TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
FEBRUARY 20, 2026
U.S. News
- Trump's Board of Peace meeting yields pledges: President Trump announced $7 billion in Gaza relief pledges from nine members and troop deployments from five countries for an international stabilization force, following the inaugural meeting (with India attending as an observer).
- Actor Eric Dane passes away: The Grey's Anatomy star, known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan ("McSteamy"), died at 53 after battling ALS.
- Trump orders release of UFO/alien files: The president directed declassification of government records on unidentified flying objects and extraterrestrial matters.
- Rising U.S.-Iran tensions: Military buildup continues in the Middle East, with discussions of potential strikes amid stalled nuclear talks (Trump warned of "bad things" if no deal is reached soon).
- NORAD intercepts Russian planes off Alaska: U.S. forces responded to detected Russian aircraft near Alaskan airspace.
Politics
- Trump's Board of Peace and Gaza initiatives: Major focus on the meeting's outcomes, including relief funds, troop commitments, and international participation (e.g., Indonesia's president attending and securing a U.S. trade deal).
- U.S. military positioning for possible Iran action: Rapid force buildup in the region leaves options open for strikes, even as indirect diplomacy continues.
- Trump previews economic themes: In Georgia events, the president highlighted tariffs, affordability, and his administration's record ahead of midterms.
- Corporate super PACs ramp up for 2026 elections: Unprecedented spending expected to influence races and policies.
- Trump declassifies UFO reports: Announcement ties into broader transparency pushes.
World Affairs
- Trump's Board of Peace on Gaza: Pledges for relief and stabilization force; Indonesia finalized a major U.S. trade deal during attendance.
- North Korea's Workers' Party Congress opens: Kim Jong Un emphasized economic improvements and regional standing at the key five-year planning event.
- U.S.-Iran standoff escalates: Warnings from Trump and military movements amid nuclear talks impasse.
- Indonesia-U.S. reciprocal trade agreement: Eliminates most tariffs on U.S. goods while addressing barriers and critical minerals.
- Other developments: Earthquake in southern Iran; ongoing Russia-Ukraine war updates.
Education
- Rising measles cases and school protections: Educators urged to take precautions amid increasing outbreaks.
- AI training gaps in schools: Microsoft and others step in to provide resources for educators.
- Undocumented students' post-graduation challenges: Around 75,000 graduate high school annually, with limited pathways forward highlighted.
- Policy and access issues: Discussions on student loan caps impacting health programs and Workforce Pell expansions at community colleges.
- CBSE exams underway: Class 12 Physics exam noted in some regions (context from school headlines).
Economy
- U.S. Q4 GDP growth forecast: Expected to slow to around 3.0% annualized (from prior 4.4%), influenced by shutdown effects and moderated consumer spending.
- Indonesia-U.S. trade deal: Major agreement on tariffs, critical minerals, and $38.4 billion in company deals (soybeans, chips, etc.).
- Trump's tariff and affordability focus: Plans to roll back some metal tariffs amid midterm pressures; emphasis on economic record.
- PCE inflation data anticipation: Upcoming reports on personal consumption expenditures as key inflation gauge.
- Broader outlook: Resilient growth expected in 2026 despite uncertainties like debt, tariffs, and AI investments.
Technology
- Big Tech's massive AI infrastructure spending: Signals of over $600 billion planned for AI development, data centers, and related tech.
- Meta's long-term Nvidia partnership: Multigenerational deal expanding into CPUs, networking, and beyond GPUs.
- Microsoft's clean energy push: Securing gigawatts for AI expansion.
- AI market shifts: Grok gaining U.S. share amid controversies; ongoing debates on "woke" AI and Pentagon clashes.
- India's AI role: Follow-up to recent summits, with Switzerland hosting next global event.
Health
(Note: Health-specific top stories were less prominently headline-driven today, with coverage scattered across general news.)
