TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 23, 2026
The dominant top news story across virtually all categories on March 2, 2026, is the escalating U.S.-Israel joint military operation against Iran (referred to as Operation Epic Fury), now in its third day. This includes initial strikes killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and hundreds of civilians, followed by widespread Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks on U.S. allies in the Gulf, Israel, Cyprus, and other sites. Casualties include at least 6 U.S. service members killed, plus attacks on oil facilities, embassies, and bases, causing travel chaos, oil price surges, and regional instability. This overshadows most other headlines.
Here are the top stories in each requested area, based on prominence today:
U.S. News
- U.S. Central Command reports at least 6 American service members killed in the Iran conflict so far, with more casualties possible; includes friendly fire incidents like three F-15E jets downed by Kuwaiti defenses (all crew survived).
- A small plane (Cessna) from Long Island crashes into the icy Hudson River during an emergency landing.
- President Trump defends the strikes, warns of potential ground troops, and says more U.S. deaths are likely while pushing for regime change in Iran.
- Travel disruptions affect Americans in the Middle East, with urgings to leave the region.
- Other incidents like a United Airlines plane evacuation due to engine fire at LAX.
Politics
- President Trump calls for regime change in Iran, defends the ongoing strikes as necessary, and leaves the door open for ground troops while noting attacks could continue for weeks.
- Debate in Congress over Trump's war powers and authorization for the Iran operation.
- Trump awards Medals of Honor to three U.S. Army soldiers at the White House amid the conflict news.
- British PM Keir Starmer agrees to U.S. requests for use of UK bases for defensive strikes on Iran.
- NATO's Mark Rutte praises U.S.-Israel actions but says the alliance won't get involved.
World Affairs
- Iran launches massive retaliatory missile/drone strikes on Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain), Israel, Cyprus (hitting RAF Akrotiri base), and others; hits include Saudi Aramco refinery (causing fires and closure), U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, and residential areas in Israel (e.g., Beit Shemesh, killing 9).
- Over 550 killed in Iran from initial U.S.-Israel strikes; Iranian attacks kill civilians and military personnel across the region (e.g., 2 Kuwaiti navy members).
- Hezbollah fires projectiles at Israeli base near Haifa in response; renewed Israel strikes on Beirut and Lebanon kill at least 31.
- Travel chaos in Middle East with airports (e.g., Dubai) resuming limited flights; airspace closures strand thousands.
- Qatar downs two Iranian Su-24 jets; U.S. strikes Iranian naval drone carrier.
Education Education news is quieter amid global events, with no major breaking stories tied to today:
- Ongoing push in U.S. schools for AI integration (e.g., districts like Broward County and Miami adopting tools like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini for students).
- Department of Education partnerships to reduce federal bureaucracy and return more control to states.
- State-level bills advancing on literacy/math foundations, charter schools, and CTE programs in various legislatures.
- Interest rate announcements for federal student loans for the upcoming academic year.
Economy
- Oil prices surge sharply due to Iran conflict, attacks on Saudi Aramco refinery, Strait of Hormuz threats, and tanker incidents in Gulf of Oman.
- Stock markets volatile/mixed: Dow down slightly, S&P flat to up marginally, Nasdaq up; energy/defense/tech stocks gain while broader concerns weigh.
- Global economic fallout from Middle East war, including rising gas prices and potential supply disruptions.
- Wall Street reacts to escalating conflict with early losses clawed back in some sectors.
Technology Tech news is less disrupted by geopolitics today:
- Major AI and chip developments, including NVIDIA's investments in optical networking for AI infrastructure.
- Reports of U.S. agencies phasing out certain AI models (e.g., Anthropic's Claude) over military use restrictions.
- Expansions like AWS's €18B data-center push in Spain for AI workloads.
- Broader AI governance debates and corporate moves in embodied AI/robotics.
Health
- Routine seasonal illnesses dominant in reports (e.g., flu, RSV, strep throat, stomach bugs circulating in various U.S. regions).
- Emerging discussions on clinical AI adoption in healthcare, with industry input to HHS on proposals.
- Other notes: Rising rectal cancer cases in some reports; general improvements in U.S. medical care value but varying by disease.
Sports
- College basketball: Ongoing March Madness action, including upsets like St. John's stunning Kansas in second round; high-profile games (e.g., Duke at NC State).
- NBA: Trae Young ejected from a Wizards game amid roster drama.
- College: Rick Pitino's plea for St. John's fans; girls' high school teams advancing to state championships.
- Prep/high school recaps with teams chasing titles.
The Iran conflict is the unifying mega-story driving most urgent coverage today. Stay safe and check reliable sources for updates, as the situation remains fluid.
David Sanger: No End in Sight to Trump's War in Iran https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/22/david-sanger-no-end-in-sight-to-trumps-war-in-iran/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Joyce Vance honors Robert Mueller as a symbol of justice and fairness, lamenting his passing.
- The Mueller Report exposed misconduct by Trump but did not result in his impeachment due to legal constraints.
- Trump’s disrespectful comment on Mueller’s death highlights a lack of decency in leadership.
- Vance emphasizes the need for a president with honor, integrity, and decency.
Curmudgucation TX: A New Center Tracks Vouchers PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/tx-a-new-center-tracks-vouchers
- A visit to a maple syrup farm highlights modern production techniques and the unlikely role of AI in the industry.
