various policy probes and accountability.
- Internal party pressures, such as accusations against senators (e.g., Bill Cassidy) regarding support levels for the administration.
- Australia Day observances marked by "Invasion Day" rallies and protests highlighting Indigenous rights, mistreatment concerns, and calls to change the date or drop national celebrations.
- Escalating U.S.-Europe tensions over potential tariffs and trade threats from the U.S. administration.
- Global weather and cultural events, including snow in regions like Jammu and Kashmir (India) and various international observances.
- Discussions on social-emotional learning (SEL) programs and the need to better center students with disabilities in their design and implementation.
- State legislative committee hearings on education topics (e.g., Kansas House and Senate committees meeting).
- Broader policy reshaping in higher education from federal and state levels, including renewed compacts and funding discussions.
- Upcoming major corporate earnings from tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, and Apple expected to influence markets as the week begins (with broader market broadening and volatility).
- IMF World Economic Outlook Update discussions on global economic resilience and projections (U.S. growth forecasts around 2.1% for 2026).
- Increased market volatility from world leaders' economic threats and policy shifts.
- Fujitsu launches a new dedicated AI platform for enterprises to autonomously manage generative AI in-house applications and optimized environments.
- Nvidia AI agreement signed in New Jersey, including $25M for a supercomputer in collaboration with universities (one of Gov. Murphy's final major announcements).
- Ongoing AI, robotics, and innovation trends, including policy shifts and breakthroughs shaping the digital space.
- National health policy changes to watch in 2026, including Medicaid funding reductions via major bills and overhauls to federal vaccine advisory panels.
- Focus on early chronic kidney disease treatment, with NIH highlighting how many cases go undetected until late stages.
- Senate Health and Human Services committee activities addressing ongoing issues.
- Seattle Seahawks advance to the Super Bowl after a thrilling 31-27 NFC Championship win over the Los Angeles Rams, highlighted by Sam Darnold's career performance and a key late defensive stop.
- Various international club friendlies and matches occurring, such as Rubin Kazan vs. FC Struga Trim Lum.
- High school and local sports highlights continuing in various regions.
Glenn Kessler: Lie After Lie After Lie https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/25/glenn-kessler-lie-after-lie-after-lie/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A U.S. citizen was killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, with video evidence challenging official claims about the incident.
- The Department of Homeland Security stated the victim was armed and posed a threat, but videos suggest he was unarmed and holding a phone.
- Minnesota held a general strike to protest the military occupation of Minneapolis, with local officials demanding the withdrawal of ICE agents.
- President Trump deployed additional military forces to Minneapolis amid protests, raising fears of escalating authoritarian measures.
- Critics and commentators expressed outrage, comparing ICE tactics to those of oppressive regimes and questioning the need for ICE's existence.
Victim Killed by ICE Was an Intensive Care Nurse https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/24/victim-killed-by-ice-was-an-icu-nurse/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse and American citizen, was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
- Pretti had no criminal record apart from parking tickets and was a licensed gun owner.
- Governor Tim Walz dismissed claims that Pretti intended to harm agents, calling the narrative false and supported by video evidence.
- Public comments criticize both political parties for inadequate action and emphasize the injustice of the killing.
- The article highlights historical and modern political violence, contrasting left-wing activism with current right-wing extremism.
- Some commenters attribute the incident to the influence of the Trump administration and its policies.
- The killing is described as part of a broader trend of state violence aiming to instill fear among citizens.
ICYMI: Big Frozen Blizzard Edition (1/25) PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/icymi-big-frozen-blizzard-edition
### Key Points
- Criticism of teaching students through excerpts and its impact on knowledge acquisition.
- Debate in Florida over censorship in school books and the definition of "harmful to minors."
- Challenges faced by immigrant students in schools and how educators can support them.
- Examination of Ohio’s school funding system and its flaws.
- Analysis of Google’s involvement in schools and its potential motives.
- Critique of the "bad teacher" myth and its implications on teacher education.
- Discussion on the effectiveness of ed-tech and its profitability.
- Concerns about misleading reports on education and their impact on children’s future.
- Criticism of political initiatives promoting patriotic education and their failure to address children’s needs.
- Overview of the Trump administration’s attempts to influence education policy.
- Reflection on the teacher shortage debate and its misconceptions.
- Issues around unfunded mandates for tutoring programs in Ohio.
- Examination of the challenges in charter school accountability and funding.
The “Best” Lesson Ideas For Teaching About The Protests & Killings In Minneapolis Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog offers a range of resources for educators, including research-based instructional strategies for subjects like Social Studies, English, Math, and Science.
