TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 1, 2026
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The dominant top news story across virtually all categories on March 1, 2026 (reflecting events from late February 28 into the weekend) is the major U.S.-Israel joint military strikes on Iran, which killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials. This has triggered Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states, raising fears of a broader regional war. President Trump described it as "major combat operations" aimed at regime change and preventing Iran's nuclear ambitions, though it has sparked congressional debate over lack of approval and global calls for de-escalation.
U.S. News
- U.S.-led strikes on Iran kill Supreme Leader Khamenei — Trump announces the operation as a success, with U.S. forces heavily involved in targeting Iranian leadership and military sites; domestic reactions include bipartisan concerns over no congressional authorization.
- Iranian retaliation hits U.S. bases and Gulf allies — Attacks cause damage in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and elsewhere, with civilian casualties reported; U.S. military on high alert.
- Congress debates War Powers Resolution — Lawmakers divided on Trump's unilateral action, with some Republicans supporting and Democrats criticizing the escalation.
- Trump calls for Iranian regime change — President posts that the strikes have "incapacitated" Iran and urges surrender or uprising.
Politics
- Trump's Iran strikes spark War Powers debate — Bipartisan push in Congress for oversight after no prior approval; Republicans largely back the move, Democrats criticize risks.
- Trump announces Khamenei's death and regime change push — President's Truth Social posts frame it as a historic victory against "evil," tying into his foreign policy.
- CIA role in targeting Iranian leaders — Intelligence pinpointed a key meeting, enabling precise strikes.
- Global reactions split — Allies like Israel supportive; China calls for ceasefire and condemns "aggression."
World Affairs
- U.S.-Israel strikes kill Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei — Confirmed by Iranian state media; massive airstrikes target leadership, military, and missile sites.
- Iran launches widespread retaliation — Missiles and drones hit Israel, U.S. bases in Bahrain, and Gulf cities (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi), causing deaths and damage.
- Escalation fears grip Middle East — Additional Israeli strikes reported; panic in Tehran, internet blackouts, and protests.
- International calls for de-escalation — China urges immediate ceasefire; broader regional instability risks.
Education
(Note: No major breaking stories dominate today amid the global crisis; recent or ongoing developments include:)
- Schools prepare students for semiconductor industry boom — Programs like Arizona's Hamilton High focus on workforce training in high-demand tech sectors.
- Congress maintains most federal education funding — Bipartisan push rejects major Trump-era cuts for FY 2026.
- Department of Education pushes accreditor reforms — Efforts to speed recognition of new agencies and career/technical education emphasis.
Economy
(Note: Markets and economy overshadowed by geopolitical events; limited specific March 1 headlines, but context includes:)
- Oil and markets react to Iran conflict — Potential spikes in energy prices amid Gulf disruptions and strikes.
- Ongoing AI and tech capex trends — Discussions of U.S. vs. China spending risks in AI infrastructure.
- Prediction markets rise in prominence — Coverage of platforms like Polymarket amid volatile events.
Technology
- Samsung showcases Galaxy AI advances at MWC 2026 — Expanded AI ecosystem and connected devices unveiled in Barcelona.
- Ongoing CES 2026 fallout — AI gadgets, foldables, and gaming tech from NVIDIA, Samsung, etc., continue to trend.
- New tech releases expected — Rumors of foldables, AI-powered devices, and EVs in March.
Health
- Trump's Medicaid work mandates rollout — States face high admin costs for implementation, projected federal savings but coverage concerns.
- GLP-1 drugs expansion tops 2026 trends — Increased use for weight loss and related conditions.
- AI-wearables and food-as-medicine rise — Integration for health tracking and nutrition focus.
- Ongoing policy battles — Trump admin health changes, including rural funding and potential shifts.
Sports
- NBA action — Key games like San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden; Spurs on winning streak.
- NHL matchup — Anaheim Ducks vs. Calgary Flames.
- Ongoing season prep — Buildup to major events like World Cup discussions and college basketball.
These reflect fast-moving events, primarily driven by the Iran crisis.
Timothy Snyder: We Have No Purpose in Making War on Iran https://dianeravitch.net/2026/02/28/timothy-snyder-we-have-no-purpose-in-iran/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch reflects on the oppressive Iranian regime and her mixed feelings about Trump's decision to attack Iran.
- Concerns are raised about the lack of a clear strategy for regime change and the violation of Congressional authorization for military action.
- Readers comment on the potential harm to innocent lives, the importance of international law, and the need for global peace efforts.
- Criticisms of Trump’s motivations for the attack and calls for accountability are shared by commenters.
Students Are Skipping the Hardest Part of Growing Up (Clay Shirky) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/02/28/students-are-skipping-the-hardest-part-of-growing-up-clay-shirky/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Students and young adults are increasingly using A.I. for emotional offloading, such as managing social anxiety and avoiding unscripted interactions.
