JANUARY 28, 2026
- Intensified federal immigration enforcement in states like Minnesota, sparking debates on civil rights, federal power, and public health impacts (e.g., fear deterring people from seeking medical care).
- Ongoing fallout from a fatal shooting in Minneapolis involving federal agents, with President Trump visiting Iowa to focus on the economy amid protests and political tensions.
- School closures and delays in areas like Maryland and Baltimore due to winter storm clean-up and hazardous conditions following recent heavy snow.
- Major corporate earnings releases today from tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, and IBM, influencing market movements.
- Trump administration's economic focus amid midterm preparations, with the president touting achievements in Iowa while addressing controversies like the Minneapolis incident and potential government shutdown risks over DHS funding disputes.
- Ongoing legal and political pressure on the Federal Reserve, with Jerome Powell's interest rate decision announcement today amid Trump's criticisms and efforts to influence the central bank.
- Debates over potential government shutdown by January 30, tied to Democratic opposition to certain DHS provisions following recent enforcement-related deaths.
- Broader analysis framing 2026 as a pivotal year for Trump's second term, including foreign policy challenges (e.g., Venezuela, China) and domestic court battles.
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar killed in a plane crash in Pune's Baramati area, along with three others—a major shock in Indian politics.
- Taiwan monitoring "abnormal" changes in China's military leadership after its top general was placed under investigation, with heightened threat perceptions.
- Israeli disinformation campaign accusations from Iran regarding recent terrorist attacks and casualty reports.
- India rejects Pakistan’s remarks on Operation Sindoor, amid broader regional tensions.
- Supreme Court plea challenging the definition of caste discrimination in the 2026 UGC regulations, sparking protests over alleged hierarchies in protections for SC/ST/OBC vs. general categories.
- Centre assures no misuse of new UGC equity rules amid ongoing demonstrations by general category students.
- Various school boards (e.g., Haryana) announcing upcoming Class 10 and 12 exam schedules starting late February.
- Initiatives like IIT Madras launching free AI courses for rural teachers and NCERT's new WhatsApp channel for educational updates.
- Federal Reserve interest rate decision by Jerome Powell today, amid political turmoil, legal challenges, and expectations of steady rates with focus on inflation and growth.
- Major tech earnings reports driving market attention: Microsoft (Q2 2026), Meta (Q4 2025), Tesla (Q4 2025), and others, with AI spending and ad revenue in the spotlight.
- Broader market commentary on 2026 outlook, including Fed balancing easing with credibility, resilient consumer spending, and potential volatility from policy shifts.
- Big tech earnings bonanza today from Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, IBM, and more, with investors eyeing AI investments, ad performance, and capital expenditure forecasts.
- Ongoing CES 2026 fallout and product launches (e.g., new smartwatches like Moto Watch going on sale today, AI integrations in devices).
- Trends toward generative AI embedding in everyday apps (e.g., Gmail summaries) and potential new gadgets succeeding smartphones.
- Fear of immigration operations impacting healthcare access in areas like Minnesota, with providers adapting to public health concerns.
- Rising focus on GLP-1 medications (e.g., for weight management and chronic conditions) as a top 2026 trend.
- Potential measles outbreak risks threatening U.S. measles-free status if trends continue from recent cases.
- Broader trends like food-as-medicine approaches, wearable metabolic feedback devices, and policy shifts affecting coverage.
- ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 action ongoing, including matches like India vs. Zimbabwe (with strong Indian performances) and upcoming Super 6 games (e.g., Australia U19 vs. West Indies U19).
- Super Bowl 2026 previews and analysis heating up for potential matchups (e.g., involving teams like Patriots and Seahawks).
- College basketball updates, with notable performances (e.g., high-scoring games in rankings like Michigan State and others).
- NFL and other league movements, including coaching hires and transfers (e.g., quarterback shifts).