- Measles resurgence concerns: Rising cases prompt advice for educators and communities on vaccination and protection.
- Ongoing medical and research notes: Broader mentions of inflammation research, chemo coping strategies, and arsenic exposure reductions (from recurring health capsules).
- Actor Eric Dane's death from ALS: Highlighted battles with the disease in entertainment-health crossover coverage.
- General wellness trends: Coaching for surgery recovery and other supportive health topics.
Sports
- Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics highlights: Alysa Liu wins figure skating gold; U.S. tops Canada in women's hockey final.
- Team USA hockey semifinal: Facing Slovakia today (February 20) for a shot at gold medal game.
- T20 World Cup updates: Zimbabwe's win over Sri Lanka (Bennett and Raza key); India-related action ongoing.
- College sports: Various NCAA games (e.g., Western Kentucky basketball OT win; upcoming softball like Maryland vs. Virginia).
- NBA action: Recent Knicks-Pistons highlights; ongoing season coverage.
These stories capture the dominant themes from global and U.S.-focused reporting on this date. News can evolve quickly, so check reliable sources for updates!
Mercedes Schneider Reviews My Memoir https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/19/mercedes-schneider-reviews-my-memoir/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The article highlights Pam Bondi’s tenure as U.S. Attorney General, where she allegedly acted as Trump’s personal lawyer, protecting his interests.
- Bondi’s claims of prioritizing human trafficking were contradicted by her failure to act against Jeffrey Epstein.
- Allegations of perjury arose during her testimony before Congress regarding Trump and Epstein.
- The article criticizes Trump’s appointment of controversial figures like Matt Gaetz and Pam Bondi to key positions.
- Bondi reportedly supported unconstitutional actions, such as deporting non-criminals and firing ethical DOJ lawyers.
- The author questions Bondi’s commitment to her oath to the Constitution, accusing her of protecting criminals and violating justice.
Trump Regime Will Close Down Weather & Climate Supercomputer in CO https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/19/trump-regime-will-close-down-weather-climate-supercomputer-in-co/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research's supercomputing facility in Colorado, which is essential for weather and climate research.
- The facility supports over 1,500 researchers from 500+ universities, contributing to accurate weather forecasts and climate studies.
- The move may disrupt access to high-performance computing, which is crucial for simulating and improving weather and climate models.
- Some officials believe the decision is politically motivated to pressure Colorado's governor into granting clemency to a convicted election denier.
What Would It Mean if Ohioans Voted to Eliminate Property Taxes? https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2026/02/19/what-would-it-mean-if-ohioans-voted-to-eliminate-property-taxes/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- Eliminating property taxes in Ohio would create a $20.57 billion revenue gap, severely impacting schools, libraries, and other public services.
- Property taxes are the largest funding source for Ohio schools, contributing over $13.6 billion annually and covering more than three-fifths of public school funding.
- Replacing lost revenue would require extreme tax increases, such as doubling the state sales tax to over 14% or significantly raising income taxes.
- A property tax circuit breaker is proposed as a more feasible reform to provide relief while maintaining local revenues.
Schools Matter: TN Taliban Pushing for Nashville to Become National ICE Hub http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/02/tn-taliban-pushing-for-nashville-to.html
### Key Points
- Nashville has become a focal point for ICE's nationwide expansion, with a 3,000% increase in partnerships across Tennessee since 2025.
- ICE plans to open legal offices in Nashville’s Metro Center and has proposed a "National Call Center" to manage calls about unaccompanied immigrant children.
- There is controversy and local opposition regarding a potential detention center in Lebanon, with residents demanding action from officials.
glen brown: Trump's assault on the First Amendment continues https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/02/trumps-assault-on-first-amendment.html
### Key Points
- The Trump administration is accused of promoting racism, antisemitism, and white Christian nationalism while suppressing dissent and free speech.
- The regime has been involved in censorship, punishing critics, and attempting to rewrite history, as exemplified by the removal of an educational display about slavery at Independence National Historical Park.
