TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 9, 2026
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The top news stories on March 9, 2026, are heavily dominated by the ongoing U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran, which began recently and has escalated dramatically. This conflict overshadows many other developments across categories.
U.S. News (top 3-5):
- Reports indicate the U.S. is considering deploying special forces to seize Iran's nuclear stockpile amid the ongoing war.
- Criticism from the Trump administration toward media coverage (e.g., CNN) of U.S. troop deaths and the conflict, with anchors like Jake Tapper defending journalistic responsibility.
- U.S. begins large-scale military drills with South Korea (Freedom Shield) involving thousands of troops, even as resources are stretched by the Middle East war.
- Video evidence and reports contradict U.S. claims about a strike on an Iranian girls' school compound.
Politics:
- Iran's assembly of experts names Mojtaba Khamenei (son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in recent strikes) as the new supreme leader, with pledges of allegiance from military and political figures.
- President Trump expresses dissatisfaction with Iran's choice of new supreme leader and offers varying rationales for U.S. involvement in the war, including no clear endgame.
- Ongoing U.S.-China preparations for a potential Trump-Xi summit later in March, aimed at stability amid tensions, though expectations are low for major breakthroughs.
World Affairs:
- Continued U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian sites (e.g., oil refineries), creating "apocalyptic" scenes with toxic smoke and explosions in the capital.
- Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei takes power amid the war, with hardline stances likely to view the U.S. as an enemy.
- Escalating concerns about the war's sustainability, regional spillover, and lack of coherent endgame from U.S./allied perspectives.
Education: Education news is relatively quiet today, with no major breaking national/international stories dominating headlines. Notable items include:
- Delhi government begins admissions for government and aided special schools (online registration open March 9-17).
- Ongoing White House emphasis on school choice and parental rights as part of broader education reforms under the current administration.
- Some coverage of civic learning initiatives in states like New York, highlighting student engagement.
Economy:
- Markets react to Middle East escalation, with energy volatility, oil price concerns, and fears of stagflation (e.g., U.S. job losses and rising costs noted in recent data).
- Upcoming key data releases this week (U.S. CPI inflation on Wednesday, China inflation, UK GDP) under the shadow of the war's potential impact on energy and supply chains.
- Global PMI signals stronger output growth earlier, but current conflict adds uncertainty.
Technology: Tech stories are more evergreen or forward-looking today, with limited breaking news tied to March 9 specifically:
- Discussions around breakthrough technologies for 2026 (e.g., per MIT lists), including AI advancements and alternatives.
- Ongoing industry shifts, such as OpenAI-related resignations over military AI deals (from recent days) and privacy-focused open-source tools gaining traction.
- Broader coverage of AI growth, data centers, and pushback against unchecked Big Tech expansion.
Health:
- Studies on ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects via brain imaging for treatment-resistant depression.
- Exploration of non-psychedelic "magic mushroom" derivatives for depression treatment without hallucinations.
- Ongoing reports linking GLP-1 drugs (e.g., Ozempic) to potential benefits like reduced migraine severity or reversing osteoarthritis damage.
Sports:
- NHL: Buffalo Sabres' dramatic 8-7 comeback win over Tampa Bay Lightning (March 8 game, highlights circulating March 9).
- T20 World Cup: New Zealand defeats (or related finals/hurdles) in cricket, with coverage of Black Caps' performance.
- Other: MLS NEXT PRO matches (e.g., Red Bull New York II vs. Inter Miami CF II), NCAA DIII men's ice hockey selections, and general weekend recaps.
The Iran conflict is the defining story across most categories right now—let me know if you'd like deeper details on any specific one!
Federal Judge Voids Mass Layoffs at Voice of America https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/08/federal-judge-voids-mass-layoffs-at-voice-of-america/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Federal Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that Kari Lake’s appointment to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media was illegal due to lack of Senate confirmation, violating the Vacancies Act.
- Kari Lake, an election denier and Trump appointee, was tasked with shutting down the Voice of America and converting it into a propaganda tool.
