TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 5, 2026
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The dominant story across multiple categories today (March 7, 2026) is the ongoing U.S.-Israel military conflict with Iran, now in its second week. This includes heavy airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian targets, Iranian missile retaliations (including over Tel Aviv), President Trump's demands for Iran's "unconditional surrender," warnings of a prolonged war, and related escalations like oil supply disruptions and regional instability. Other notable developments include domestic U.S. political shifts and economic ripple effects.
U.S. News
- Escalating U.S. involvement in strikes on Iran, with reports of massive explosions and fires in Tehran from joint U.S.-Israeli operations.
- President Trump meets with defense contractors to ramp up missile interceptor production amid concerns over shortages from Iranian attacks.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ousted by Trump amid controversies, with a replacement nomination in play.
- Local incidents like arrests in Colorado on child sex charges and drug deals, though overshadowed by national security focus.
- Trump honors Inter Miami CF (including Lionel Messi) at the White House with a jeweled soccer ball gift.
Politics
- Trump demands Iran's unconditional surrender as any path to ending the conflict, rejecting negotiations otherwise.
- House narrowly rejects a war powers resolution to limit Trump's authority in the Iran conflict (212-219 vote).
- Ongoing fallout from Noem's firing from DHS, tied to hearings and administration shakeups.
- Trump touts Middle East strikes as a success while pushing for increased weapons manufacturing.
- Discussions around potential impeachment proceedings or related votes in Congress.
World Affairs
- Intense U.S.-Israeli bombardment of Iran continues, with fires in Tehran and Iranian missile barrages on Israel (sirens in Tel Aviv, interceptors activated).
- Iran reports civilian casualties; its UN envoy criticizes U.S.-Israel for ignoring "red lines."
- Potential Kurdish forces considering joining the offensive against Iran.
- Protests worldwide, including effigy burnings of Trump and Netanyahu in regions like Kashmir.
- Russia reportedly beginning indirect aid to Iran, amid broader Middle East instability and Houthi solidarity actions.
Education
- U.S. Department of Education advances Workforce Pell Grant program as part of Trump's tax cuts initiatives.
- Concerns over potential dismantling or major changes to the Department of Education under Trump.
- Governors' 2026 priorities include student nutrition/school meals, apprenticeships, school choice, and early learning expansions.
- Special education advocates warn against interagency transfers or cuts to programs like IDEA.
- New nutrition training commitments from medical schools, tied to HHS and Education Dept. collaboration.
Economy
- Surging U.S. gas/pump prices and oil market volatility due to Iran war disruptions and potential Gulf export cuts.
- Global stocks rebound slightly but remain volatile from Middle East tensions and tariff concerns.
- U.S. economy shows choppy early-2026 growth with uncertainty, higher prices, and severe weather impacts per Fed reports.
- Broader market reactions include fears of inflation from energy shocks and trade issues.
- International requests (e.g., Japan) to avoid disadvantages under new U.S. tariff rules.
Technology
- U.S. Commerce Dept. drafts strict regulations restricting AI chip shipments (Nvidia, AMD) globally without approval.
- Broadcom projects booming AI accelerator sales, with AI chip demand outpacing custom silicon efforts.
- Intel anticipates major Foundry wins soon, including potential external use of 18A process tech.
- Focus on accelerating innovation in areas like consumer electronics, automotive, data centers, and semiconductors.
- Reports of U.S. drawing up new AI guidelines amid industry clashes.
Health
- New ACOG guidelines aim to shorten endometriosis diagnosis times.
- Study suggests 7 hours and 19 minutes of sleep optimizes insulin sensitivity.
- Advances in cancer research: Switch discovered to revive exhausted T cells for better immunotherapy.
- Malaria parasite protein identified as essential for survival, opening potential new treatment paths.
- Drug reduces seizures by up to 91% in children with rare epilepsy (research highlights).
Sports
- World Baseball Classic (WBC) action: U.S. vs. Great Britain, Korea vs. Japan, Panama vs. Puerto Rico, and other matchups/exhibitions (e.g., Pirates vs. Tigers).
