TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
FEBRUARY 9, 2026
- Immigration enforcement tensions escalate — With DHS funding stopgap expiring soon, Democrats (led by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries) report no response from the administration on limits to federal agents' actions amid a broader crackdown.
- Trump criticizes U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess — President Trump labels the athlete a "loser" after Hess expresses mixed emotions about representing the U.S. amid political divisions, highlighting politics spilling into the Winter Olympics in Italy.
- Ongoing fallout from Trump's social media post — Trump declines to apologize for sharing a racist video clip depicting the Obamas as apes, drawing widespread criticism.
- Epstein files developments — Continued releases and scrutiny, including questions about connections to powerful figures, remain a major story.
- Measles cases rise nationwide — Health officials urge vaccination amid outbreaks linked to events like the March for Life.
- Trump administration immigration standoff — Democrats demand changes to DHS operations as funding deadline looms, with no progress reported.
- Trump congratulates Japan's new PM Sanae Takaichi — On her coalition's landslide election win, Trump endorses her conservative agenda focused on tax cuts and military buildup against China.
- Trump's refusal to apologize for racist post — The incident tests political backlash ahead of midterms, with some backtracking noted.
- Calls to 'nationalize' elections — Emerging discussions in Trump-related coverage amid broader election policy debates.
- Japan's historic election outcome — PM Sanae Takaichi's coalition secures a supermajority, enabling aggressive reforms; Trump publicly congratulates her.
- U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and tensions — Indirect discussions continue with limited progress; recent incidents like a U.S. carrier downing an Iranian drone raise escalation risks.
- Gaza ceasefire and aid surge — Fragile truce allows more humanitarian aid, averting famine in parts, with Israeli forces withdrawing from key areas.
- Europe warned of 'dead' global order — Former ECB chief Mario Draghi highlights threats from U.S. and China shifts impacting economic and security dynamics.
- Indian teacher wins Global Teacher Prize 2026 — Recognized at the World Government Summit for outstanding contributions.
- Concerns over changes to IDEA — Advocates warn proposed alterations to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act pose substantial risks to students with disabilities.
- Rural district mentorship success — A program pairing college students with English learners helps reduce dropout risks.
- Higher education crisis warnings — Discussions on impending challenges in U.S. colleges, including funding and access issues.
- Admissions and exam updates — Ongoing registrations for programs like IGNOU MBA 2026 and CBSE/NEET developments.
- Upcoming key data releases — Focus on delayed U.S. non-farm payrolls, inflation, UK/Eurozone GDP, and more, influencing Fed rate expectations amid government shutdown impacts.
- Powerball jackpot at $113 million — No winner Saturday, rolling to February 9 drawing.
- Federal Reserve closed board meeting — Reviewing advance and discount rates.
- Market optimism with small-cap focus — U.S. stocks show strength; attention on undiscovered gems and high-growth opportunities.
- AI reshaping retail tech partnerships — Retailers increasingly use AI to select vendors for marketing, supply chain, and more.
- Google's massive AI capex surge — Doubling investments in TPU ASICs and servers for 2026.
- High-growth tech stocks in focus — Companies like Shopify, Zscaler, and HubSpot highlighted amid market gains.
- Tech sector 'Trump slump' — Some big tech stocks lag post-inauguration as investor preferences shift.
- LLM ranking platforms unreliable — MIT study shows small data changes can drastically alter model rankings.
- Measles outbreak appeals — Top U.S. officials urge vaccinations as cases rise nationwide.
- Infectious diseases to watch — Flu season strong with new variants; broader risks from declining vaccination rates.
- Epstein-Barr virus and MS link — Research suggests the virus may provoke immune responses in multiple sclerosis patients.
- Aloe vera compound targets Alzheimer’s — Promising clues from new studies on potential therapeutic roles.
- New jet lag drug breakthrough — Compound Mic-628 shown to halve recovery time by shifting body clock.
- Super Bowl 2026 result — Seattle Seahawks dominate with defense in a 29-13 blowout win over New England Patriots for their second franchise title.
- Winter Olympics underway — 2026 Milan-Cortina Games officially start; coverage includes new events like skimo and politics intersecting (e.g., U.S. skier controversy).
- NBA Monday matchups — Key games including Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers, plus others like Utah Jazz vs. Miami Heat.
- Curling gains popularity — Spotlight on the sport amid Olympic buzz.
- Post-Super Bowl reactions — Highlights on defining plays from Seahawks' defensive performance.
Are We Union? I hear both sides. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/are-we-union
### Key Points
- Retirement allows Arthur Goldstein to pursue music and writing while his friend Marianne advocates for retirees' rights, successfully opposing the shift to Medicare Advantage.
- Retirees face limited voting power within the union, with their votes being weighted less as participation increases, and they are excluded from voting on agreements.