Trump’s speech at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos was widely criticized for its inaccuracies, controversial statements, and divisive rhetoric. He confused Greenland with Iceland multiple times, insulted European allies, and criticized NATO while ignoring their contributions. His speech was marked by isolationist and unilateralist views, dismissing global collaboration on issues like Ukraine, climate change, and security. Trump’s comments also reflected white identity politics, touching on immigration, Somali communities, and cultural preservation. The speech, influenced by Stephen Miller’s ideology, promoted notions of Western superiority and demographic fears.
### Key Points
- Trump’s Davos speech was criticized for inaccuracies, divisive rhetoric, and isolationist views.
- He disparaged NATO and European allies while ignoring their contributions to global security.
- His remarks reflected white identity politics, including controversial views on immigration and cultural preservation.
- Stephen Miller’s influence shaped the speech’s tone, promoting fears of demographic change.
Houston: Superintendent Mike Miles Helped Broker a $1 Million Deal with Charter Network https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/27/houston-superintendent-mike-miles-helped-broker-a-1-million-deal-with-charter-network/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles helped arrange a $1 million contract with a charter school network and a consulting firm, using private email for negotiations.
- The contract aimed to implement HISD's reforms in struggling schools, but the scripted curriculum has been criticized for its negative impact on students and teachers.
- Critics argue that standardized testing fails to assess critical thinking and student character, emphasizing the need for alternative assessment methods.
Trump's "Board of Peace" Hustle: Power-Grab and $$ Grab https://dianeravitch.net/2026/01/27/trumps-board-of-peace-hustle-power-grab-and-grab/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The "Board of Peace" is portrayed as a global peace initiative but is criticized as a mechanism for Trump to centralize power and allow wealthy nations to purchase influence.
- The charter initially focused on Gaza reconstruction but was later expanded to claim global authority, bypassing UN mandates and democratic accountability.
- Trump serves as lifetime chairman with veto power, sole decision-making authority, and control over executive appointments, creating an autocratic structure.
- Permanent membership requires a $1 billion fee, promoting a pay-to-play system that marginalizes less wealthy nations.
- Major Western democracies like France, the UK, and Scandinavian countries reject the initiative, while authoritarian regimes and U.S.-aligned states join.
- Gaza’s reconstruction plan, "Project Sunrise," prioritizes real estate development over Palestinian self-determination, raising concerns about dispossession and exploitation.
- The plan for Hamas disarmament is criticized as unrealistic and strategically flawed, ignoring underlying political grievances.
- The Board creates a parallel governance structure that undermines the UN, commodifies diplomacy, and fragments multilateral cooperation.
Big Education Ape Morning News Update for January 26, 2026, highlights a range of topics including severe winter weather in the U.S., political tensions, global developments, economic updates, education reforms, and advancements in technology and healthcare.
For AI to Truly Work in the Classroom, Schools Must Give Their Teachers a Say (Eve Colavito & Adam Feiler-Ware) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/01/27/for-ai-to-truly-work-in-the-classroom-schools-must-give-their-teachers-a-say-eve-colavito-adam-feiler-ware/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- AI-powered teaching assistants were introduced at DREAM East Harlem Middle School to assist students with writing tasks, offering step-by-step guidance.
- Teachers used the AI platform to monitor student progress in real time, allowing for targeted instruction and saving significant grading time.
- Students' performance improved on benchmark assessments, attributed to the additional targeted instruction enabled by the AI system.
- Challenges included overly general feedback and rigid rubrics for creative tasks, which were addressed by adjusting the platform and providing teacher input.
- Teacher involvement in planning and ethical use of AI were critical to the program's success, emphasizing a balance between technology and traditional teaching.
Congress Looks to Pass Education Budget that Rejects Trump's Proposed Funding Cuts. Will It Pass by Friday? https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2026/01/27/congress-looks-to-pass-education-budget-that-rejects-trumps-proposed-funding-cuts-will-it-pass-by-friday/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- Congress is attempting to finalize a budget to avoid a federal government shutdown by the January 30 deadline.
