TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
FEBRUARY 11, 2026
U.S. News
- Retail sales stagnation sparks economic concerns — U.S. retail sales were flat from November to December, missing expectations and raising fears of a consumer slowdown amid tariff uncertainties and other pressures.
- Ongoing fallout from Epstein files and probes — Continued developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case, including congressional testimonies (e.g., Ghislaine Maxwell pleading the Fifth) and House investigations amplifying scrutiny.
- Government funding tensions — Discussions around potential mini-shutdown risks, particularly tied to DHS funding disputes between Democrats and Republicans.
- Powerball jackpot climbs — The jackpot reaches $126 million for the February 11 drawing, drawing widespread attention.
- Trump administration policies impacting various sectors — References to tariffs affecting businesses (e.g., Honda's profit drop), immigration enforcement chilling labor markets, and foreign oil/Venezuela-related corrections in reporting.
- Congressional hearings and oversight — Senate and House activities, including potential DHS funding debates and veteran/military-related proposals (e.g., mortgage fees adjustments).
- Epstein-related political probes — House efforts ramping up amid broader fallout from file releases.
- Russia-Ukraine war updates (day 1448) — Russian attacks kill civilians in Ukraine (e.g., children in Bohodukhiv), while NATO allies pledge billions in weapons via U.S.-led initiatives; diplomatic talks continue.
- EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) — Discussions on military support to Ukraine, defense innovation cooperation, and 2026 security outlook, with Ukraine's defense minister participating.
- U.S. involvement in international incidents — Mentions of operations related to Venezuela (e.g., Maduro extraction criticisms) and Greenland consulate setups amid territorial threats.
- Other global notes — South Korea hosting foreign ministers; ongoing Middle East/China-Taiwan tensions in analyses.
- School aid formula reforms debated — West Virginia Senate Education Committee advances bills like SB 801 to adjust funding ratios for educators and staff in public schools.
- Federal loan limits proposal for graduate/professional degrees — U.S. Department of Education's rule on new limits under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), potentially affecting access in fields like nursing and therapy.
- CBSE introduces digital marking — India's Central Board announces screen-based evaluation for Class 10/12 exams starting 2026 to reduce errors.
- U.S. jobs report anticipation — Forecasts for January nonfarm payrolls around +70,000 (up from December), with unemployment steady at 4.4%; tariffs and immigration policies seen as dragging on hiring.
- Stock market mixed close — S&P 500 dips slightly amid retail data weakness; Dow hits records but yields fall on softer consumer spending signals.
- Big Tech AI spending surge — Projections of $635-665 billion in 2026 capex from Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, driven by massive AI infrastructure investments.
- Big Tech's massive AI capex plans — Hyperscalers (e.g., Amazon ~$200B, Alphabet $175-185B) set to spend over $650B in 2026 on AI, marking a huge jump.
- Bitcoin miners pivot to AI — Morgan Stanley views miners as broader infrastructure plays amid energy/AI synergies.
- Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event — Teaser for new Galaxy S series focused on integrated Galaxy AI features to simplify daily life.
- Aerospace/defense tech advances — Partnerships like Airbus-Synspective for SAR imagery; General Atomics in Marine Corps programs.
- Rising health care costs and affordability — Employer premiums/deductibles exceed 10% of income in 19 states; expected 2026 spikes from drugs (e.g., GLP-1s), labor, and inflation.
- Congressional hearing on drug prices — House subcommittee examines prescription drug supply chain to address high costs impacting hospitals and patients.
- Public health grants cuts — Reported $600M reduction in grants to certain Democrat-led states.
- 2026 Winter Olympics underway — U.S. women's hockey shuts out Canada (5-0) for 7th straight win; USA Luge's Ashley Farquharson wins bronze in women's singles.
- Other Olympic highlights — Events in figure skating, luge, and more at Milan-Cortina; ongoing competitions.
- International hockey/shooting — India vs. Belgium in FIH Pro League; Asian Shooting Championships continue.
- Seahawks parade (recent Super Bowl) — Seattle celebrates Super Bowl LX championship parade.
Part 2: The Kind of Schools We Need Right Now! https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/10/part-2-the-kind-of-schools-we-need-right-now/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch emphasizes that economic inequality, not schools, is the root cause of societal problems.
