TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 20, 2026
Here are today's top news stories (as of March 20, 2026) in each requested category, based on prominent ongoing developments and reports from major outlets.
U.S. News
- Pentagon seeks $200 billion from Congress to fund the ongoing war in Iran, with President Trump defending the request as necessary for multiple reasons beyond the conflict.
- Near-miss aviation incident at Newark Airport, where an Alaska Airlines passenger jet and FedEx cargo plane came within 325 feet of each other during landing.
- TSA staffing shortages and pay crisis continue causing long security lines at many U.S. airports.
- Body of missing University of Alabama student James Gracey recovered in Spain near Barcelona, where he went missing days earlier.
- Dancing humanoid robot incident in Cupertino, California, where the robot got overly energetic during a performance and had to be restrained.
Politics
- Trump administration's $200 billion Pentagon funding push for the Iran war sparks debate, with Republicans divided on funding approaches and some balking at solo reconciliation efforts.
- Trump attends dignified transfer of six U.S. service members killed in the Iran conflict.
- Senate confirmation hearings for Trump's DHS nominee Markwayne Mullin, amid grilling over homeland security priorities.
- Reports on Denmark preparing defenses in Greenland (including explosives for runways) in case of U.S. invasion attempts under Trump.
- Criticism and discussions around the Trump administration's handling of the Iran war, including congressional pushback and economic fallout concerns.
World Affairs
- Escalating U.S.-Israel war in Iran enters new phase with strikes on key energy sites (e.g., major gas fields), Iranian retaliatory missile attacks on regional targets like Qatar's LNG terminal, and impacts on cultural/UNESCO sites.
- Pentagon's massive $200 billion supplemental request tied to sustaining operations in the Iran conflict, amid vows of further punishing air assaults.
- Death toll and protracted conflict outlook in Iran, with analyses suggesting Iran is "playing the long game" and reshaping global energy/economic dynamics (e.g., potential end of petrodollar influence).
- Denmark's contingency preparations in Greenland against potential U.S. actions, highlighting strained allied relations.
- Broader Middle East tensions, including effects on global oil/gas prices and African nations feeling the war's impact.
Education
- Trump administration moves federal student loan management to the Treasury Department as the Education Department faces dismantling/restructuring.
- Various board exam results announcements (e.g., IIT JAM results out; Bihar/Rajasthan Board 10th results not on March 20 as previously speculated).
- Kendriya Vidyalaya Balvatika admissions for 2026-27 begin online registration.
- Concerns over new education bill raised by Congress, citing lack of state consultation.
- Governors' focus on student nutrition/school meals, alongside priorities like school choice, literacy, teacher pay, and higher ed affordability in 2026 state addresses.
Economy
- Soaring U.S. gasoline prices hit highest levels since 2023 due to Iran war disruptions to energy sites, with further increases expected.
- Federal Reserve holds interest rates unchanged (3.5%-3.75%), but signals potential cuts later in 2026 amid inflation and growth forecasts.
- Economic uncertainty from Iran war and related factors, including K-shaped recovery patterns, tariff policy impacts, and projections for 2% growth in 2026.
- Stock market volatility tied to oil prices, Nvidia developments, and Middle East conflict.
- Broader wartime economic shock, with inflation concerns reaccelerating in early 2026.
Technology
- Advancements in AI models like OpenAI's GPT-5.4 (with 1M token context and native computer use) and Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4.6, boosting agentic tasks and coding.
- Dancing humanoid robot goes wild at a California restaurant (Haidilao in Cupertino), requiring restraint—highlighting real-world robotics challenges.
- Micron warns of heavy spending on memory production to meet demand amid crunch.
- Tech hiring updates in the IT channel, with companies like Intel, Workday, and others listing roles.
- Other developments like Alibaba's cloud/AI revenue goals and bot traffic projections surpassing human traffic by 2027.
Health
- Ongoing health policy shifts under Trump administration, including launch of TrumpRx.gov for drug discounts and U.S. withdrawal from WHO.