- Judge Lamberth criticized Trump’s decision to circumvent Congress’s legal procedures for agency leadership appointments, calling it unconstitutional.
- The ruling allows 1,000 staff members at VOA to potentially return to their jobs, though an appeal by Lake is expected.
Are Our Public Schools Creating Trump Voters or "Woke" Radicals? https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/08/are-our-public-schools-creating-trump-voters-or-woke-radicals/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The blog critiques the idea that public schools are solely responsible for political ideologies, such as producing Trump voters or "woke" radicals.
- Economic inequality, political disillusionment, and the rise of oligarchic power are highlighted as major contributors to current political trends.
- Media, particularly right-wing propaganda, and cultural factors like racism and authoritarian parenting, are discussed as influential forces shaping political attitudes.
- The blog emphasizes the need for education to focus on critical thinking, civic participation, and teaching about democracy and totalitarianism.
- There is criticism of the weaponization of public education, with calls to support educators and stop using schools as scapegoats for societal problems.
ICYMI: The River Is Rising Edition (3/8) PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/icymi-the-river-is-rising-edition
### Key Points
- Rising river levels near The Institute highlight a natural cleansing process while education-related topics are discussed.
- New Hampshire's Supreme Court revisits landmark Claremont decisions on public education funding, with potential risks of reduced funding.
- Federal voucher programs and their implications on civil rights and public oversight are analyzed.
- Ohio’s “Dropout Recovery” charter schools face criticism for lack of accountability and effectiveness.
- Teacher morale in Ohio is low, with nearly half considering quitting.
- Book bans and the push to replace teachers with technology are examined as part of broader education debates.
- Louisiana’s 10 Commandments Law is linked to Christian nationalism in schools.
- Culture wars and criticism of public schools contribute to policy disinvestment and leadership turnover.
- ProPublica sues the Education Department for withholding records on school discrimination.
- Many U.S. teachers struggle financially, often working second jobs.
- The Trump administration seeks to reduce federal oversight while increasing control over local school policies.
- Arizona’s school voucher program misuses taxpayer funds on items like LEGO sets.
- Florida reduces funds for a successful academic rewards program.
- Backlash against school vouchers is influencing election outcomes.
- Critiques of AI in education and the debate over grades versus standardized testing are highlighted.
- The Heritage Foundation proposes laws to deny free public schooling to undocumented children.
- A proposal for “Child Impact Statements” in policymaking is suggested but unlikely to be adopted.
- Montana’s Senate race includes a former educator and independent candidate.
- A new report addresses teacher recruitment and retention challenges.
Choosing Democracy: Barack Obama : Our Tasks https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/03/barack-obama-our-tasks.html
Detailed Summary for [Full Barack Obama speech at Jesse Jackson memorial: 'His voice calls on each of us'](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTgwbN1_7Xo&t=1426s) by [Monica](https://monica.im)
[20:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTgwbN1_7Xo&t=1426s&t=1219.83) In this segment of Barack Obama's speech, he reflects on the profound sacrifices made by Reverend Jesse Jackson and his family in the pursuit of justice and equality. Obama emphasizes Jackson's unwavering commitment to service, even in the face of personal challenges, and shares a personal anecdote that highlights Jackson's enduring spirit and dedication to social causes.
- Obama acknowledges Reverend Jackson's deep understanding of sacrifice and the challenges he faced.}
- He emphasizes that the sacrifices made by Jackson were shared by his family, illustrating their collective strength.}
- Obama reflects on the faith that guided Jackson, which remained strong despite his declining health.}
- He recounts a personal visit with Jackson, showcasing his determination to continue advocating for important issues even while ailing.}
- Obama reminisces about their past interactions, highlighting Jackson's passion for service and community engagement.}
glen brown: "Trump is a symptom. The deeper illness is collective" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/trump-is-symptom-deeper-illness-is.html
### Key Points
- The article criticizes Donald Trump’s war on Iran, calling it illegal and unconstitutional, and highlights the lack of congressional authorization for the action.