- Shohei Ohtani grand slam helps Japan rout Taiwan in WBC play.
- Ongoing NCAA men's basketball discussions on the race for the fourth No. 1 seed ahead of conference tournaments.
- MLS champion Inter Miami honored at White House by Trump (crossover with politics).
- Various college basketball games and A-10 semifinals in women's play.
Trump-Controlled Commission Delays His Gaudy Ballroom, Responding to Massive Public Opposition https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/06/trump-controlled-commission-approves-his-gaudy-ballroom-despite-massive-public-opposition/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration's actions have defunded and destabilized scientific research institutions, undermining public health and trust in science.
- Federal agencies like the NIH, CDC, and FDA have been severely impacted, with staff fired and operations frozen under the guise of efficiency and eliminating "woke politics."
- The administration's policies have reversed progress in combating diseases like HIV, with funding cuts to prevention and treatment programs.
- Researchers and institutions have faced challenges such as grant terminations, funding freezes, and ideological interference, leading to the loss of years of research and careers.
- LGBTQ+ health initiatives, including the PrEP-4-Teens program, were disrupted, impacting marginalized communities disproportionately.
- Scientists have been forced to make compromises, such as altering research language and appearance, to adapt to the administration's restrictions.
- The administration's policies have exacerbated existing health disparities, particularly among marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and people of color.
- Public health programs, including Medicaid and HIV-related services, have been weakened, threatening vulnerable populations.
- Despite some funding being restored, confusion and uncertainty persist, with political appointees influencing grant approvals.
- The article emphasizes the long-term damage to the scientific community and the challenges of rebuilding trust and infrastructure.
- The politicization of science under the Trump administration has led to a grim era where science is used as a political weapon rather than a tool for public good.
Heather Cox Richardson: A Chaotic Few Days https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/06/heather-cox-richardson-a-chaotic-few-days/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Former President Donald Trump has been behaving erratically, asserting influence over foreign matters such as Iran's leadership and pressuring Israel's president to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- Trump claimed to have joined a military attack on Iran based on a "feeling" that Iran was planning to attack the U.S., sparking controversy over his unilateral decisions in foreign policy.
- The Supreme Court struck down Trump's tariffs under the IEEPA as unconstitutional, leading to lawsuits and demands for refunds of $130 billion collected under the tariffs.
- Trump imposed new 15% tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which has been challenged by Democratic attorneys general.
- The Department of Justice dropped an investigation into claims that former President Joe Biden broke the law by using an autopen to sign documents, citing no credible case.
- Trump's plans to replace the East Wing of the White House with a ballroom faced significant public opposition, with 97% of public comments against the plan.
- Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem faced bipartisan criticism during congressional hearings for corruption, lawlessness, and mismanagement, including labeling political opponents as "domestic terrorists."
- Noem was accused of obstructing investigations and misusing funds, including a $220 million DHS ad campaign contract awarded to a company tied to her associates.
- Amid growing criticism, Trump announced on social media that he was replacing Noem with Senator Markwayne Mullin, though this requires Senate confirmation.
- Lawmakers condemned the Trump administration's broader pattern of corruption, partisanship, and disregard for the law, with Noem's actions seen as emblematic of these issues.
Assessing My Writing over the Decades https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/03/06/assessing-my-writing-over-the-decades/ via @CubanLarry
Larry Cuban reflects on his decades-long career as an educator, historian, and writer, discussing his key works and their impact on education policy, classroom practices, and school reform. He shares insights into his writing process, the questions that inspired his research, and his belief in writing as a form of teaching.
### Key Points
- Larry Cuban assesses his career, focusing on his contributions to education policy and classroom practices, and critiques the metrics used to measure influence.
- He highlights the satisfaction he derives from writing and views it as a teaching tool, noting how his works have influenced various audiences.
- Cuban discusses his major publications, including "How Teachers Taught" (1984), which analyzed a century of teaching reforms and their practical implementation.