- Debates over crisis pregnancy centers protection as abortion clinic numbers decline.
- California health care fraud fighting discussions, with HHS Secretary Oz comments.
- CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meetings and related guidance.
- Broader pharma/health tech news, including AI innovations in healthcare platforms like Amazon's One Medical.
Sports
- March Madness NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament underway, with first-round games (Round of 64) on March 19-20, including matchups like Kentucky vs. Santa Clara, Arizona vs. Long Island University, and upsets like High Point over Wisconsin.
- Women's NCAA Tournament second-round action.
- WNBA player salaries boost from a major new deal (noted in broader news coverage).
- Various college basketball highlights, such as Miami (OH) advancing over SMU.
- Ongoing tournament schedule at venues like Viejas Arena in San Diego for first- and second-round games.
These reflect the dominant themes circulating today, particularly the Iran conflict's ripple effects across multiple areas. News can evolve quickly!
Russia: Putin Defender Turns Against Him https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/19/russia-putin-defender-turns-against-him/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Federal Voucher Program, also known as the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship (FTCS), is criticized as a hoax and a fraud, as it allows schools to choose students rather than empowering families to choose schools.
- The program claims to benefit marginalized groups, such as Black and brown children and those with disabilities, but it strips students of civil rights protections when they enroll in private schools.
- Contrary to its promises, school choice programs often result in worse academic outcomes and lack accountability since private schools are not required to take national or state tests.
- The FTCS operates as a nationwide voucher system under the guise of a tax incentive, diverting public funds to private schools that are not bound by public education accountability standards.
- The program allows taxpayers to donate to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) in exchange for a 100% federal tax credit, turning private donations into public expenditures.
- At least 27 states have indicated their intention to participate in the program, which drains public school funding while benefiting private and religious schools.
- Voters have consistently rejected school vouchers and similar programs in past elections, with polling showing that most Americans prefer increased funding for public schools over voucher expansion.
- The program is criticized for its broad eligibility criteria, which allow high-income households to qualify, diverting funds away from families truly in need.
- FTCS imposes no meaningful accountability on private schools, such as academic performance standards, transparency, or evaluation requirements.
- States opting into the program gain little control over how funds are used, as the law limits their authority and provides no additional resources for oversight.
- Lack of accountability in similar programs has led to waste, fraud, and abuse, such as purchasing non-educational items with taxpayer funds in Arizona's voucher program.
- Decades of research show mixed or negative outcomes from voucher programs, with declines in math and reading performance in states like Louisiana, Indiana, and Ohio.
- The program disproportionately benefits wealthier families, undermines public schools' financial stability, and exacerbates inequities in education.
- Private schools benefiting from public funds through FTCS are not required to comply with federal civil rights protections, leaving students vulnerable to discrimination.
- The program is criticized for prioritizing private subsidies over investments in public education, which could significantly improve outcomes for low-income students.
- The FTCS program is seen as part of a broader effort to privatize education, benefiting private actors while reducing oversight and transparency.
The Brain and Social Media Use https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/03/19/the-brain-and-social-media-use/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Neuroscientists debate whether social media rewires the brain or simply triggers pleasure-inducing chemicals.
- The effects of prolonged screen time on children, youth, and adults remain unclear, with little definitive research.
- Philosophical debates persist about whether the brain and mind are equivalent, complicating interpretations of neuroscience.
- Some education reformers advocate for replacing traditional schools with high-tech or online learning environments.
- Blended learning, combining face-to-face and online interactions, is suggested as a balanced educational approach.
- Critics caution against uncritical adoption of "brain-based" claims in education, emphasizing the slow process of deriving actionable insights from neuroscience.
March 25th Is “International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade” – Here Are Teaching Resources Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
- The blog provides a variety of educational resources, including posts on teaching strategies, social emotional learning, and educational policy updates.
- March 25th is recognized by the United Nations as the “International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade,” with related teaching resources shared.