- The House passed a bipartisan education budget rejecting Trump’s proposed cuts, maintaining funding for key programs like Title I and IDEA.
- The Trump administration’s efforts to shift education programs to other federal departments continue, raising concerns about inefficiencies and risks to vulnerable students.
- The administration has bypassed Congress to disrupt $12 billion in previously allocated education funding, negatively impacting schools and educators.
- Lawmakers stress the importance of preserving the Department of Education to support public schools and ensure education funding.
glen brown: Companies that Support ICE https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/companies-that-support-ice.html
### Key Points
- The Trump administration is accused of fostering ethnic cleansing and authoritarian governance.
- ICE's actions are portrayed as predatory and emblematic of systemic oppression.
- The administration's disregard for public welfare and constitutional rights is highlighted.
- Resistance movements, such as those in Minneapolis, are depicted as critical to countering oppression.
- Independent journalism is celebrated for exposing government overreach and abuses of power.
- The article calls for collective action and solidarity to fight against systemic injustice and authoritarianism.
glen brown: “This is a massive overreach of power by the Trump administration. Due process isn’t optional. It’s a fundamental right.” https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/this-is-massive-overreach-of-power-by.html
### Key Points
- The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security has been accused of unconstitutional actions, including violating the Fourth Amendment by entering homes without judicial warrants.
- The Fourth Amendment's protections against unreasonable searches and seizures are foundational to American democracy and were established to prevent government overreach.
- Democrats have criticized these actions as authoritarian and a threat to personal freedoms, while Republicans have largely remained silent, abandoning their previous defense of constitutional rights like the Second Amendment.
- The article highlights the broader implications of such actions, warning of a shift toward a police state and the potential loss of democracy in the U.S.
- The writer urges readers to support independent journalism and activism to resist these trends.
Paper: AI Destroys Institutions PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/paper-ai-destroys-institutions
### Key Points
- Institutions are vital for societal functioning, promoting cooperation, reducing uncertainty, and advancing missions. However, they rely on trust, expertise, and legitimacy, which AI undermines.
- AI systems, including generative AI, predictive AI, and automated decision-making AI, tempt institutions with promises of speed and accuracy but often lack accountability and exacerbate biases.
- Short-term financial and political incentives magnify AI's harmful effects, such as data exploitation, bias amplification, and knowledge obfuscation.
- AI undermines expertise by encouraging cognitive offloading, skill atrophy, and reliance on unreliable outputs, which degrades institutional competence.
- AI short-circuits moral decision-making by outsourcing critical choices to opaque algorithms, eroding institutional legitimacy and accountability.
- AI isolates humans by displacing interpersonal connections, reducing empathy, and degrading social solidarity within institutions.
- Over-reliance on AI in education can lead to a lack of trust, mediocre content, and a shift away from human-centered learning and research.
- Journalism is threatened by AI-generated "slop," which devalues expertise, spreads misinformation, and diminishes the ability to discern truth.
- AI poses risks to democracy and civic life by eroding trust, reciprocity, and social capital, potentially leading to a technocratic form of authoritarianism.
- The authors warn against the unchecked adoption of AI in institutions, emphasizing the need for moral courage, adaptability, and human oversight to preserve institutional integrity.
Teacher Tom: Transforming Our Classrooms into Natural Learning Habitats https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/transforming-our-classrooms-into.html
### Key Points
- Behavior is influenced by both personality and environment, but changing the environment often has a quicker impact.
- Efforts to modify personality, such as diets or behavioral reinforcements, are challenging and often rely on willpower.
- The environment, considered the "third teacher," plays a crucial role in shaping children's behavior and learning experiences.
- Poor learning environments can hinder children's natural curiosity and require more behavioral management from adults.
- Teacher Tom offers a 6-week course to guide educators and parents in creating optimal learning environments for children.