- U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe ruled against the Trump administration's attempt to alter historical narratives, citing the importance of preserving historical truth.
- U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon defended the First Amendment rights of retired service members in a case involving Senator Mark Kelly, criticizing the Trump administration's efforts to suppress free speech.
- The article concludes that the Trump administration's actions reflect a disregard for the Constitution, checks and balances, and democratic principles, with courts increasingly challenging these overreaches.
A New National Reading Panel? It Depends - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2026/02/19/a-new-national-reading-panel-it-depends/
### Key Points
- The old National Reading Panel (NRP) faced criticism for its shortcomings, and the call for a new NRP aims to address these issues by considering diverse perspectives and avoiding ideological biases.
- There is concern over the dominance of the Science of Reading (SoR) approach, which heavily emphasizes phonics and scripted lessons, potentially sidelining other effective methods and comprehensive reading strategies.
- The article highlights the importance of including classroom teachers, literacy experts, and diverse research in the new NRP, instead of focusing solely on one reading ideology or profit-driven programs.
- Critiques of the SoR include concerns about its long-term effectiveness, over-reliance on retention policies, and the influence of privatization and standardization in education.
- The article questions the so-called "Mississippi Miracle" in reading improvement, pointing out that grade retention policies may inflate short-term results while causing long-term harm.
- The author expresses skepticism about whether a new NRP can be truly inclusive and effective, given the current education landscape influenced by financial interests and political agendas.
Writer: Something You Are, Something You Become, Something You Are Always Becoming "You can't teach people to write well. Writing well is something God lets you do or declines to let you do." Kurt Vonnegut, Teaching the Unteachable (1967) PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/writer-something-you-are-something
This article explores the nature of becoming a writer, emphasizing that writing is both a craft and a calling. It critiques the misconception, perpetuated by pop culture, that writing is merely about ideas or inspiration, and highlights the importance of reading as a foundation for developing writing skills. The author reflects on personal teaching experiences and emphasizes that writing well requires dedication, practice, and deep engagement with literature.
### Key Points
- Writing is both a calling and a craft, requiring dedication, practice, and consistent reading.
- Many aspiring writers lack familiarity with literature, which hinders their ability to write well.
- Pop culture often misrepresents the writing process, focusing on the idea of being a writer rather than the effort and craft involved.
- Writers like Haruki Murakami emphasize the importance of reading and learning from admired authors.
- The process of becoming a writer involves continuous growth and self-identification as a writer.
FL: Replacing Immigrants With Children PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/fl-replacing-immigrants-with-children-056
### Key Points
- Florida is addressing labor shortages by promoting teenage labor to replace immigrant workers.
- Employers are driving the rollback of child labor protections to lower costs and avoid regulations.
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Governor Ron DeSantis have endorsed policies to encourage teenage labor.
- Critics argue these policies create a divided education system, limiting opportunities for blue-collar workers.
Teacher Tom: How About We Stop Asking Children Such Stupid Questions? https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/how-about-we-stop-asking-children-such.html
### Key Points
- Adults often ask trivial questions that disrupt children's natural learning processes.
- These interruptions shift children from self-motivated exploration to being test-takers.
- Teacher Tom advocates for respecting children's curiosity and providing information only when necessary, without disrupting their learning.
- The article critiques the education system's overemphasis on testing and its negative impact on child development.
Choosing Democracy: Latino Community Action Forum https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/02/latino-community-action-forum.html
February 28, 2026 8:30-3:00 p.m.
SAC STATE ALUMNI CENTER 6000 J STREET, SACRAMENTO, CA Convened by: Sponsored by: Scan to Join Forum Latino Community Action Coalition SAC METRO AIR DISTRICT Guerra KARĪNA TALAMANTES RSVP on Eventbrite
Choosing Democracy: We owe a lot to Jesse Jackson https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/02/we-owe-lot-to-jesse-jackson.html
### Key Points
- Jesse Jackson emerged as a towering figure in American progressive politics and civil rights activism, transcending the “civil rights” label to become a national leader.