- Weekly republished posts on past topics aim to provide valuable insights, such as teaching about Cesar Chavez and ESL/ELL strategies.
- The blog features practical resources for teaching various subjects like Social Studies, Math, Science, and English, with research-based strategies for student engagement and motivation.
- The author has published multiple books and resources focused on parental involvement, classroom management, and English language learners.
- Additional content includes videos, radio shows, and contributions to platforms like Education Week Teacher and the New York Times Learning Network.
The Kindness of Strangers Shall we rely on it? What about the kindness of Mayor Mamdani? ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/the-kindness-of-strangers
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced criticism for reversing his stance on key campaign promises, including opposing mayoral control and extending rental assistance, which were pivotal to his election.
- Mamdani's support for sharing personal information with healthcare companies and withdrawing support for the UFT-sponsored para respect bill has raised concerns about his priorities and trustworthiness.
- Despite initially opposing Medicare Advantage and privatization of healthcare, Mamdani's actions, such as considering borrowing from the Retiree Health Benefit Trust and raising property taxes, have caused skepticism among retirees and union members.
- Union leadership, including Michael Mulgrew, has been criticized for inconsistent positions on healthcare and for dismissing dissenting voices within the union.
- The author emphasizes distrust in politicians and union leaders, likening reliance on them to relying on "the kindness of strangers."
April 1st: Supreme Court Will Hear Oral Arguments on Trump’s Exec. Order to Deny Birthright Citizenship https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2026/03/19/birthright-citizenship/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The article highlights the importance of birthright citizenship as a fundamental right guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment, which ensures citizenship to all individuals born in the U.S.
- President Trump's 2025 executive order seeks to end birthright citizenship, sparking lawsuits and legal battles across various courts.
- The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the legality of this executive order on April 1, 2026, in the case Trump v. Barbara.
- Civil rights organizations, including the ACLU and NAACP, filed amicus briefs, arguing that the executive order violates the Constitution and harms children.
- Advocates stress that the Fourteenth Amendment's focus is on protecting children, regardless of their parents' immigration status or circumstances.
Teacher Tom: How I Think About "Disruptive" Behavior https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/how-i-think-about-disruptive-behavior.html
### Key Points
- Disruptive behavior in children often arises from healthy developmental needs such as seeking intensity, collaboration, or testing boundaries.
- Punishment is criticized for being ineffective in the long term and promoting obedience to authority rather than understanding.
- Reasoning with children about the impact of their behavior can sometimes help but is often perceived as scolding when children are deeply engaged in their play.
- Redirection, such as involving children in alternative activities, can channel their energy into more appropriate outlets.
- Environmental adjustments, like adding materials or redefining play areas, can address the root causes of disruptive behavior.
- Teachers can join children's play to subtly shift disruptive behavior into acceptable forms without outright stopping it.
- Democratic classroom discussions allow children to collaboratively find solutions to behavioral issues, fostering fairness and community.
- Accepting a certain level of chaos in play is important, as it often reflects healthy exploration and experimentation.
glen brown: Illinois Climbs to #2 with Strictest Gun Control that Now Includes Warrantless Inspections and Bans https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/illinois-climbs-to-2-with-strictest-gun.html
### Key Points
- The SAVE Act, a restrictive voting bill, would require voters to provide specific documentation, making voter registration more difficult and potentially disenfranchising millions of Americans.
- The bill would eliminate mail-in, online, and voter registration drives, and require states to share voter rolls with the Department of Homeland Security, raising concerns about data misuse.
- Research shows noncitizen voting is extremely rare, contradicting claims used to justify the SAVE Act. Investigations in states like Utah, Louisiana, and Nevada found almost no evidence of noncitizen voting.
- The SAVE Act aligns with former President Trump's broader strategy to undermine elections, including lawsuits, executive orders, and promoting conspiracy theories about voter fraud.
- The article argues that protecting voting rights is a bipartisan responsibility, invoking historical efforts like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as a call to action against the SAVE Act.