- Retirees lack essential benefits like free prescription insurance, which active union members receive, forcing retirees to pay out-of-pocket.
- Unity Caucus leadership is criticized for failing to represent retirees, prioritizing their own interests, and opposing reforms like 1096, which seeks to empower retirees.
- The author argues that retirees are treated as second-class union members and emphasizes the need for independent advocacy groups like NYC Retirees to protect their rights.
Why rethinking wellness could help students and teachers thrive Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Rethinking wellness in schools can help teachers and students thrive by focusing on emotional, social, and environmental dimensions of wellness.
- The Eight Dimensions of Wellness model highlights the interconnected nature of well-being and serves as a professional development tool for educators.
- A study highlights the need for schools to prioritize teacher and student wellness to create nurturing and stable environments.
- Research found that students with disabilities perform as well or better in charter schools compared to traditional public schools, despite receiving fewer special education services.
- Charter schools tend to focus more on inclusive practices, with students spending more time in general education classrooms and less time in intensive programs.
- Autism diagnosis rates show a decreasing male-to-female ratio over time, with female individuals catching up in adolescence. This suggests autism may be underdiagnosed in females.
- Dietary patterns influence adolescent mental health, with healthier diets associated with fewer depressive symptoms and poorer diets linked to psychological distress.
- Online parenting forums provide peer advice on substance use concerns, but much of the advice is contradictory and not evidence-based.
- Physical aggression by young people toward parents is common, peaking during early adolescence and influenced by factors such as parental conflict and attention-deficit symptoms.
- Early prevention and supportive environments are key to reducing physical aggression by young people toward parents.
1959: "yet students enter college badly lacking in these fundamental skills" A story worthy of a Marvel Multiverse film: Balanced literacy went back in time and destroyed the reading skills of students in the 1950s! PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/1959-yet-students-enter-college-badly
### Key Points
- Dr. P.L. Thomas shares a reflective poem on aging and its impact on relationships, inspired by a moment with his grandson.
- The poem captures the inevitability of aging and the mix of joy and suffering it brings, highlighting human resilience and the value of meaningful connections.
- The author integrates themes of education, social justice, and critical thinking in his broader body of work, as mentioned in the article.
- A wide range of topics, including education reform, media literacy, and cultural issues, are referenced throughout the article.
glen brown: Why we keep doing this work in Ukraine https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/02/why-we-keep-doing-this-work-in-ukraine.html
### Key Points
- Yana Zhuryk shares her experiences of living in Kyiv during the harsh winter amidst Russia's invasion, adapting to power outages, and finding resilience in small victories.
- The article emphasizes the impact of historical events, like the Holodomor, on Ukrainian culture and the shaping of survival habits during times of crisis.
- Yana conveys her commitment to staying in Ukraine, driven by a sense of purpose, community, and the value of independent journalism.
- The piece underscores the critical role of community support in sustaining independent journalism and appeals for continued membership and donations.
NEXT SUNDAY!!! | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2026/02/08/next-sunday/
PILSEN COMMUNITY BOOKS
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
Pentagon is cutting ties with 'woke' Harvard. We Were Demanding it in ’68–69. By spring 1969, Harvard students were demanding that the university sever all ties with ROTC and, by extension, the Pentagon. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/pentagon-is-cutting-ties-with-woke
### Key Points
- In 1968–69, student activists demanded universities cut ties with the Pentagon and military programs, citing opposition to the Vietnam War and university complicity in state violence.
- Harvard historically served as a significant partner to the Pentagon, producing key figures and conducting military research during the Cold War and Vietnam War eras.
- The Pentagon's decision to sever ties with Harvard in 2026 reflects a shift in its strategic focus, favoring partnerships with engineering-heavy schools, private tech sectors, and federally funded labs over Ivy League institutions.
- The move is also a political warning to universities perceived as resistant to federal directives, signaling that cooperation with the Pentagon is conditional.
- The article discusses the potential negative impact of school choice policies, such as charter schools and vouchers, on public school athletic programs.
- Privatization of education could lead to the closure of public schools, reducing access to sports programs and opportunities for students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Wealthier private schools may dominate sports by attracting top athletes, leading to an imbalance in competition and loss of community pride in public school sports.
- States like Florida and Missouri allow charter and homeschool students to participate in public school sports, but this raises fairness and community concerns.
- The decline of public school sports could harm students' physical, mental, and social development, as well as diminish the cultural significance of athletics in American communities.
- The article calls for Americans to rally behind public schools, citing examples like Mississippi, where opposition to school choice preserved public school funding and sports.
Mam endorses Mom? JD ORGANIZING IN RETIREMENT https://jd2718.substack.com/p/mam-endorses-mom
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani's early campaign lacked focus on education, leading to controversial decisions like appointing Kamar Samuels as Schools Chancellor and supporting Mayoral Control, which disappointed his supporters.