- Standardized testing often perpetuates disparities rather than addressing them.
- Community schools are highlighted as a model to provide comprehensive support to students and families, addressing needs like health, nutrition, and social services.
- Federal budget cuts under the Trump administration have significantly reduced funding for community school programs and other social support systems, affecting the most vulnerable students.
- Local funding limitations and the reliance on property taxes for school funding create inequities in education, exacerbating disparities.
Nancy Bailey: Will School Choice Kill School Sports? https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/10/nancy-bailey-will-school-choice-kill-school-sports/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Nancy Bailey raises concerns about the impact of school choice on public school sports, emphasizing their importance in fostering community pride and citizenship.
- School choice initiatives, such as charter schools and vouchers, could lead to the defunding of public schools, which would harm sports programs and limit access to athletic opportunities for less affluent students.
- Privatization may result in an uneven playing field, with wealthy private schools dominating sports due to better resources and facilities, while public schools and smaller private schools struggle.
- The migration of top athletic talent to elite private schools could disrupt competitive balance and restrict opportunities for students in underfunded public schools or alternative education settings.
- Concerns about fairness arise as some states allow homeschool and charter school students to participate in public school sports, which undermines community school pride.
- The overemphasis on school choice and the resulting decline of public school sports programs could lead to fewer opportunities for students to develop physically, socially, and emotionally through athletics.
- Despite the challenges, there is hope for preserving public school sports and the democratic public school system, as seen in Mississippi's rejection of a school choice bill.
Peter Greene: Charter Operators Ask Federal Government for Another Handout https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/10/peter-greene-charters-operators-ask-federal-government-for-another-handout/ via @dianeravitch
- Charter schools were initially promoted as more accountable, cost-effective, and delivering better results than public schools, but these promises have not been fulfilled.
- Charter school lobbyists often resist accountability, do not consistently outperform public schools, and are not necessarily less expensive, with some leaders earning exorbitant salaries.
- Charter schools have lobbied for equal funding with public schools and, in some states, gained the right to use public school facilities rent-free.
- Federal legislation like HB 7086, titled the “Equitable Access to School Facilities Act,” aims to provide funding for charter school facilities, despite declining demand and closures due to falling enrollments.
- Some states allow charter schools to claim public school properties, effectively transferring taxpayer-funded assets to private entities.
- The proposed federal bill would incentivize states to create ways for charter schools to access public funds for building or purchasing facilities, raising concerns about misuse of taxpayer money.
- Critics argue that such policies lead to redundant facilities and increased taxpayer burdens while benefiting private charter operators at the expense of public schools.
Ohio Legislator Proposes Law to Punish School Districts for Pursuing Anti-Voucher Lawsuit https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2026/02/10/ohio-legislator-proposes-law-to-punish-school-districts-for-pursuing-anti-voucher-lawsuit/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- An Ohio legislator introduced House Bill 671 to withhold state funding from public school districts involved in a lawsuit against the EdChoice voucher program.
- The lawsuit claims the voucher program violates the Ohio Constitution by diverting funds from public schools to private and religious schools.
- A District Court has already ruled the EdChoice program unconstitutional on three counts; the case is now on appeal.
- Critics argue that HB 671 is an unconstitutional attempt to intimidate school districts and suppress their legal rights.
- The state’s contribution to public school funding has been consistently declining, placing more financial pressure on local taxpayers.
Why for true accountability, Mayoral Control should be reformed | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/why-for-true-accountability-mayoral-control-should-be-reformed/
introduction
Leonie Haimson, Executive Director of Class Size Matters, presented testimony on the myths surrounding mayoral control of schools during a hearing on February 10, 2026. The testimony challenges the effectiveness and accountability of mayoral control, highlighting its failures over the past two decades.
## Key Topics and Core Ideas
### 1. **Myth of Accountability**
- **Claim:** Mayoral control enhances accountability by centralizing authority.
- **Reality:** Historical evidence shows that mayors often act unilaterally, ignoring community input and failing to meet educational promises, such as reducing class sizes. For example, under Mayor Bloomberg, class sizes increased significantly despite his campaign promises [1][2].
### 2. **Myth of Reduced Corruption**
- **Claim:** Mayoral control reduces corruption compared to previous Community School Boards.
