TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 14, 2026
Here are the top news stories for March 14, 2026 (or the immediate surrounding period), based on prominent developments across major sources. The dominant global story is the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran, now in its third week (entering day 14+), with escalating strikes, oil market disruptions, and humanitarian impacts.
U.S. News
- U.S. forces strike Iran's Kharg Island — President Trump announces that U.S. military has "obliterated" military targets on Kharg Island (Iran's main oil export terminal), with warnings of further hits on oil infrastructure amid efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
- Temporary lift of sanctions on Russian oil — The Trump administration lifts sanctions on Russian oil shipments to help stabilize global energy supplies and curb soaring prices triggered by the Iran conflict.
- Deployment of additional U.S. forces to the Middle East — 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship are ordered to the region as reinforcements during the nearly two-week-old war.
- Other domestic notes — Reports of federal judges ordering reinstatement of fired workers and various policy moves, though overshadowed by international events.
Politics
- Trump administration's aggressive stance on Iran — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vows "no quarter, no mercy" as strikes intensify; Trump warns of "very hard" hits next week and notes differing U.S.-Israel objectives.
- Emergency powers invoked for oil operations — The administration uses emergency authority to restart oil operations off California coasts amid energy crisis concerns.
- Broader political context — Discussions around Democratic branding issues ahead of 2026 midterms, and reactions to the war as a "war of choice."
World Affairs
- Escalation in U.S.-Israel-Iran war — Attacks step up with no signs of de-escalation; U.S. and Israel target sites in Tehran and elsewhere; Iran vows retaliation, Hezbollah promises an "existential" fight.
- Humanitarian crisis — UN reports 3.2 million displaced in under two weeks; rising casualties in Lebanon and elsewhere; protests in Tehran on Al-Quds Day.
- Oil and energy market chaos — Strikes on Kharg Island and threats to the Strait of Hormuz drive energy prices higher; global scramble for alternatives, including Russian oil exemptions.
- Regional impacts — Projectile incidents in Iraq; ongoing strikes affecting allies and infrastructure.
Education
- Ongoing Trump-era changes to federal education — Continued downsizing of the Department of Education, with most K-12 programs transferred elsewhere; banners and policy shifts (e.g., featuring figures like Charlie Kirk) highlight ideological changes.
- Higher education policy tracking — State-level developments, including application trends (e.g., rise in Black student applications via Common App) and leadership changes at universities.
- Funding and voucher issues — Delays in IEPs threatening school voucher funds for families with disabilities.
Economy
- Inflation and energy pressures from Iran war — Oil prices near $100/barrel; consumer prices rose in early 2026 before the conflict added more strain; revised lower GDP growth for late 2025.
- Tariff and policy impacts — Ongoing effects from tariffs, with muted but present price increases; potential re-acceleration of inflation in the first half of 2026.
- Market reactions — Stocks mixed amid war uncertainties; concerns over deficits if military action prolongs.
Technology
- China's new Five-Year Plan for tech dominance — Blueprint unveiled to lead in AI, humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, flying cars, and more by 2030, intensifying U.S.-China rivalry.
- AI and cybersecurity developments — Reports on AI threats (e.g., psychosis cases, agent contexts); Red Piranha's 2026 threat report highlights shift to cyber espionage and APTs.
- Industry moves — Nvidia AI roadmap previews; new ventures like Travis Kalanick's robotics-focused company; xAI restarts.
Health
- General health research highlights — Studies on "mirror" molecules starving cancer cells; blood protein patterns for Alzheimer's; medieval disease insights.
- Policy under Trump — Continued tracking of HHS actions (e.g., past vaccine mandate prohibitions in schools); advocacy on Medicaid requirements and marketplace plans.
- Broader notes — Influenza vaccine guidance; Medicare Advantage payment debates.
Sports
- World Baseball Classic advances — Team USA defeats Canada to set up semifinal vs. Dominican Republic; strong performances in tournament play.