Schools Matter: NY Times Calls Out Trump Party's Religious Bigotry http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/03/ny-times-calls-out-trump-partys.html
- The Trump administration claims to defend religious freedom, citing actions like creating a Religious Liberty Commission and supporting faith-based schools, but exhibits hypocrisy in its treatment of Muslims.
- President Trump and several Republican politicians have expressed hostility toward Islam, making discriminatory remarks and supporting policies such as the Muslim travel ban.
- Trump has repeatedly targeted Muslim communities and politicians, often using derogatory language and promoting harmful stereotypes.
- Immigration crackdowns and anti-Muslim rhetoric have led to violence and fear among Muslim communities, as seen in Minnesota's Somali community.
- Politicians have introduced laws targeting Shariah, despite no evidence of it being a threat in the U.S., perpetuating baseless fears and scapegoating Muslims.
- Anti-Muslim sentiment has caused anxiety and fear among American Muslims, many of whom moved to the U.S. seeking religious freedom.
- Trump’s broader pattern of bigotry extends beyond Muslims, targeting other minority groups and aligning with individuals who promote hate.
- Anti-Muslim bigotry damages America's global standing, particularly with Muslim-majority countries and allies, and contrasts starkly with George W. Bush’s inclusive approach post-9/11.
- The editorial calls for all Americans to denounce the lies and attacks against Islam and Muslims, emphasizing the shameful nature of such bigotry.
NE: Trying To Get Vouchers Past Voters PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/ne-trying-to-get-vouchers-past-voters
### Key Points
- Nebraska legislators and advocates repeatedly push for school vouchers despite public opposition and voter rejections.
- Significant financial contributions, including from national organizations like the American Federation for Children, support voucher campaigns.
- New legislative proposals aim to circumvent voter referendums, such as replacing repealed voucher laws with revised versions or introducing federal voucher programs.
- Rural Republicans and other opponents remain critical of using public funds for private education, emphasizing the lack of rules and transparency in federal voucher plans.
- Voucher programs in the U.S. are often implemented without taxpayer consent, highlighting a broader issue of undermining democratic processes.
Miller's Law: Due process is just a speed bump. He's the architect of exclusion MICHAEL KLONSKY https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/millers-law-due-process-is-just-a
- Stephen Miller, a key figure in Trump's administration, advocates for bypassing due process for undocumented immigrants, claiming it is inefficient, using inflated immigration numbers to justify this stance.
- The actual undocumented population is estimated at 10–11 million, far lower than the exaggerated figures cited by Trump and his allies, which are politically motivated to argue for extreme measures.
- The U.S. Constitution, supported by historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, guarantees protections and due process to all persons, including immigrants, regardless of legal status.
- Miller's rhetoric mirrors authoritarian patterns, where crises are manufactured to erode constitutional protections, likening it to historical examples of fascist regimes.
- The appointment of figures like Markwayne Mullin to significant positions in agencies like DHS and ICE raises concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and the normalization of anti-immigrant policies.
Please attend our session to ask us questions on class size | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/please-attend-our-session-to-ask-us-questions-on-class-size/
- A class size briefing and discussion will be held via Zoom on March 19, 2026, at 6 PM, to address concerns about class sizes, DOE plans, and how to advocate for smaller classes.
- City Council hearings on the Mayor’s Preliminary Education Budget are scheduled for March 23, 2026, with opportunities to testify remotely or in person.
- A successful AI moratorium event was held, highlighting concerns about AI's impact on students’ critical thinking, creativity, mental health, and privacy. A petition was delivered to the Chancellor.
- Advocacy efforts include petitions for a moratorium on AI in schools and a multi-year strategy to reduce class sizes in NYC schools, as required by a 2022 NY State law.
- Class Size Matters provides resources on the importance of smaller classes, updates on class size laws, and actions for parents and teachers to take.
- The organization honored Dr. Betty Rosa for her contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools.
- A podcast, "Talk out of School," discusses NYC public school issues and is available for streaming on multiple platforms.