SIRI HUSTVEDT | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2026/01/27/siri-hustvedt/
- The author shares a personal story about her mother’s resistance against the Nazi occupation in Norway during World War II, emphasizing the importance of standing against authoritarianism.
- ICE’s actions in Minneapolis, including targeting vulnerable groups and fostering fear, are compared to paramilitary enforcement in fascist regimes, highlighting the threat of authoritarianism in the U.S.
- The Trump administration’s tactics, such as provoking violence to justify oppression, are criticized, and the importance of non-violent resistance is emphasized as a powerful tool for change.
- The author draws parallels between historical resistance movements and the current need to oppose authoritarianism, emphasizing the moral choice between collaboration and resistance.
- The article stresses the importance of historical and personal memory in understanding and resisting oppression, recalling the author’s parents’ values of neighborliness and resistance.
Vice President Vance, Babies Need Deeds and Not Words BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/vice-president-vance-babies-need
### Key Points
- JD Vance, as a senator, initially supported making birth free but abandoned the effort after becoming a vice-presidential candidate.
- Bipartisan legislation, the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act, was introduced without Vance’s involvement.
- Vance missed a key vote on the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, which aimed to address "baby and child penalties" in the Child Tax Credit.
- Despite proposing a $5,000 Child Tax Credit, Vance failed to act on his promises and skipped critical votes to support families.
- As vice president, Vance cast a tie-breaking vote to pass H.R. 1, which included massive cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, programs vital to families with babies.
- Vance’s administration failed to address key issues such as affordable child care, paid family leave, and expanded health support for families.
- The Trump Accounts, touted as a pro-family policy, provide funds inaccessible until a child turns 18, failing to address immediate needs like diapers and child care.
- Policies under Vance’s leadership have disproportionately harmed babies and families, leaving them with fewer resources and greater instability.
- The article emphasizes the importance of bipartisan solutions to support families, including health care, nutrition, housing, and child tax credits.
Effective Reading Interventions for Middle School Students: New Toolkit Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- The PRISMS Toolkit, released by the Institute of Education Sciences, provides resources for educators to implement evidence-based reading interventions for middle school students, including professional learning modules and tools for instructional leaders.
- Gender and racial differences in college major choices and their returns contribute significantly to earnings gaps. Women and underrepresented minorities often select majors with lower financial returns and experience reduced benefits even in high-earning fields.
- Early interventions for autistic children help improve spoken language development, though outcomes vary based on factors like intervention duration and individual cognitive and social starting points. Tailored approaches are recommended for better results.
- A new study highlights the importance of listening to children with ADHD to understand their learning needs. Autonomy in learning helps increase motivation, but challenges with self-regulation remain.
- The third edition of "Treating and Preventing Adolescent Mental Health Disorders" emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and reducing stigma around mental health issues in adolescents, while addressing the impact of societal changes like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- A nationwide study on public Montessori preschool programs shows significant benefits in academic and developmental outcomes, with lower costs compared to conventional preschools. Positive effects on reading, memory, and executive function were noted.
- Research on recycled tire rubber used in playgrounds and sports fields reveals the release of toxic chemicals, posing risks to ecosystems and human health, particularly from smaller granules. The study calls for stricter regulations and safer alternatives.
Choosing Democracy: Public Sector Unions Respond to ICE/Minneapolis Murders https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/01/public-sector-unions-respond-to.html
### Key Points
- The article discusses federal immigration agents targeting students, families, and communities, with a focus on recent actions in Minnesota, highlighting the administration's intimidation tactics rather than genuine immigration policy.
- The rescinding of protections for sensitive locations like schools and hospitals has led to fear, destabilized classrooms, and deterred families from seeking medical care.
- The AFT and Share My Lesson are hosting a webinar titled "Immigration Enforcement: A Nation at Risk" to address these issues and explore responses from educators, healthcare workers, and community leaders.