- **Reality:** The amount of waste and corruption has reportedly increased under mayoral control, with numerous scandals involving mismanagement and fraudulent contracts [2][3].
### 3. **Myth of Universal PreK Implementation**
- **Claim:** Universal PreK expansion was only possible due to mayoral control.
- **Reality:** Significant PreK expansion occurred prior to mayoral control, and the current approach has led to overcrowding and inefficient use of resources, negatively impacting existing community-based organizations [3][4].
### 4. **Myth of Transparency**
- **Claim:** Mayoral control ensures greater transparency in school governance.
- **Reality:** The Department of Education (DOE) has been criticized for its lack of transparency, with limited public access to information and inadequate responses to Freedom of Information Law requests [6][8].
## Key Points and Highlights
- **Increased Class Sizes:** Both Bloomberg and de Blasio failed to deliver on promises to reduce class sizes, with recent budget cuts exacerbating the issue under Mayor Adams [2].
- **Financial Mismanagement:** Under mayoral control, spending on consultants and non-competitive contracts has skyrocketed, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility [3].
- **Community Input:** The absence of community engagement in decision-making processes has led to policies that do not reflect the needs of students and families [4][6].
- **Recommendations for Change:**
- Transition to an elected school board to enhance accountability and public participation.
- Improve the structure of the Panel for Education Policy to ensure diverse representation and oversight.
- Empower local councils to have a say in school-related decisions and budget allocations [9][10].
## Conclusion
Haimson's testimony underscores the need for a reevaluation of the mayoral control system, advocating for reforms that prioritize accountability, transparency, and community involvement in New York City's educational governance. The current system has not only failed to deliver on its promises but has also led to significant issues in class size, financial management, and policy implementation.
10th Period Hits Milestone! With more than 1,000 subscribers, this blog looks toward the future. STEPHEN DYER https://10thperiod.substack.com/p/10th-period-hits-milestone
- The blog "10th Period" has reached over 1,000 subscribers, and the author, Stephen Dyer, expresses gratitude for the support while sharing future plans for the platform.
- The author plans to explore creating an Ohio-focused education policy podcast if he gains 200 more paid subscribers.
- Stephen Dyer emphasizes the need for additional paid subscriptions to sustain and expand the blog's efforts, including launching the podcast.
- The blog will continue to cover Ohio’s education policy issues, highlighting challenges such as school funding and legislative policies.
- The author makes a direct appeal to readers to consider upgrading to paid subscriptions to support the blog's growth and initiatives.
Will School Choice Kill Athletics? PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/will-school-choice-kill-athletics
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education issued guidance affirming students' rights to religious expression but raised concerns about potential adult influence on students.
- The guidance prohibits schools from sponsoring or coercing prayer but suggests that visible, voluntary prayer by teachers does not constitute coercion, which the author critiques as problematic.
- The guidance emphasizes not favoring secular views over religious ones, which the author argues misrepresents secularism and raises questions about defining legitimate religions and favoritism.
- The author criticizes the Supreme Court's decision in the Kennedy v. Bremerton School District case, suggesting it sets a precedent for indirect coercion.
- The piece highlights the challenges of maintaining religious neutrality in public schools within a pluralistic society, advocating for schools to remain religion-free zones to avoid favoritism or exclusion.
glen brown: "This Is Where I Stand" - Janne Robinson https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/02/this-is-where-i-stand-janne-robinson.html
### Key Points
- Vaccines offer primary protection against diseases like shingles, RSV, and flu, along with "off-target" benefits such as reduced risks of dementia and cardiovascular issues.
- Research shows that vaccines promote healthy aging and prevent cognitive and physical decline, yet many older adults are under-vaccinated.
- Studies show a significant underutilization of recommended vaccines among older adults, despite their proven efficacy in preventing severe health outcomes.
David Labaree on Schooling, History, and Writing: The Chronic Failure of Curriculum Reform | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/chronic-failure-curriculum
### Key Points
- Curriculum reform in the U.S. has had minimal impact on teaching and learning despite numerous efforts over the 20th century.
- The curriculum remains focused on traditional academic subjects, disconnected from practical knowledge and taught in isolation.