- Jackson was present with Martin Luther King Jr. the night before King was assassinated, and he became a key civil rights leader in the 1970s.
- Jackson’s “Rainbow Coalition” united a racially and economically diverse following, paving the way for future leaders like Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders.
- Jackson was born in 1941 in segregated South Carolina and experienced racism firsthand, which fueled his passion for activism.
- He was a student leader and football star at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College, where he became involved in civil rights protests.
- Jackson’s activism began with sit-ins and protests against segregation in the early 1960s, leading to arrests and media attention.
- He joined Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and led Chicago’s Operation Breadbasket, securing jobs and opportunities for African Americans.
- After leaving the SCLC, Jackson founded Operation PUSH in 1971, which focused on economic activism and pressuring companies to promote fair employment practices.
- Jackson became a prominent progressive voice, criticizing Republican policies, advocating for social justice, and promoting economic equality.
- Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988, achieving significant success in mobilizing black voters and pushing for a more inclusive Democratic Party.
- His campaigns helped register millions of voters and influenced Democratic Party rules, ultimately paving the way for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential victory.
- Jackson’s campaigns emphasized progressive policies, including workers’ rights, economic justice, racial equality, and environmental protection.
- Despite not winning the presidency, Jackson’s campaigns inspired a generation of activists and laid the groundwork for future progressive movements, including Bernie Sanders’s campaigns.
- Jackson also played a role in diplomacy, securing the release of prisoners abroad, and continued advocating for social justice and voting rights despite his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
North Carolina Advocates Urge Stein to Reject Federal School Voucher Scheme Trump's voucher plan is bad news ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/north-carolina-advocates-urge-stein
### Key Points
- Donald Trump’s federal school voucher plan is criticized for exacerbating inequality by benefiting wealthy families with tax breaks and private school discounts.
- In North Carolina, 85% of new voucher funding goes to wealthy families already using private schools, increasing the gap between socioeconomic classes.
- Studies in various states (e.g., Washington, DC, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio) show that voucher students often perform worse academically than their public school peers, leading to additional costs when they return to public schools.
- Advocates encourage Gov. Stein to reject the voucher program and focus on fully funding the Leandro Plan, which includes tutoring and after-school programs, supported by a 40% state funding increase mandated by the Supreme Court.
National poll finds gaps in community preparedness for teen cardiac emergencies Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- College students who spend over 16 hours a week on social media are more likely to report loneliness, which can lead to depression and early death. Academic institutions should educate students on the effects of excessive social media use and encourage time limits.
- Students living at home are lonelier than those on campus, and members of fraternities/sororities are less likely to feel lonely due to increased social opportunities.
- Excessive social media use (over 30 hours a week) is associated with a 38% higher likelihood of loneliness, though causation remains unclear.
- Problematic digital habits among adolescents aged 11–12 are linked to mental health issues, sleep disturbances, and suicidal behaviors one year later.
- Problematic screen use, rather than overall screen time, strongly correlates with mental health struggles and highlights the need for interventions targeting addictive behaviors.
- Women with PhDs earn less than men immediately after graduation, and the salary gap increases over time regardless of whether they work inside or outside academia.
- Structural factors contribute to income inequality between men and women with similar backgrounds, regardless of their career paths.
- University staff in Australia face high psychosocial safety risks due to poor management support, job insecurity, and lack of prioritization of staff wellbeing.
- Australian universities need to address staff wellbeing urgently, with a sector-wide approach to improve psychosocial safety.
Cloaking Inequity: What Rick Hess Got Really Wrong About Teachers and Education | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/what-rick
- The article critiques Rick Hess's satirical commentary on education, arguing it oversimplifies complex issues and relies on caricatures rather than evidence.