- He reflects on "The Managerial Imperative" (1988), where he explored the core roles of educators and administrators, and the recurring cycles of school reform in "Reform Again, Again, and Again" (1990).
- Cuban co-authored "Tinkering toward Utopia" (1995) to examine the rhetoric versus the reality of school reforms over two centuries.
- In "Oversold and Underused" (2001), he analyzed the adoption and classroom use of technology, identifying recurring patterns in school reform efforts.
- His 2016 work, "Teaching History Then and Now," revisited his teaching experiences and compared them to contemporary practices.
- Cuban has published over 2,000 blog posts since 2009, addressing education policy, school reform, and teaching practices, continuing his mission to educate and inspire.
Autonomy in school: how autonomy is experienced matters more than how much autonomy is provided Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Autonomy satisfaction in schools supports persistence and achievement, while autonomy frustration leads to procrastination and school burnout. Boys rely more on autonomy satisfaction for motivation.
- Teens are increasingly sleep-deprived, with more than 50% getting less than 5 hours of sleep per night, which correlates with emotional regulation issues, poor academic performance, and health risks. Population-level interventions like later school start times are suggested.
- Problematic gaming among pre-teens is linked to psychotic-like experiences and mental health issues. Supportive environments at home and school can mitigate these effects.
- Pollen exposure negatively impacts academic performance, particularly in subjects requiring concentration like math, physics, and chemistry. Scheduling exams outside pollen seasons or raising awareness of pollen allergies could help.
- COVID-19 lockdowns hindered the development of self-regulation and cognitive flexibility in children, especially those in reception year. These children may require long-term support to recover.
- Loneliness in teens is often linked to social avoidance due to fear of judgment. Encouraging trust and social courage, as well as fostering low-pressure connections, can help alleviate loneliness.
- Best friends influence adolescents’ emotional and academic behaviors, while popular peers shape public image and social media engagement. Tailored interventions are needed to address different peer influences.
RIP Daniel Daniel Harkavy passes ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/rip-daniel
### Key Points
- The author met Daniel Harkavy during a UFT campaign, where Daniel shared his illness and his joy in small moments like attending a concert with his wife.
- Daniel was actively involved in the UFT, particularly with retirees, and maintained communication with them even as his health declined.
- He had cancer and passed away at the age of 63, which came as a surprise to the author despite some prior conversations about his condition.
- Daniel resigned from the RTC Executive Board due to his illness but continued to assist retiree delegates. He was engaged in both the ABC and ARISE campaigns, ultimately choosing ABC.
- He was a retired chemistry teacher from Brooklyn Tech, known for his intelligence and ability to connect with people through modern communication like texting.
- Daniel was knowledgeable about health care and insurance policies, often helping others navigate complex systems like Medicare and SHIP.
- He was active on Facebook, sharing memes and engaging with the community, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him.
- The author expresses deep respect and admiration for Daniel, emphasizing his wisdom, kindness, and the loss felt by his passing.
The Science of Reading Movement Has a Comprehension Problem [I]mproving comprehension on a researcher-designed test tied closely to instruction is not the same thing as improving comprehension on a standardized test. Nathaniel Hansford, 2026 PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/the-science-of-reading-movement-has
### Key Points
- The "Science of Reading" (SOR) movement, part of ongoing education reform in the US, has failed to deliver on its promises, with oversimplified solutions and unfulfilled goals.
- SOR's focus on systematic phonics, labeled as "settled science," is criticized for being an oversimplified approach not fully supported by research or effective in improving reading comprehension.
- England's adoption of systematic phonics in 2006 has been challenged for its failure to address reading comprehension, a core goal of literacy.
- A divide exists within SOR advocates, with one group focusing on phonics and another promoting broader knowledge-based approaches, such as ED Hirsch’s Core Knowledge.
- Research shows that comprehension strategies, vocabulary, and background knowledge instruction have inconsistent effects on standardized test outcomes, highlighting a gap between research claims and practical application.