Episode #150: Finding Joy in Resistance with Vijay Prashad | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2026/03/19/episode-150/
- The podcast "Under the Tree" discusses global issues such as genocide, climate collapse, inequality, imperialism, and rising fascism, emphasizing the importance of activism as an antidote to despair.
- Vijay Prashad, a prominent author and director of the Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research, is featured as a guest, highlighting his work on freedom, critical thinking, and global solidarity.
- Vijay has authored over 40 books, including "The Darker Nations," "The Poorer Nations," and "How the International Monetary Fund Suffocates Africa." He is involved with publishing houses and academic initiatives promoting emancipatory perspectives.
Cesar Chavez Will Be Erased. But the Movement for Justice Cannot Be – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/03/19/cesar-chavez-will-be-erased-but-the-movement-for-justice-cannot-be/
### Key Points
- Cesar Chavez's legacy is being reconsidered due to revelations of harm and misconduct, challenging the idealized narrative of his leadership.
- Dolores Huerta, at age 96, broke her silence to reveal truths about Chavez, emphasizing the need for accountability and honesty within the justice movement.
- The farmworker movement was a collective effort involving many individuals beyond Chavez, including Dolores Huerta, Filipino organizers, and countless workers.
- Erasing Chavez's name from public honors risks oversimplifying history and missing the lessons of collective action and imperfect leadership.
- Accountability requires centering survivors, preserving the movement's history, and confronting the complexities of power and harm.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, March 19, 2026, news surrounding the Trump administration is dominated by escalating military tensions in the Middle East, a major environmental lawsuit from California, and new investigations into state healthcare mandates.
Top News Stories: March 19, 2026
1. Escalation of "Operation Epic Fury" in Iran
The conflict with Iran continues to be the primary focus of the administration.
Funding Request: President Trump confirmed today that the Pentagon will ask Congress for an additional $200 billion to fund the ongoing war, which he described as a "small price to pay."
Threat to "Massively Blow Up" Gas Fields: Following an Israeli strike on the South Pars gas field (shared by Iran and Qatar), Trump warned that if Iran retaliates by attacking Qatar, the U.S. will "massively blow up the entirety" of the field with unprecedented power.
He also instructed Prime Minister Netanyahu to halt further strikes on Iranian oil and gas facilities to prevent a total energy market collapse. Public Opinion: A new Fox News poll shared by the White House shows that 61% of Americans view the Iranian regime as a national security threat, though the same poll indicates that 51% believe the President's handling of the situation has made the U.S. "less safe."
2. California Leads 25-State Lawsuit Over Climate Rules
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a major lawsuit today against the Trump administration’s EPA.
The Issue: The lawsuit challenges the administration's rescission of the "Endangerment Finding," the scientific foundation that allows the federal government to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
The Stance: Newsom characterized the move as "corruption" and a betrayal of science that prioritizes "Big Oil profits" over public health.
3. Investigation into State Abortion Coverage Mandates
The administration has launched formal investigations into 13 states that require state-regulated health insurance plans to cover abortion.
The Argument: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) claims these mandates may violate the Weldon Amendment, which prohibits discriminating against health entities that refuse to provide or cover abortions.
This move aligns with proposals from the Project 2025 policy framework.
4. Controversy Over "Trump Gold Coin"
A federal arts commission today approved a design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring Donald Trump.
The Design: The coin depicts the President leaning on a desk with clenched fists.
The Backlash: Congressional Democrats have labeled the move "embarrassing" and potentially illegal, arguing that a sitting president should not be featured on U.S. currency.
Other Notable Headlines
Bilateral Meeting: President Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House, where discussions reportedly focused on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Federal Reserve: Trump’s efforts to push out Fed Chair Jerome Powell have reportedly hit legal roadblocks, with Powell stating he intends to remain in his post.
Birthright Citizenship: A new legal analysis from SCOTUSblog suggests that Trump's Executive Order 14160, which aims to end birthright citizenship, may be doomed due to a 1952 federal statute.