- Regular features include posts on educational technology, artificial intelligence tools, and lesson ideas.
- The author shares personal insights, such as advice to a student teacher and reflections on teaching experiences.
- Free resources from the author’s books and over 100 instructional videos are available.
- The blog includes curated posts on educational policy issues and highlights useful resources for ESL/EFL/ELL teachers.
- The author republishes popular posts and maintains a collection of "Best" lists on AI and education.
- The blog features Q&A-style responses to classroom management challenges and strategies for student motivation.
Early intervention helps most autistic children acquire spoken language Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
Early intervention programs have shown significant success in helping non-speaking autistic children develop spoken language abilities. A study by Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute found that around two-thirds of non-speaking autistic children were able to speak single words, and half developed more complex language after engaging in evidence-based interventions. Factors like early intervention and longer duration of therapy were linked to better outcomes. The study emphasizes the importance of individualized approaches and consistent monitoring to adjust strategies for each child’s needs. Additionally, motor imitation, such as mimicking gestures, was found to support the development of spoken language.
A separate study from Norway highlights the importance of understanding the experiences of children with ADHD in the classroom. Two students shared their experiences with a new educational model that allowed for one day of self-directed learning per week. Despite challenges related to inattentive ADHD, the autonomy helped boost motivation and engagement. Researchers emphasize the need for tailored support in inclusive learning environments, focusing on self-determination and addressing the unique needs of children with ADHD.
A new edition of "Treating and Preventing Adolescent Mental Health Disorders" has been released, providing updated insights into mental health challenges faced by adolescents, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. The book emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and the importance of a national youth development strategy to address gaps in mental health care and improve outcomes.
A nationwide study on public Montessori preschool programs showed that children in these programs achieved stronger academic and developmental outcomes by the end of kindergarten compared to those in conventional preschools. Montessori education was also found to be more cost-effective, with its mixed-age classrooms and peer learning methods contributing to the savings.
Lastly, a study from the University of Cordoba explored moral courage in bystanders of school bullying. The research highlights the importance of moral courage in encouraging prosocial defense behaviors, such as comforting victims and reporting incidents. The study also emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in schools to cultivate moral courage and reduce bullying.
### Key Points
- Early interventions help around two-thirds of non-speaking autistic children develop spoken language, with factors like early start age and intervention duration playing significant roles.
- Individualized therapy and monitoring are crucial for improving outcomes in non-speaking autistic children.
- Understanding and supporting self-determination in children with ADHD can enhance their learning experiences and participation in school.
- A new edition of "Treating and Preventing Adolescent Mental Health Disorders" highlights the importance of prevention, early interventions, and a national youth development strategy.
- A nationwide study on public Montessori preschools found stronger academic and developmental outcomes for children, along with cost savings compared to conventional preschools.
- Research on moral courage in school bullying reveals its role in encouraging prosocial defense behaviors and emphasizes the need for moral courage training in schools.
President Obama's and Mrs. Obama's Statement on the Murder of Alex Pretti https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/president-obamas-and-mrs-obamas.html
### Key Points
- The article highlights the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a VA ICU nurse, by federal agents in Minneapolis, contrasting it with a peaceful union rally against tyranny.
- Videos and eyewitness accounts contradict the official narrative from the Trump administration, showing that Pretti was unarmed and unjustly killed.
- The Trump administration attempted to obstruct investigations into the killings of Pretti and Renee Good, leading to resignations of officials like FBI agent Tracee Mergen.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faced backlash from Democrats, with threats to cut funding over the lawless actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
- The article criticizes certain lawmakers, including Sen. Susan Collins, for their lack of action against DHS funding despite public outcry over ICE abuses.
- The piece calls for public pressure on lawmakers to defund ICE and support justice for victims of government overreach.
- The author emphasizes the need for collective action to defend democracy and resist fascist tendencies in the U.S.
The Politics of Calling for No Politics: Novel Edition "The moment a person forms a theory, his imagination sees in every object only the traits which favor that theory." Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, 20 September 1787 PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/the-politics-of-calling-for-no-politics
### Key Points
- James Baldwin critiques Harriet Beecher Stowe’s *Uncle Tom’s Cabin* as overly sentimental and more akin to a political pamphlet than a novel. He calls for literature to focus on storytelling rather than advocacy.
- Baldwin’s perspective aligns with Realist and Modernist views, emphasizing the importance of exploring deeper truths through art rather than pushing political agendas.
- The article references contemporary debates on the role of politics in art, including Aaron Gwyn’s argument against overtly political fiction and his preference for apolitical narratives.