- Mamdani's childcare initiative is considered a major success, showcasing his ability to drive systemic change despite inconsistencies.
- His endorsement of Kathy Hochul was pragmatic but criticized for not securing substantial gains for his agenda, reflecting concerns about his negotiation skills.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, Sunday, February 8, 2026, President Trump is largely focused on Super Bowl LX and upcoming international diplomacy.
Here are the key highlights from today's news:
1. Super Bowl LX and a Critique of Bad Bunny
President Trump issued an official White House message wishing the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks luck in tonight’s championship game.
His Critique: He criticized the performance for being entirely in Spanish, stating, "Nobody understands a word this guy is saying," and called the show a "slap in the face" to the country.
White House Message: His formal statement was more traditional, celebrating football as a "uniquely American tradition" that reflects "grit, tenacity, and discipline."
2. Upcoming Meeting with Netanyahu
The White House confirmed that Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on February 11.
The Agenda: The discussions are expected to center on Iran’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile capabilities, which Israeli officials recently described as an "existential threat."
Regional Tensions: This comes as Iran has warned it may target regional ports if the U.S. or Israel initiates military action.
3. Election Integrity and 2026 Midterms
Domestically, Trump is facing sharp criticism from Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Mark Warner regarding his recent comments about "taking over the voting" process for the upcoming 2026 midterms.
The Controversy: Following a recent FBI raid on an election office in Fulton County, Georgia, Trump suggested the federal government should have more authority over state-run elections.
Democratic Response: On Sunday morning talk shows, Democrats accused the President of attempting to "nationalize" the election to benefit Republicans.
4. Foreign Policy Deadlines
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reported today that the Trump administration has set a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace deal.
EDUCATION SPECIAL
TOP US EDUCATION NEWS TODAY
TOP WORLD EDUCATION NEWS TODAY
EDUCATION SPECIAL: FEBRUARY 8, 2026
Today’s education landscape is defined by a massive shift toward "results-based" AI integration and a intensifying global competition for international students amid tightening immigration policies.
TOP US EDUCATION NEWS
The "Personal Finance" Surge: While recent NAEP scores show historic lows in reading and math, a new national report highlights a major win: a record number of US high schools now require personal finance courses, a trend being hailed as the "most positive shift in a decade."
DEI Rollbacks & Campus Protests: The Department of Education is moving into "Year 2" of a heavy-handed federal push to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This has triggered a wave of student walkouts across Texas, Utah, and California, compounded by protests against increased ICE activity on school grounds.
The "Heat Crisis" in Classrooms: School infrastructure is becoming a central equity issue. Districts are now being urged to treat extreme heat as an "instructional condition," with calls for federal funding to upgrade cooling systems to prevent "heat-induced learning loss" in math and science.
Department of Education Leadership: Secretary Linda McMahon announced the 2026 RISE Award honoree today, while reaffirming the administration's goal of "returning educational responsibility to the states" and expanding national school voucher programs.
TOP WORLD EDUCATION NEWS
Global "Visa Wars": Canada and Australia are seeing a massive shift in student inflows as they implement strict new caps on international enrollments for 2026. Conversely, China has launched a new "K-visa" specifically to attract STEM students and researchers without requiring employer sponsorship.
The Future of Education Forum (UAE): At the World Governments Summit in Dubai, education ministers from 16 nations convened today. The Director-General of UNESCO opened the forum with a warning: global education systems must become more "resilient and inclusive" to survive the rapid pace of AI-driven workforce displacement.
UK Economic Warning: A new study co-authored by the University of York warns that the UK's industrial growth strategy will fail without a larger pipeline of graduates. The report claims AI will only boost the economy if there are enough "AI-augmented" human roles to fill.
Transnational Education (TNE) Growth: With traditional study-abroad destinations (US, UK, Australia) becoming more expensive and restrictive, 2026 is seeing a boom in "EduBridge" programs—such as a new initiative in Spain—that allow students to transfer credits from US universities to European institutions to finish their degrees more affordably.
2026 TRENDS TO WATCH
| Trend | Current Status |
| AI in Schools | Moving from "generative prompts" to "instructional operating systems" that measure student outcomes. |
| Cell Phone Bans | Now active or pending in over 32 US states; focus has shifted from "discipline" to "reclaiming attention." |
| Skills Economy | Rapid rise in micro-credentials over traditional degrees for entry-level tech and industrial roles. |
Jeff Bezos Killed the Washington Post The billionaire wanted the Post to die, because a vigorous, well-resourced newspaper does not help his bottom line. https://slate.com/business/2026/02/jeff-bezos-washington-post-layoffs.html
No Kings https://www.nokings.org/
Resource Guide & Community Response For No Kings Day — No Kings https://www.nokings.org/kyr