- College basketball conference tournaments — Big 12 and SEC semifinals (e.g., Ole Miss games); March Madness bubble watch and bracket predictions as Selection Sunday nears.
- Horse racing — Top races at Gulfstream, Aqueduct, etc., highlighted for the day.
The Iran conflict dominates much of the news cycle, affecting energy, economy, and global stability. For visuals on key events like Kharg Island strikes or WBC action, let me know if you'd like recommendations!
Could Someone Please Sew Up This ICE Agent's Pants? https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/13/could-someone-please-sew-up-this-ice-agents-pants/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aimed to cut $1 trillion in federal spending but failed to achieve its target.
- DOGE's cost-cutting measures included firing hundreds of thousands of civil servants, which led to inefficiencies and high costs.
- Cuts to USAID funding are projected to cause over 14 million deaths globally by 2030, including 4.5 million children under five.
- Analyses revealed that most of DOGE's claimed savings were inaccurate, with many based on errors such as double-counting, timeline mistakes, and misclassifications.
- DOGE's actions caused $21.7 billion in waste, including costs from employee layoffs, administrative inefficiencies, and disrupted programs.
- DOGE faced criticism for accessing confidential Social Security data and causing chaos in federal agencies.
### Key Points
- Commentary on the Trump administration's handling of the Iran war, including poor planning and propaganda tactics.
- Rising antisemitism, hate crimes, and the dangers of dehumanization of marginalized groups.
- Judicial opposition to Trump’s efforts to defund states with sanctuary policies, highlighting separation of powers.
- Discussion of freedom of speech and pluralism by Justice Amy Coney Barrett amid declining public confidence in the Supreme Court.
- Concerns about voter suppression efforts through the SAVE Act and its impact on upcoming elections.
- Broader societal issues, including racism, healthcare inequality, environmental concerns, and the erosion of democracy.
- Reflection on the role of writers in resisting oppression and maintaining awareness of societal flaws.
Teacher Tom: Pride of Authorship https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/pride-of-authorship.html
### Key Points
- The author reflects on encountering AI-generated content resembling their own work, raising concerns about authorship and proper credit.
- Historical context of copyright laws, highlighting how ownership of creative works evolved from communal gifts to individual property.
- Ancient art and thought were seen as imitations of divine perfection, with no emphasis on originality or individual ownership.
- The printing press and copyright laws shifted focus to originality, giving rise to the concept of individual creative genius.
- AI's emergence may lead to diminished pride in authorship, with creative output increasingly commodified as "content."
- Preschoolers exemplify a natural approach to creativity, freely gifting their art without attachment to ownership.
- The author values preschool as a space where creativity is appreciated as a gift rather than commodified.
Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: The Lack of Evidence for Ubiquitous Classroom Technology | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/lack-evidence
- The article critiques the heavy reliance on "evidence-based" and "data-driven" decision-making in educational policy, highlighting that political and practical factors often outweigh research findings in shaping policies.
- Historical examples demonstrate that major educational reforms, such as the introduction of public schools, kindergartens, and classroom technology, were driven more by political and ideological motivations than by research evidence.
- The belief that scientifically researched findings and student outcome data always lead to effective policies is challenged, as policymakers often prioritize modernization, public confidence, and efficiency over evidence.
- The push for classroom technology, such as tablets and software, is often justified by cultural values, competitive pressures, and perceived efficiency, despite limited evidence of their impact on teaching practices and student outcomes.
- The author argues that decisions to adopt educational innovations often lack substantial research support, revealing a pattern where political and practical considerations dominate.
Help us speak out on class size and AI! | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/help-us-speak-out-on-class-size-and-ai/
### Key Points
- Parents and teachers are encouraged to attend the Chancellor's Listening Sessions to address issues like school overcrowding and AI expansion.
- Excessive use of educational technology, including AI, is linked to drops in student achievement and mental health concerns.
- NYC schools are rapidly adopting AI tools, such as HMH products, despite privacy concerns and criticisms of their educational value.