- Kareem Carr argues that data and its presentation are inherently political, challenging the notion of neutrality in communication and decision-making.
- The author agrees with critical pedagogy scholars that all human interaction, including education and art, is political, though spaces can strive to avoid partisan bias.
- A distinction is drawn between political expression and propaganda in literature, with authors like Ayn Rand criticized for prioritizing ideology over storytelling.
- The article critiques calls for “no politics” in art, arguing that such calls often reflect a misunderstanding of neutrality and may perpetuate existing power structures.
The Snow Covers Everything... ....except the perfidy of our union bosses. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/the-snow-covers-everything
### Key Points
- James Baldwin critiques Harriet Beecher Stowe’s *Uncle Tom’s Cabin* as overly sentimental and more akin to a political pamphlet than a novel. He calls for literature to focus on storytelling rather than advocacy.
- Baldwin’s perspective aligns with Realist and Modernist views, emphasizing the importance of exploring deeper truths through art rather than pushing political agendas.
- The article references contemporary debates on the role of politics in art, including Aaron Gwyn’s argument against overtly political fiction and his preference for apolitical narratives.
- Kareem Carr argues that data and its presentation are inherently political, challenging the notion of neutrality in communication and decision-making.
- The author agrees with critical pedagogy scholars that all human interaction, including education and art, is political, though spaces can strive to avoid partisan bias.
- A distinction is drawn between political expression and propaganda in literature, with authors like Ayn Rand criticized for prioritizing ideology over storytelling.
- The article critiques calls for “no politics” in art, arguing that such calls often reflect a misunderstanding of neutrality and may perpetuate existing power structures.
Choosing Democracy: This is un-American Liam Conejo Ramos https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/01/this-is-un-american-liam-conejo-ramos.html
### Key Points
- The article critiques the moral and political degradation of democracy in the U.S., highlighting deaths in detention camps and public executions as symptoms of authoritarianism.
- It draws parallels between historical totalitarian regimes, such as Stalin's and Hitler's, and current practices in the U.S., emphasizing the use of borders as tools to undermine the rule of law.
- The misuse of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security is discussed, with calls for their disbandment and redistribution of responsibilities.
- The article criticizes the normalization of government lies and propaganda, particularly the misuse of terms like "law enforcement," which obscure violations of the law.
- It highlights the complicity of media and individuals in spreading propaganda and normalizing authoritarian practices, urging people to resist and defend democracy.
- The connection between moral outrage and political action is emphasized, with resistance framed as a necessary step to preserve the republic.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today is January 25, 2026.
Here are the top stories for today:
1. Global Tensions & The "Greenland Retreat"
After a week of intense brinkmanship at Davos, President Trump has reportedly backed down from his demand that the U.S. be given ownership of Greenland.
The "Climbdown": Trump rescinded his threat of punishing tariffs against European allies and pledged not to use military force to acquire the territory.
The Fallout: Despite the reversal, the incident has rattled the NATO alliance and led to rare public dissent from high-ranking Republicans like Mitch McConnell and Don Bacon, who warned that such actions could lead to impeachment.
2. Domestic Conflict in Minneapolis
The administration is facing a "moment of reckoning" following the killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents on Saturday.
The Incident: Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot dead during an ongoing federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
While the administration claims he brandished a weapon, witnesses have filed court documents refuting that account. Local Reaction: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has demanded the immediate removal of ICE agents from the city, calling the operation a "spectacle of terror."
3. Middle East "Armada"
President Trump announced that a U.S. "armada" is heading toward the Gulf to monitor Iran.
The Goal: The flotilla, including an aircraft carrier strike group, is intended to be a show of force following a crackdown on anti-government protesters in Iran.
Trump stated, "Maybe we won't have to use it... but we'll see what happens."
4. Winter Storm Emergency
A massive winter storm stretching 2,000 miles across the U.S. has prompted federal action.
Emergency Declarations: President Trump has approved emergency declarations for West Virginia and at least 11 other states.
FEMA Response: The action authorizes FEMA to coordinate disaster relief as the storm brings record cold, snow, and ice, leading to widespread power outages and thousands of flight cancellations.
5. Economic & Housing Policy
Affordability Proposals: At Davos, Trump called on Congress to pass a 10% cap on credit card interest rates and a ban on large investors (Wall Street) buying up single-family homes.
Mortgage Rates: Federal housing chief Bill Pulte authorized government-backed lenders (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) to nearly double their bond purchases to $225 billion each in an effort to lower mortgage rates, though critics warn this adds significant risk to the housing market.