- The author highlights the rigorous standards and accountability measures in teacher preparation programs, countering Hess's portrayal of education schools as "ideological factories."
- Historical and structural issues such as segregation, inequality, and disinvestment in education are identified as key factors shaping educational outcomes, which are overlooked in Hess's arguments.
- The article emphasizes that factors like poverty, health access, housing instability, and policy decisions significantly influence educational outcomes, beyond teacher preparation alone.
- The debate between science-based practices and equity is addressed, with the author advocating for integrating both to ensure effective teaching in diverse contexts.
- The author critiques the politicization of education policy and curriculum, arguing it creates instability that teacher preparation alone cannot resolve.
- A fictional dialogue between "Dr. Smartly" and Rick Hess is used to present a more nuanced conversation about teacher preparation, education policy, and the importance of addressing systemic issues.
- The author concludes by emphasizing the need for evidence-based critiques and shared responsibility among policymakers, educators, and institutions to improve education.
What does 62 get you? | JD2718 https://jd2718.org/2026/02/19/what-does-62-get-you/
### Key Points
- The author's uncle is turning 70, and his business is celebrating its 43rd year. The author discusses the idea of "non-special numbers" and how every number can be considered special in some way.
- The author reflects on their own 62nd birthday, mentioning that they are not yet collecting social security and exploring potential discounts available at this age.
- The author describes a trip to Vanderbilt Mansion on President's Day, including buying a Senior Lifetime National Park Pass and exploring the surrounding area.
- The author shares details about their visit to Bard Rock and the Vanderbilt Mansion but expresses a lack of interest in the mansion itself.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, February 19, 2026, President Trump has dominated the headlines with several major foreign policy and domestic developments.
1. Escalation with Iran
In one of the day’s most significant stories, President Trump warned that it will be clear within “probably 10 days” whether a nuclear deal with Iran is possible.
Strike Warnings: Trump emphasized that "bad things will happen" if Iran continues its nuclear enrichment.
Reports indicate he is weighing limited, targeted strikes on military or government sites to pressure the regime into accepting his terms. Military Buildup: The U.S. military presence in the Middle East is intensifying, with a second carrier strike group, the USS Gerald R. Ford, en route to the region.
2. Launch of the "Board of Peace"
Trump chaired the inaugural meeting of his newly created Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., an organization he envisions as a rival to the United Nations.
Gaza Funding: He announced that the U.S. will contribute $10 billion to the board, while nine other members have pledged $7 billion for a Gaza relief package.
Military Presence in Gaza: Leaked documents reviewed today suggest the administration is planning a 5,000-person military base in Gaza to house an International Stabilization Force.
Diplomatic Friction: Several major European allies notably declined to join the meeting, citing concerns over the board's funding and lack of a legislative mandate.
3. Landmark Trade Deal with Indonesia
The White House finalized a major reciprocal trade agreement with Indonesia.
Market Access: The deal eliminates tariffs on over 99% of U.S. products exported to Indonesia, specifically targeting gains for American manufacturing and agriculture.
Investment: The agreement includes approximately $33 billion in commercial deals, including major purchases from Boeing and U.S. energy commodities.
4. Domestic Policy & Controversies
Governors’ Boycott: The National Governors Association (NGA) pulled out of its annual White House meeting after Trump refused to invite Democratic governors Jared Polis (Colorado) and Wes Moore (Maryland), calling them "not worthy."
Immigration "Rescreening": A new DHS memo granted ICE the power to detain and "rescreen" thousands of legally admitted refugees who have not yet obtained green cards, leading to immediate pushback from resettlement organizations.
White House Ballroom: A Trump-appointed arts panel officially approved the design for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom to be built on the White House grounds, despite ongoing lawsuits from historic preservationists.
Justice Department Display: A massive banner featuring Trump’s face and the slogan "Make America Safe Again" was hung on the Department of Justice headquarters today, a move critics call a symbolic end to the agency's independence.