- Some AI tools may violate state privacy laws by using student data for commercial purposes without parental consent.
- Open AI and other companies face criticism for their products’ data-mining practices and partnerships with controversial organizations.
- Concerns are raised about the ed tech industry's influence and lack of regulation, with calls for stricter oversight and advocacy against AI misuse.
- The article promotes signing petitions and participating in events to support smaller class sizes and advocate for AI regulations.
Spring Break, The Legislature’s Sprint, and Questions at MNPS https://norinrad10.com/2026/03/13/spring-break-the-legislatures-sprint-and-questions-at-mnps/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points
- Spring Break offers families a much-needed pause in the school year, but for some, it’s a time for local activities rather than travel.
- The Tennessee General Assembly is nearing the end of its session, with lawmakers expediting decisions due to the upcoming election year and a new governor set to take office.
- Speculation has begun about the next Tennessee Commissioner of Education, as the current one is expected to leave. This could mark a shift from the influence of Jeb Bush-aligned education reform networks.
- Many legislative bills introduced at the start of the session are being dropped due to lack of political support or high fiscal costs.
- A bill proposing to eliminate collaborative conferencing for teachers is moving forward, with potential amendments being discussed.
- Teachers are reporting an increase in classroom observations and walkthroughs, raising concerns about the evaluation system’s effectiveness. Discussions about granting highly-rated teachers more autonomy are currently stalled.
- The “Charlie Kirk Heritage Act” proposes teaching about the influence of religion in American history in public schools, raising concerns about the separation of church and state. The bill’s future remains uncertain.
- Investigative reporter Phil Williams highlighted a controversial MNPS consulting contract with The Ingram Group, raising questions about its high cost and overlap with existing leadership roles.
- MNPS Superintendent Adrienne Battle and her team are required to present improvement plans for priority schools to the Tennessee State Board of Education on March 23, following legislative requirements.
- The upcoming MNPS school board elections are taking shape, with several districts having candidates running unopposed, while others may see competitive races.
Protest Demanding Two Year Moratorium on AI Use in NYC Schools | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy https://studentprivacymatters.org/protest-demanding-two-year-moratorium-on-ai-use-in-nyc-schools/
- Parents and educators in NYC, supported by various advocacy groups, are calling for a two-year moratorium on the use of generative AI in schools due to concerns about student privacy, cognitive development, creativity, mental health, and environmental impacts.
- Over 1,300 NYC parents, teachers, and community members have signed a petition urging Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels to pause AI implementation until proper safeguards are established.
- Advocacy organizations provide resources like toolkits for parents and educators to protect student privacy and advocate for better policies.
- Recent posts highlight other privacy-related concerns, such as telehealth counseling contracts in Chicago and updates on federal and state privacy regulations.
- Parents and advocates are pressing for stronger consent-based privacy regulations and opposing policies that allow unchecked data sharing or AI adoption in schools.
The Power of Superhero Mythology: "The Night Gwen Stacy Died" "WITH GREAT POWER THERE MUST ALSO COME — GREAT RESPONSIBILITY!" Amazing Fantasy 15 (1962) PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/the-power-of-superhero-mythology
- Parents and educators in NYC, supported by various advocacy groups, are calling for a two-year moratorium on the use of generative AI in schools due to concerns about student privacy, cognitive development, creativity, mental health, and environmental impacts.
- Over 1,300 NYC parents, teachers, and community members have signed a petition urging Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels to pause AI implementation until proper safeguards are established.
- Advocacy organizations provide resources like toolkits for parents and educators to protect student privacy and advocate for better policies.
- Recent posts highlight other privacy-related concerns, such as telehealth counseling contracts in Chicago and updates on federal and state privacy regulations.
- Parents and advocates are pressing for stronger consent-based privacy regulations and opposing policies that allow unchecked data sharing or AI adoption in schools.
CURMUDGUCATION: Zuck's Ed Tech Baby Goes With A Whimper https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2026/03/zucks-ed-tech-baby-goes-with-whimper.html
### Key Points
- Summit Schools, founded by Diane Tavenner in 2003, aimed to implement personalized learning with a low-tech approach. Mark Zuckerberg became involved in 2014, providing funding and technology support.