- Teaching content knowledge to support comprehension transfer is more complex than often suggested, with studies showing high variability and limited success in achieving standardized test improvements.
- The article emphasizes the complexity of reading research, cautioning against black-and-white advocacy and legislation based on incomplete evidence.
Schools Matter: As Epsteiners Skitter Off to Find a Rock to Get Under, Felon-in-Chief Remains Supremely Unashamed http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/03/as-epsteiners-skitter-off-to-find-rock.html
- A new documentary sheds light on the controversial takeover of Florida's New College by Governor Ron DeSantis, highlighting issues of censorship and authoritarian governance in higher education.
- The blog emphasizes the influence of socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, on education outcomes rather than solely focusing on teacher quality.
- The blog archives and articles explore various topics, including the impact of standardized testing, corporate influence on education, and the challenges faced by teachers and students.
- Reviews and essays critique education reforms, such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and discuss the broader implications of testing and privatization on public schools.
glen brown: The Bombing of an Iranian Girls' School https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-bombing-of-iranian-girls-school.html
### Key Points
- A U.S. airstrike, in coordination with Israeli forces, allegedly bombed an Iranian girls' school, killing over 160 people, mostly children, in Minab.
- The incident is under investigation, with U.S. military officials tentatively acknowledging responsibility. The attack could constitute a war crime if confirmed.
- The New York Times analysis supports the claim that the U.S. likely carried out the strike, based on evidence such as social media posts and geolocation data.
- U.S. officials, including Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have downplayed the incident, with some dismissing "rules of engagement" that protect civilians.
- International organizations and experts have condemned the attack, highlighting violations of international humanitarian law. Calls for accountability and investigations have been raised.
- The blog also references other issues, including U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, MAGA Christian nationalism, and broader social justice concerns.
The Backlash Against School Vouchers Is Showing Up at the Polls A potent issue keeps getting missed by the media JENNIFER BERKSHIRE https://educationwars.substack.com/p/the-backlash-against-school-vouchers
### Key Points
- The media often misrepresents school vouchers as a popular conservative issue, ignoring voter backlash and dissatisfaction.
- Grassroots conservative activists in Texas oppose vouchers, viewing them as government overreach and a betrayal by GOP leaders.
- Voter discontent over vouchers has led to unexpected election results, such as Democrats winning in traditionally Republican areas.
- In North Carolina, opposition to vouchers has put influential Republican leaders at risk of losing elections.
- Arkansas voters rejected Governor Sanders' pro-voucher agenda, signaling bipartisan resistance.
- Critics argue that vouchers benefit the wealthy at the expense of public education and democracy, uniting conservatives and progressives in opposition.
- Studies show that while voucher advocates succeed in legislatures, they struggle to gain public support, as seen in states like Kentucky and Nebraska.
Teacher Tom: It's Respect that Matters https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/its-respect-that-matters.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom shares his experience of raising his daughter in a non-gender-specific environment, challenging societal expectations.
- He discusses the interplay between nature and nurture in shaping gender identity, citing examples from his life and others.
- Tom argues for respecting children's self-identified gender and allowing them to express themselves freely, without societal pressures.
- The article critiques gender stereotypes and emphasizes the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive environment for children.
- Teacher Tom advocates for overcoming social conditioning and embracing gender-neutral approaches to foster respect and individuality.
School Voucher Math PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/school-voucher-math
### Key Points
- The article critiques the argument made by voucher supporters, particularly Julie Emerson, who claims that taxpayers should have flexibility in how their dollars are spent on education, suggesting that vouchers allow parents to use their own tax dollars for their child’s education.
- The article uses Louisiana as an example to demonstrate that the cost of voucher programs far exceeds the amount of property taxes paid by an average family over a lifetime.
- Voucher programs result in taxpayers subsidizing the education of others, as the funds provided by vouchers often come from the tax dollars of neighbors, not just the individual taxpayer.
- The argument that voucher users are simply reclaiming their own tax dollars is labeled as dishonest, as in reality, they are also utilizing the tax contributions of other people.