- A.I. tools are being utilized as "social prosthetics," which may lead to social deskilling and hinder the development of interpersonal skills.
- Overreliance on A.I. in social and academic settings could erode the ability to navigate human relationships and critical thinking.
- Studies indicate that sycophantic A.I. reduces users' willingness to repair real-world relationships, while increasing dependence on A.I. for validation.
- The generational gap in A.I. usage highlights the need for educators and society to address its implications for young people's development.
- Collective measures, similar to those addressing smartphone overuse, may be necessary to mitigate the negative effects of A.I. on human relationships.
Unity's Got Us Where They Want Us It's therefore imperative we remove them. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/unitys-got-us-where-they-want-us
### Key Points
- The article criticizes the lack of transparency and accountability in Unity leadership, particularly in handling contracts and health plans, highlighting their tendency to withhold information and misrepresent agreements.
- The author draws a parallel between personal experiences with veterinary contracts and the need to thoroughly examine contracts, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in crucial matters like health insurance.
- Unity leaders are accused of refusing to admit mistakes, tolerating misconduct, and prioritizing their own interests over members' welfare, including inadequate support for paraprofessionals and neglecting to improve member benefits.
- The author stresses the importance of protecting and improving benefits for union members, advocating for collective action and transparency to challenge Unity's practices.
Schools Matter: Felon-in-Chief Resorts to Illegal War In Attempt to Smother Trumpstein Investigation and Coverup http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/02/felon-in-chief-resorts-to-illegal-war.html
### Key Points
- The United States and Israel launched a coordinated attack on Iran, targeting military assets and its nuclear program.
- Iran retaliated with ballistic missile attacks on Israel and U.S. military bases in the Persian Gulf.
- President Trump stated that the attack aimed to devastate Iran’s military and encourage a change in its government.
- Explosions caused chaos in Tehran, with residents fleeing or seeking shelter.
- Iran’s foreign minister confirmed the survival of Ayatollah Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
- U.S. strikes were part of a larger plan to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and missile programs, which failed during negotiations.
- Iran’s missile attacks targeted U.S. bases in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE, among other locations.
- Civilian casualties and damages were reported across multiple regions, including Iran and the UAE.
- International reactions varied, with Canada and Australia supporting the U.S., while China and the EU called for restraint.
- Britain, France, and Germany urged negotiations but did not fully support the strikes.
- Iran’s government faced criticism for lack of preparation and guidance for its citizens during the attacks.
- Economic sanctions and internal unrest in Iran contributed to the tensions leading up to the conflict.
- The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting to address the crisis.
- Communication and internet services in Iran were disrupted during the attacks.
- Saudi Arabia condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes and pledged support for neighboring countries.
glen brown: What about Trump’s promise of no more forever wars? https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/02/what-about-trumps-promise-of-no-more.html
### Key Points
- The blog reflects on the role of a writer as a critic of societal oppression, quoting figures like Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- Donald Trump launched an unauthorized military operation against Iran, with Israel's involvement, violating international and U.S. law.
- Iran responded to the attacks with threats of retaliation, targeting U.S. and Israeli military installations.
- The blog critiques Trump's administration for its actions, including its disregard for diplomacy, environmental rollbacks, and corruption.
- Broader topics include social justice, education reform, healthcare, racism, and global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- The blog also shares personal reflections, poetry, and cultural commentary, emphasizing the importance of resisting oppression and injustice.
CURMUDGUCATION: The Unchanged Century Myth https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-unchanged-century-myth.html
### Key Points
- The claim that schools have not changed in a century is misleading, as significant transformations have occurred in curriculum, inclusivity, and teaching practices.
- Historical data from the 1920s reveals that schools were highly segregated, with low attendance rates and limited resources, contrasting with the progress made over time.
- The notion of a "golden age" of education in the 1950s and 1960s is also inaccurate, as that era was marked by segregation, limited access for students with disabilities, and rudimentary resources.
- Education has evolved in terms of what, how, and who is taught, adapting to societal needs and technological advancements. However, schools are inherently slow to change, which ensures that educational reforms are carefully tested to avoid harming students.
- Radical changes in education should be approached cautiously, balancing innovation with the need to protect students from untested experiments.
Lost in the Noise: A Major Shift in Florida School Choice – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/lost-in-the-noise-a-major-shift-in-florida-school-choice/
### Key Points
- Sunshine State Kids Foundation was approved as a new Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO) in Florida for 2026, marking a major shift in the state's school choice system.
- Step Up For Students, previously the dominant SFO, has faced criticism for delayed payments, accountability issues, and alleged mismanagement of scholarship funds.