- Summit Learning expanded to around 400 schools at its peak, promoting a tech-based, personalized learning model supported by Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. However, many schools and parents criticized the program for its heavy reliance on screen time, lack of teacher interaction, and questionable online resources.
- Parents and educators raised concerns about inappropriate content, excessive screen time, and data privacy issues associated with the program. Summit shared data with 18 partners, raising suspicions about motives.
- Summit's digital program was spun off into a nonprofit in 2018, with ties to the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). The model relied heavily on computer-managed algorithms and low-cost "coaches" to oversee students.
- In 2023, CZI rebranded Summit as Gradient, which aimed to improve consistency in implementation. However, the program still faced criticism for being vague and ineffective.
- In 2026, Gradient announced its transition to Transcend, a nonprofit focused on educational innovation. Critics argue that Transcend, like its predecessors, offers vague ideals without practical solutions, continuing a cycle of failed education reforms.
- The article questions the private sector's approach to education reform, suggesting that failures are often recycled rather than abandoned.
Hegseth on the Strait of Hormuz: 'Umm, we planned it this way.' Lots of braggadocio about military superiority, but the straight remains closed. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/hegseth-on-the-strait-of-hormuz-umm
- Pete Hegseth's response to a question about U.S. military superiority and the Strait of Hormuz showcased strategic ambiguity, emphasizing deliberate action aligned with the President’s objectives rather than media pressure.
- The article critiques American military exceptionalism, highlighting its tendency to dismiss defeats as anomalies rather than learning from adversaries' strategies or advantages.
- Iran's strategic preparation for confrontation with the U.S., following the withdrawal from the nuclear deal, exploited American overconfidence and blind spots in strategy.
- The closure of the Strait of Hormuz underscores the limitations of relying on beliefs in superiority rather than evidence-based strategies.
The Ca Dept of Ed (CDE) released an updated sample Food Service MGMT Co (FSMC) Request for Proposals (RFP) and Model Fixed-price Contract. The documents are available in the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/fsmcrfpcontractincnips.asp
- The California Department of Education (CDE) has released an updated sample Food Service Management Company (FSMC) Request for Proposals (RFP) and Model Fixed-price Contract, available in the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS).
- Updates include a Certificate of Compliance for Buy American and California Agricultural Preference Requirements, revised RFP and contract language, and updated regulations for School Food Authority and FSMC responsibilities.
- Additional resources on FSMC contract preapproval and monitoring are available on the CDE website. Contact information for the School Food Service Contracts Unit is provided for inquiries.
- Recently posted updates in nutrition include information on the 2026 SUN Bucks data submission, CEP application details, interagency agreements for School Nutrition Programs, and a School Nutrition Town Hall webinar.
- The article provides links to related resources and mentions trending and popular content in nutrition and education from the California Department of Education.
Remembering David Berliner: A Scholar Who Lifted Others – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/03/13/remembering-david-berliner-a-scholar-who-lifted-others/
- The article pays tribute to David C. Berliner, a prominent education scholar who significantly influenced the understanding of teaching, learning, and the politics of public education.
- Berliner co-authored the landmark book *The Manufactured Crisis*, which challenged exaggerated claims about the failure of American public schools and highlighted structural challenges like poverty and inequality.
- His work emphasized that public education is foundational to democracy, not just about test scores or workforce preparation.
- Berliner co-edited *Public Education: The Cornerstone of American Democracy*, bringing together scholars to explore the role of public schools in sustaining democratic society.
- He was known for mentoring emerging scholars, encouraging them to challenge dominant narratives, and supporting equity-focused research.
- Berliner’s legacy includes reshaping views on educational inequality, accountability, and political narratives while exemplifying the role of a scholar in service of democracy.
- The author reflects on personal interactions with Berliner, highlighting his generosity, encouragement, and commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers.