- Curriculum reform often stops at the rhetorical or formal levels, rarely influencing classroom teaching or student learning.
- Conflicting goals of education, such as democratic equality, social efficiency, and social mobility, lead to a cyclical and ineffective reform process.
- The focus on credentialing over learning prioritizes grades and degrees over actual knowledge acquisition, creating barriers to meaningful reform.
- Middle- and upper-middle-class families resist curriculum reform because the current system benefits their children’s social mobility.
- Traditional curriculum structures, such as teacher-centered classrooms and textbook-based teaching, are preserved due to societal and cultural norms.
- Teachers’ own experiences as students reinforce traditional teaching methods, making it difficult to implement significant curriculum changes.
- The traditional curriculum persists because it is organizationally convenient for teachers and administrators, simplifying classroom management and teacher preparation.
- The loosely coupled nature of American school systems limits administrators’ ability to enforce curriculum changes in classrooms.
- The adaptability of the school system allows it to incorporate new reforms without fundamentally changing the structure of the curriculum.
- The weak link between teaching and learning makes it difficult to ensure that students learn what curriculum reforms intend to teach.
- Recent movements toward curriculum standards and high-stakes testing may bring some changes but are unlikely to address most systemic barriers to reform.
- The American educational system has historically resisted transformative curriculum reforms due to deep-seated systemic issues.
Exploring why some children struggle to learn math Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- New research highlights that gender gaps in STEM careers cannot be attributed solely to academic ability, but rather to differences in cognitive strengths, such as spatial and object imagery, which relate differently to career outcomes for men and women.
- Women with cognitive profiles suitable for computational STEM fields are less likely to pursue these careers, possibly due to social, cultural, or structural barriers. The study suggests broadening STEM talent identification to include nonspatial abstract reasoning.
- Children with math learning disabilities (MLD) show differences in brain activity related to executive function and error monitoring, which affect their ability to adjust problem-solving strategies. Early interventions targeting metacognitive processes may help.
- A study on Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) found that the program has expanded to serve high-poverty and rural schools, focusing on schools not yet fully implementing the community school approach.
- School indoor vaping restrictions have minimal impact on reducing youth vaping. Comprehensive restrictions across various locations are more effective in curbing vaping among teenagers.
- Teachers prioritize emotional and social well-being for students in work-based learning programs, as shown in a Rutgers study. The Eight Dimensions of Wellness model could enhance teacher and student wellness.
- Research from Michigan shows that students with disabilities in charter schools perform as well or better academically compared to traditional public schools, despite receiving less intensive special education services.
- A Swedish study suggests that autism rates between males and females are more equal than previously thought, with females often diagnosed later due to better social and communication skills masking symptoms.
America’s First, Best Idea STU https://bloom2.substack.com/p/americas-first-best-idea
### Key Points
- The phrase "E Pluribus Unum," meaning "Out of many, one," was first used in 1776 by John Dickinson and later adopted on the Great Seal of the United States in 1782. It symbolizes unity among the diverse states and populations of the nation and reflects America's identity as a nation of immigrants.
- The article criticizes the current U.S. administration for using a slogan reminiscent of Nazi propaganda, emphasizing how it contradicts the country's foundational values of diversity and inclusion.
- The author highlights that America's strength lies in its diversity, emphasizing the idea that anyone can become an American regardless of their background, unlike other nations. This is illustrated by Ronald Reagan's 1988 speech and the metaphor of America as a quilt, where every piece retains its uniqueness while contributing to a unified whole.
- The founders envisioned a nation built from many stories, and the author advocates for embracing this diversity rather than ignoring it.
Illinois Prepares to Say NO to Trump's Terrible Voucher Scheme Legislation would prevent participation in federal voucher program ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/illinois-prepares-to-say-no-to-trumps
### Key Points
- Illinois lawmakers are preparing legislation (SB 3966) to prohibit the state from participating in federal voucher programs proposed under Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
- The legislation, named the Prohibition on Federal Voucher Program Participation Act, would prevent Illinois from cooperating with federal voucher or similar education savings programs.
- Other states, such as Rhode Island, are also introducing similar measures against federal school voucher programs.
Dispatch from New Mexico https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2026/02/10/dispatch-from-new-mexico/ via @nancyflanagan
### Key Points
- A visit to Carlsbad, New Mexico, includes a memorable encounter at a local Chili’s, highlighting community warmth and generosity.