- Sunshine State Kids has partnered with Odyssey, a New York-based technology firm specializing in end-to-end ESA platforms, to introduce a scalable, AI-powered infrastructure into Florida's voucher system.
- Odyssey has a history of leveraging political connections to secure major contracts in other states, such as Texas, and is expected to influence Florida’s education policy landscape.
- This development creates competition in Florida’s school choice administration, potentially impacting eligibility decisions, data management, system expansion, and student data protection.
- The decision is seen as pivotal for the future of Florida’s school choice ecosystem, particularly as it becomes one of the largest voucher systems in the nation.
Oh, Canada* Can we just be friends again? NANCY FLANAGAN https://flanagann.substack.com/p/oh-canada
### Key Points
- The author attended the musical *Come From Away*, which highlights the compassion of Gander, Newfoundland residents who hosted thousands of stranded passengers after 9/11.
- The narrative contrasts the kindness of Canadians with the divisiveness in current U.S. politics, as exemplified by reactions to the State of the Union address.
- The author criticizes the U.S. government for using events like the Olympics to promote nationalism and create division, highlighting the alienation of allies, including Canada.
- Personal reflections on the historical closeness between Michigan and Canada and concerns over how political actions, like halting the construction of a bridge, are straining this relationship.
- The author expresses disappointment in the politicization of sports and how it undermines their unifying potential, referencing U.S. hockey players attending the State of the Union address.
- The piece ends with a plea for the U.S. to mend its relationship with Canada and restore its global reputation.
Choosing Democracy: Trump Initiates War https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/02/trump-initiates-war.html
### Key Points
- Senator Rueben Gallegos criticizes Donald Trump for initiating a war with Iran without congressional approval, comparing it to the Iraq war and calling it illegal and unnecessary.
- Gallegos urges citizens to demand that Senator John Thune reconvene the Senate to vote on Tim Kaine’s War Powers Resolution to halt the war.
- Alex Vindman, a Senate candidate, shares his personal experience with Iranian-made bombs in Iraq and emphasizes the dangers of wars without clear objectives, strategies, or exit plans. He calls for the President to provide transparency and accountability to Congress and the public.
- The article highlights concerns about prolonged "forever wars" that harm American troops and resources while neglecting domestic priorities.
- The blog post is part of a larger discussion on democracy, public education, and political issues, hosted by Duane Campbell, Director of the Institute for Democracy and Education.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, February 28, 2026, the news is dominated by a major escalation in the Middle East involving the Trump administration.
1. Major U.S. and Israeli Strikes on Iran
In the most significant story of the day, President Trump announced that the United States and Israel have launched "major combat operations" against Iran.
The Objective: Trump stated the goal is to "obliterate" Iran's nuclear and missile programs and "annihilate" its navy.
The Appeal: In an 8-minute video posted to Truth Social, Trump urged the Iranian people to "seize control of your destiny" and "take over your government" once the military operations are finished.
Casualties & Retaliation: Iran has reportedly retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.
There are reports of significant casualties within Iran, and Trump acknowledged that "American heroes may be lost" in the conflict.
2. Claims of the Supreme Leader’s Death
A major developing headline is President Trump’s assertion that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in the strikes.
Trump’s Statement: The President told reporters he believes the "story is correct" and that "most" of Iran’s senior leadership is "gone."
Conflicting Reports: While Trump and some Israeli officials claim the leadership has been decapitated, Iranian state media has denied these reports, maintaining that Khamenei is alive and still in command.
3. Domestic Backlash and War Powers
The strikes have ignited a firestorm in Washington, as Trump initiated the operation without Congressional authorization.
Congressional Response: House Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, have decried the move as an unauthorized "act of war."
Congress is reportedly preparing a War Powers Resolution vote to attempt to block further strikes. Administration Defense: White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration briefed key leaders in advance, justifying the preemptive strike as necessary to stop an "imminent threat" of Iranian nuclear weapons reaching the U.S. homeland.
4. Critical Minerals Trade Initiative
Away from the conflict, the administration is moving forward with its "America First" economic agenda.
New Trade Pact: The USTR opened a public docket for a proposed "Plurilateral Agreement on Trade in Critical Minerals."
The goal is to reduce reliance on non-market actors (specifically targeting China's influence) and secure supply chains for U.S. manufacturing with partners like Japan and the EU.
5. Midterm Election Concerns
New reports have emerged regarding the administration's focus on the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections.
Voting Machine Probe: There is growing controversy over the FBI and DNI (led by Tulsi Gabbard) investigating voting materials and machines in places like Fulton County and Puerto Rico.
Critics and state election leaders have expressed concern that the federal government may attempt to "nationalize" or seize voting equipment ahead of the elections.