- The author discusses the attempted demolition of the Kennedy Center by the Trump administration, which violates congressional mandates to maintain it as a cultural hub.
- The piece underscores the broader issues of undermining the rule of law, including violations of the UN Charter and the War Powers Resolution.
- The importance of journalism and public engagement in holding leaders accountable is emphasized, particularly in the face of media consolidation by influential individuals.
- The article mentions the significance of preserving cultural and educational institutions like the Kennedy Center against political overreach.
Education Pundits Reading Finland Wrong Again: It's the Poverty Redux "Progressivism happened to Finland." Katharine Birbalsingh (posted on Twitter) PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/education-pundits-reading-finland
### Key Points
- Finland was once celebrated by progressives for its high teacher autonomy and rejection of standardized testing but is now criticized by conservatives as a model of progressive failure.
- Research shows that income inequality and childhood poverty are significant factors in student achievement, as demonstrated by Finland's past success and more recent struggles.
- Finland's declining test scores correlate with rising child poverty and material deprivation, emphasizing the role of systemic factors over in-school practices in educational outcomes.
- The U.S. continues to misinterpret Finland's education data, ignoring the importance of addressing poverty and inequity through social reforms to improve educational performance.
Schools Matter: NY Times Provides Patronizing Review of Michael Pollan’s New Book http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/03/ny-times-provides-patronizing-review-of.html
### Key Points
- Michael Pollan's book "A World Appears" investigates the mystery of consciousness, exploring why humans experience subjective awareness and the brain's role in creating a sense of self.
- Pollan does not claim to have definitive answers but provides a deeply personal and engaging exploration of consciousness through interviews with experts and reflections.
- The book aims to help readers appreciate the everyday miracle of consciousness and the world that appears when one opens their eyes.
Episode #149: Iran On My Mind with Sepehr Vakil – Under the Tree Podcast https://underthetreepod.com/2026/03/08/episode-149-iran-on-my-mind-with-sepehr-vakil/
- Episode #149 of the "Under the Tree Podcast" explores the ongoing war in the Middle East, focusing on the US-Iran dynamic, the autocratic regime in Iran, and the plight of Iranians both in-country and in the diaspora.
- The discussion features Sepehr Vakil, an associate professor at Northwestern University, who is also an activist and author of "Revolutionary Engineers: Learning, Politics, and Activism at Aryamehr University of Technology."
- The podcast delves into the complexities of Iranian protests, societal struggles, and the broader implications of war, emphasizing the emotions of desperation and resistance among Iranians.
- Resources related to Sepehr Vakil's work, including his book, Substack writings, comedy clips, and podcast appearances, are highlighted for further exploration.
International Women’s Day | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2026/03/08/international-womens-day/
### Key Points
- The article celebrates International Women’s Day, emphasizing its significance for a humane future.
- References to previous celebrations of International Women’s Day in 2018, 2021, and 2023 are included.
- Mentions recent blog updates, including a seminar on freedom and other topics like politics, education, and fiction.
- Provides an archive of blog posts dating back to 2007, showcasing a long history of content creation.
Daylight Savings Time | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2026/03/08/daylight-savings-time/
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- The article discusses an Indigenous perspective on daylight savings time, humorously critiquing the concept by comparing it to cutting and sewing a blanket to make it longer.
- The content includes references to various topics such as International Women’s Day and seminars on freedom, indicating a diverse range of discussions.
- A comprehensive archive of posts dating back to 2006 is listed, showcasing the longevity and breadth of the blog's content.
Is Diversity Illegal? Trump Aftermath — Join Us Live on The Doc Chat Show – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/03/08/is-diversity-illegal-trump-aftermath-join-us-live-on-the-doc-chat-show/
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education’s "Dear Colleague Letter" caused confusion and fear, pressuring institutions to reconsider DEI initiatives.
- Federal judges blocked parts of the policy, questioning the government’s authority and clarifying that DEI is not illegal.