- The author criticizes the principle that taxpayers should decide exactly how their tax dollars are spent, arguing that this logic is flawed and not applied consistently across other areas like military spending.
Adults Are Arguing. The Students Are Already Moving On. https://norinrad10.com/2026/03/06/adults-are-arguing-the-students-are-already-moving-on/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points
- The Tennessee General Assembly continues to propose controversial legislative changes, with little focus on addressing existing issues.
- A bill in the Tennessee House requires school districts to track and report students' immigration status, raising concerns about targeting specific districts and violating federal law.
- Educating non-English-speaking students is a financial concern, with costs estimated at $500 million statewide, and the bill could jeopardize $1.1 billion in federal education funding.
- Teacher unions in Tennessee, particularly the Tennessee Education Association (TEA), have lost influence over the years, leaving teachers with fewer avenues for advocacy.
- HB2226 proposes to eliminate collaborative conferencing for teachers, further reducing their ability to negotiate working conditions.
- The TEA has faced criticism for focusing on social issues rather than classroom-related matters, which has led to political opposition and diminished influence.
- A proposed bill would require students to learn about the religious beliefs of the nation's founders, revealing gaps in lawmakers’ understanding of historical documents.
- Another bill suggests constructing 40-by-40-foot plazas on every public university campus in Tennessee, dedicated to displaying historical documents and honoring conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk.
- An investigative report raised questions about a potential conflict of interest involving a consulting contract between Metro Nashville Public Schools and a lobbying firm employing a former Chief of Staff.
- Students in Nashville are embracing artificial intelligence as a tool for learning, using it to solve problems and enhance their understanding, while recognizing the risks of overreliance.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, March 6, 2026, news surrounding the Trump administration is dominated by an escalating conflict with Iran, a major shakeup at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and new executive actions on cybersecurity.
1. Escalating War with Iran
The conflict with Iran, now in its seventh day, is the primary headline today.
"Unconditional Surrender": President Trump has ruled out negotiations with Tehran, calling for the "unconditional surrender" of the Iranian government.
He has publicly stated he intends to have a role in selecting Iran's next leadership. Military Action: Israeli warplanes, supported by the U.S., carried out heavy strikes in Beirut and Tehran today.
While Trump stated on Thursday that sending U.S. ground troops is "not on the table at the moment," the conflict is spreading, with reports of Iranian drones hitting targets in Azerbaijan. Global Impact: Oil prices are spiking toward $150 a barrel due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, the U.S. Treasury issued a 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil to stabilize energy markets.
2. DHS Leadership Shakeup
President Trump has removed Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.
New Nominee: Trump has nominated Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the department, calling him a "Maga warrior."
Noem has been reassigned to a new role as a special envoy for a security initiative. Funding Crisis: This transition occurs while the DHS is under a partial shutdown.
Senate Democrats recently blocked a funding bill for the third time, demanding stronger guardrails on immigration enforcement.
3. Cybersecurity Executive Order
The White House announced today that President Trump has signed a new Executive Order to Combat Cybercrime and Fraud.
The order targets transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) involved in "scam centers," ransomware, and "sextortion."
It directs the Attorney General to prioritize prosecutions of these schemes and proposes a "Victims Restoration Program" to return seized funds to those defrauded.
4. Foreign Policy & Trade
Venezuela Model: Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro earlier this year, the U.S. and Venezuela have officially agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations.
Trump is touting this "regime change" as the blueprint for his current strategy in Iran. Latin America Summit: Trump is hosting the "Shield of the Americas" summit at Mar-a-Lago this weekend.
The goal is to strengthen economic ties with Latin American leaders to counter China's growing influence in the region.
5. Domestic Headlines
Epstein Files: The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday.
These documents include previously "mis-coded" uncorroborated allegations against Trump from the 1980s, which the President has consistently denied. "Trump Accounts": The IRS issued proposed regulations today for "Trump Accounts," a new savings vehicle established under the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" passed earlier in his term.