- The webinar will feature notable speakers, including AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and representatives from various organizations, to discuss safeguarding public spaces from fear and trauma.
- The article emphasizes solidarity and calls on readers to participate in the webinar despite personal and professional challenges.
Jumping the Shark: Phonics Edition "[M]ost lessons—two thirds—resulted in teachers and students doing work that only facilitated surface-level understanding of texts." Beyond the Surface: Leveraging High-Quality Instructional Materials PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/jumping-the-shark-phonics-edition
### Key Points
- The “science of reading” movement overly focuses on phonics, which has not resolved the reading crisis nor improved comprehension.
- Media narratives have oversimplified the reading crisis, perpetuating misinformation about phonics as a solution.
- Historical parallels to the 1940s show similar debates over phonics and literacy education, with critics emphasizing the need for broader social and educational reforms.
- The study “Beyond the Surface: Leveraging High-Quality Instructional Materials” suggests the current phonics emphasis harms deeper comprehension and overall literacy.
- Advocates argue for addressing systemic inequities, such as access to books, well-equipped schools, and economic security, to improve literacy.
America is Changing: How to Support Students in Tumultuous Times Actionable tips and trusted resources ANDY SPEARS https://substack.com/home/post/p-186018516?source=queue
### Key Points
- Schools play a critical role in welcoming immigrant and refugee students, addressing their physical, linguistic, social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs.
- Resources such as the U.S. Department of Education's Dear Colleague Letter and Newcomer Toolkit help ensure equal access to education for immigrant students.
- The rescission of the protected areas/sensitive locations memo by the DHS has raised concerns, prompting the AFT to advocate for immigrant students and their families through letters, toolkits, and Know Your Rights resources in English and Spanish.
- The AFT emphasizes its mission of fairness, democracy, and high-quality education and services through community engagement, organizing, and political activism.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today is January 27, 2026, and President Trump is facing significant domestic and international challenges.
🚨 Top News: The Minneapolis Crisis & ICE Outrage
The Trump administration is currently on the defensive following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on Saturday.
Conciliatory Shift: In an unusual move, President Trump has softened his tone, expressing sorrow over the bloodshed and sending "Border Czar" Tom Homan to take charge in Minneapolis, replacing official Gregory Bovino.
Government Shutdown Looming: Senate Democrats are threatening to block government funding this Friday unless ICE and CBP operations are scaled back or subjected to stricter oversight (such as body camera requirements and warrants).
Accountability: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has agreed to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee after months of refusal, as even some Republicans begin to question the administration's aggressive deportation tactics.
🌍 International & Climate Policy
Paris Agreement Withdrawal: Today marks exactly one year since President Trump announced his intent to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement for a second time.
The withdrawal officially takes effect today. California Governor Gavin Newsom blasted the move, stating that California will continue to lead on climate action regardless of federal policy. WHO Exit: The U.S. has officially terminated its membership in the World Health Organization (WHO) as of late last week, a move the administration celebrated today as a "victory for American sovereignty."
📈 Trade & Economy
South Korea Tariff Threat: Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on South Korean goods (autos, lumber, and pharmaceuticals) from 15% to 25% due to delays in a trade framework deal.
South Korean officials are reportedly traveling to Washington today for emergency talks. Digital Age Milestone: The White House is touting the one-year anniversary of several "America First" digital initiatives, though critics point to surging gold and silver prices as a sign of global investors diversifying away from the U.S. dollar.
🛡️ Domestic Orders
Wildfire Recovery: Trump signed an Executive Order today aimed at speeding up reconstruction in Los Angeles areas devastated by wildfires. The order allows builders to self-certify compliance with safety standards to bypass state and local "red tape" following what the President called the "disastrous mishandling" of the 2025 fires by California officials.
Immigration Growth Drop: New Census Bureau data released today shows the U.S. population growth rate dropped to 0.5% in 2025, a sharp decline attributed to the administration's immigration crackdown and mass deportation efforts.