- The author shares a touching interaction with locals, emphasizing themes of love, kindness, and human connection.
- The experience at Carlsbad Caverns and a Spanish-language halftime show leads to reflections on cultural diversity and the beauty of different languages.
- The author discusses the discomfort many English-only speakers feel in unfamiliar cultural situations and the importance of embracing other cultures and languages.
- The article concludes with a call for educators to teach children about the value of understanding and sharing with people from diverse backgrounds.
EDUCATION SPECIAL
TOP US EDUCATION NEWS TODAY
TOP WORLD EDUCATION NEWS TODAY
Here are the top education news headlines for today, February 10, 2026.
Top US Education News
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Curb Foreign NIL Money: Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) have introduced the No Foreign NIL Funds Act. This legislation seeks to prohibit foreign investment in collegiate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and collegiate athletics revenue streams, citing national security concerns regarding foreign influence over higher education.
Federal Funding Flexibility Highlighted: The U.S. Department of Education is pushing states to utilize existing flexibility under federal law to address teacher workforce shortages. Guidance sent to districts encourages using Title II, Part A funds for innovative recruitment and retention strategies.
Controversy Over Immigration Enforcement on Campuses: Educators and unions are mobilizing against increased ICE activity on school grounds. Recent reports indicate local police are assisting federal immigration officials by providing access to school security cameras, causing significant distress in immigrant communities.
School Shootings Tracker Update: Officials confirmed a student was shot and injured in a Maryland high school on Monday, marking the first school shooting of 2026.
Top World Education News
Teachers Strike in San Francisco: Public school teachers in San Francisco have initiated their first strike in nearly 50 years, demanding higher wages and better health benefits amid rising inflation.
European Postdoctoral Fellowship Competition Intensifies: New reports highlight an exceptionally "brutal" success rate for postdoctoral fellowships across Europe, with researchers calling for increased funding to support early-career academics.
British Council Joins Global Initiatives: The British Council has reinforced its commitment to international education by joining the UNESCO Global Education Coalition, focusing on inclusive and equitable education worldwide.
Mobile Phone Bans Continue Globally: Following actions in Spain, Bolivia has officially banned cellphones in schools for the new academic year to minimize distractions and improve student engagement.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, February 10, 2026, the headlines are dominated by the Trump administration’s intensifying trade friction with Canada, major regulatory shifts in the energy and tech sectors, and ongoing domestic policy battles.
1. Tensions Flare Over the Detroit-Canada Bridge
President Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $4.6 billion project linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
The Conflict: Trump claimed on social media that the bridge has "virtually no US content" and demanded that Canada hand over at least half of the bridge's ownership.
The Response: Canadian official Mark Carney countered these claims, reminding the President that Canada paid for the construction and that the bridge utilizes significant amounts of U.S. steel and labor.
2. Rollback of Climate and Healthcare Regulations
The administration is moving forward with significant changes to environmental and healthcare policies:
EPA & "Endangerment Finding": The EPA, under Lee Zeldin, is reportedly finalizing a rule to overturn the "Endangerment Finding," which legally allows the government to regulate greenhouse gases.
ACA Changes: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed new rules today that critics say will raise out-of-pocket maximums and allow for "junk plans" within the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
3. "Buy America" Mandate for EV Chargers
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled a proposal to raise the domestic content requirement for Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers from 55% to 100%.
Impact: While the administration frames this as an "America First" manufacturing win, critics like the Sierra Club argue it is an "anti-EV policy" designed to stall the build-out of charging infrastructure.
4. Corporate Tax Handouts & HUD Oversight
$10 Billion Tax Cut: Senate Democrats, led by Ron Wyden, are fighting a Treasury regulation (Notice 2025-28) that they claim unilaterally gives large corporations a $10 billion tax break by weakening the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax.
HUD AI Tracking: HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced the deployment of AI-enabled tracking systems to monitor federal funds and reduce fraud within Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).
5. Cultural Flashpoints
Stonewall National Monument: The administration has faced backlash today for removing the rainbow flag from the Stonewall National Monument in New York.
The National Park Service cited a need to comply with "consistent flag policies."