- The article ends with a heartfelt farewell and acknowledgment of Berliner’s profound impact on education and democracy.
Teens spend nearly one-third of the school day on smartphones Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- College students with lower self-control tend to procrastinate using short-form videos, leading to poorer sleep health and higher stress but not affecting grades.
- Short-form video use is tied to escapism and social connection, with media psychology concepts like "flow" explaining the immersion experienced during use.
- Research on short-form video platforms addresses gaps in understanding their impact on young people's well-being.
- Frequent smartphone use during school hours is linked to weaker attention and impulse control, suggesting policies to limit access during instructional time may benefit academic focus.
- Teacher grading violations influence student cheating behaviors, with responses varying based on community structure and reciprocity dynamics.
- Weather during college campus tours impacts students' likelihood to apply, highlighting the role of "feel" in college choice decisions.
- School matching policies show modest educational gains, but capacity constraints limit their effectiveness compared to resource-augmentation approaches.
- Peer influence among adolescents is shaped by social closeness, status, and academic competence, with older adolescents responding more positively to prosocial behaviors.
- Depression and suicidal ideation have increased among college students over the past 15 years, particularly among women, minorities, and financially stressed students, signaling a need for targeted mental health strategies.
Choosing Democracy: A I and Electoral Politics https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/03/a-i-and-electoral-politics.html
- The article discusses the rise of AI-generated political ads, including deepfakes, which create deceptive images or videos of real people.
- A specific example includes a video released by the Senate Republican campaign arm featuring an AI-generated version of James Talarico reading his past tweets.
- Currently, 26 U.S. states have laws regulating political deepfakes, but their effectiveness is debatable. The Federal Communications Commission has also taken limited action, such as banning AI-generated voices in robocalls.
- AI-generated content is becoming more prevalent in political campaigns, with both Republicans and Democrats utilizing these technologies. Examples include AI-enhanced voices and videos used in ads by candidates from both parties.
- The article highlights the growing desensitization of the public to AI-generated content, as fake influencers, celebrities, and news reports become more common.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, Friday, March 13, 2026, the news cycle is dominated by major military action in the Middle East and a flurry of domestic executive orders focused on manufacturing and housing.
1. Escalation of War with Iran
The biggest story today is the intensification of Operation Epic Fury.
Airstrikes on Kharg Island: President Trump announced on Truth Social that U.S. forces "obliterated" every military target on Iran’s Kharg Island, a critical oil export hub.
He noted he has chosen not to destroy the oil infrastructure yet, but warned he would reconsider if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is obstructed. Troop Deployment: The Pentagon is deploying approximately 2,500 Marines and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli to the Middle East.
Rising Toll: U.S. military fatalities in the conflict have reached 13 following the crash of a KC-135 refueling aircraft in Iraq. Meanwhile, Israel reported intensifying strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Diplomatic Rejection: Trump reportedly rejected an offer from Vladimir Putin to move Iran's enriched uranium to Russia, stating his goal remains preventing Tehran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon.
2. "Made in America" Executive Order
On the domestic front, the President signed an executive order today aimed at combating fraudulent "Made in America" claims.
The order directs the FTC to prioritize enforcement against foreign manufacturers who falsely label products as American-made.
It also requires federal agencies to verify the origin of products sold to the government, referring violators to the DOJ.
3. Housing Affordability & Deregulation
With midterms approaching, the administration is making a major push on housing:
Cutting "Red Tape": Trump signed an executive order to eliminate "green" building codes and environmental regulations (such as EPA stormwater and wetland permits) that the administration claims drive up construction costs.
Mortgage Reform: He directed the CFPB to ease mortgage guidelines for smaller banks and instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities to lower borrowing costs.
4. Legal Battles over Tariffs
California vs. Trump: California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom led a 24-state coalition in filing a motion to block the President’s latest 10% global tariffs.
The states argue the use of Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 is illegal, especially after the Supreme Court recently struck down the administration's previous tariff attempts under emergency powers.