- Institutions are now faced with a leadership challenge to decide their stance on DEI in the absence of legal uncertainty.
- Transparency and open discussions are crucial for addressing the aftermath and guiding responsible leadership in education.
- The article promotes a live discussion on March 10, 2026, to reflect on the controversy and its long-term implications for higher education.
Teaching Writing is Personal. | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2026/03/08/teaching-writing-is-personal/
Teaching Writing is Personal
- The author emphasizes the effectiveness of teaching formal research writing through one-on-one conferencing, allowing students to improve their writing and receive personalized feedback.
- Students are encouraged to revise their work multiple times and can achieve a perfect score if they persist in the process, fostering pride and authenticity in their writing.
- AI-generated work is rejected, as the focus is on students creating their own authentic content and understanding their writing.
- The process teaches students valuable skills such as research, citation, transitioning between ideas, and independent learning while building a strong teacher-student relationship.
- The method is labor-intensive but rewarding, as it helps students feel valued and seen by their teacher.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: AI and Your Student in Seattle Public Schools https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/03/ai-and-your-student-in-seattle-public.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is adopting AI tools such as MagicSchool AI, Canva, and Adobe Express to enhance education, but concerns about ethical use, privacy, and misuse have been raised.
- The SPS Artificial Intelligence Handbook provides guidelines on integrating AI responsibly, focusing on student safety, privacy, and equitable access to AI tools.
- AI tools are being used to personalize learning, provide real-time feedback, and assist teachers with administrative tasks, but SPS emphasizes the importance of human involvement in education.
- SPS has categorized AI usage into "Recommended," "Permitted," and "Restricted" levels, requiring proper citation for AI-assisted work and prohibiting unauthorized use.
- Efforts are being made to address AI-related risks, such as bias, data privacy, and over-reliance, while promoting ethical use and digital citizenship.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today is Sunday, March 8, 2026, and the news cycle is dominated by a major military escalation in the Middle East and domestic political tension over the administration's internal leadership.
Here are the top stories regarding President Trump today:
1. Escalation of War with Iran
The conflict with Iran has reached a critical point following the death of a seventh U.S. service member from wounds sustained in an earlier attack in Saudi Arabia.
"Cry Uncle": President Trump stated today that the U.S. and Israel have "shattered" Iranian military capabilities.
He has pressed Iranian leaders to "surrender" and "cry uncle," asserting that the U.S. has already won a war that others are still trying to fight. New Leadership in Iran: Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei has been named the new Supreme Leader of Iran following his father’s death.
Trump warned that the new leader won’t "last long" without his approval. Diplomatic Friction: Trump has openly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming Starmer is trying to join a war that is effectively over and stating that U.S. aircraft carriers are no longer needed in the Middle East.
2. Internal White House Turmoil: Stephen Miller Under Fire
Republican Senator Thom Tillis made headlines today by calling for the removal of senior White House adviser Stephen Miller.
Tillis described Miller as a "big problem" with "outsized influence" over the Cabinet, suggesting that Miller’s direction prevents qualified Cabinet members from doing their jobs.
This comes amid a push for Markwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, with Tillis expressing hope that Mullin would remain independent of Miller's influence.
3. Legal and Economic Challenges
Tariff Lawsuit: In a major business development, Nintendo filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration (specifically the Treasury and DHS).
The gaming giant is seeking refunds with interest for tariffs that were recently ruled "unlawful" by a federal judge. Voice of America Ruling: A federal judge ruled today that the Trump administration's actions to dismantle the Voice of America (VOA) were illegal, creating a new legal hurdle for the administration's media strategy.
4. Ceremonial and Diplomatic Calls
Dignified Transfer: President Trump and the First Lady participated in a ceremony for the fallen American heroes returning from the Middle East.
Fox News notably issued an apology today for accidentally airing an old clip during their coverage of this event. World Leader Calls: Trump held separate calls today with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the economy, trade, and the ongoing situation in the Middle East.