- Texas voucher system leads to increased demand for special education assessments, causing strain on public schools.
- Controversy arises over Texas's taxpayer-funded vouchers and their implications for education freedom.
- The Plyler v. Doe case is under attack, raising concerns about its impact on core American values.
- Ohio charter schools underperform compared to public school districts, as highlighted by state report card data.
- Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice leaves her position at the Heritage Foundation.
- Issues arise when rigid standardized curriculums hinder effective literacy teaching.
- Massachusetts court rules charter schools must comply with public-records law.
- Debate grows over the negative impact of screen usage in schools on student performance.
- Concerns about Arizona’s voucher spending, including misuse on items like LEGOs.
- Unlikely alliances form between conservative parents and teachers' unions over opposition to educational technology.
- Criticism of i-Ready software based on user experiences.
- Discussion on the implications of Trump’s executive order to deny birthright citizenship.
- Calls to end the debate over grade retention in schools.
- Analysis of the false promises of educational "miracles" and standardized test score misinterpretations.
- Concerns about AI's impact on jobs and children's media content.
- An interview with Josh Cowen on issues surrounding school vouchers.
- Measles resurfaces as a concern in schools, with advice on managing outbreaks.
- Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance linked to Koch network influence.
- A high school student invents a filter to remove microplastics from drinking water.
Joyce Vance on the Death of Robert Mueller https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/21/joyce-vance-on-the-death-of-robert-mueller/ via @dianeravitch
- The blog provides resources and updates on education, with a focus on English Language Learners (ELLs), including weekly features like "Sentences of the Week" and "Around The Web in ESL/EFL/ELL."
- Recent posts include topics such as scaffolding instruction for English learners, the validity of state English tests like WIDA and ELPAC, and debates about teaching whole novels in high school.
- Educational games, like "Where In The World…" for geography and history, are highlighted as engaging tools for learning.
- Information is shared about grants and funding opportunities for creating AI tools for English learners, such as the "Multilingual By Design" competition.
- The blog offers free subscription options and republishing of past posts, including advice from English Language Learners to teachers.
- Teaching resources and strategies are provided for various subjects, including Social Studies, English, Math, and Science, with a focus on ELLs and Common Core standards.
- Books and materials by the author focus on instructional strategies, student motivation, classroom management, and parental involvement in education.
- Additional work includes a blog on engaging parents in schools, a radio show, and posts for Classroom Q&A and the New York Times Learning Network.
School Reform and Tech-Devices in Classrooms: Kissing Cousins https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/03/22/school-reform-and-tech-devices-in-classrooms-kissing-cousins/ via @CubanLarry
- The author discusses their interest in technological devices in classrooms, shaped by their experience as a high school history teacher and district administrator exposed to various high-tech innovations and reforms over 25 years.
- They highlight that technological devices, such as film, radio, and computers, have long been part of educational reforms aimed at changing teaching and learning methods. These innovations are interconnected with curricular and instructional reforms.
- The author critiques the misconception that technological advancements in education are unique and disconnected from historical school reform efforts.
- The "21st Century Skills" movement is used as an example of reform rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of preparing students for a globalized economy with skills like creativity, collaboration, and technological proficiency.
- Patterns can be identified in the evolution of reforms, from rhetoric to policy adoption, implementation, and assessment, which often involve revisions and political processes. Examples include No Child Left Behind, Every Student Succeeds Act, and Maine’s 1:1 laptop initiative.
- Reform outcomes are evaluated based on criteria such as test scores, satisfaction levels, graduation rates, and other metrics, with decisions about sustaining reforms influenced by political, ideological, and evidentiary factors.
- The author argues that technological innovations should be viewed as part of the historical continuum of school reforms, rather than as isolated or entirely novel initiatives.
Paul Thomas Publications: P.L. Thomas Formal publications, etc., since 2018, including open access when possible. PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/publications-pl-thomas
- Paul Thomas has been publishing formal works since 2018, focusing on educational psychology, literacy, reading policies, and broader cultural topics.
- Upcoming works include discussions on growth mindset, the "science of reading" movement, grade retention policies, and ungrading in education.
- Recent publications critique the "science of reading," its impact on diversity, urban students, and its portrayal in media.
- Thomas explores themes like teaching writing, literacy crises, and the role of English teachers in addressing systemic issues in education.
- His work spans various formats, including books, journal articles, white papers, and blog posts, addressing topics like literacy education, media literacy, and social justice.
- Thomas integrates cultural analysis into his work, discussing topics like comic book characters, philosophical concepts, and societal issues such as gun violence and fake news.
- He is recognized for his contributions to education, including receiving the 2013 George Orwell Award and serving as the poetry editor for the English Journal.
glen brown: "Iran’s capacity to enrich uranium was destroyed last year, and they’ve made no effort to resume the program" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/irans-capacity-to-enrich-uranium-was.html
### Key Points
- Former President Donald Trump’s administration fabricated reasons for going to war with Iran, despite intelligence contradicting claims of an imminent nuclear threat.
- Tulsi Gabbard’s testimony before Congress highlighted discrepancies in the rationale for the Iran war, which Trump dismissed.
- Joe Kent, a former Marine and Trump appointee, resigned after exposing Iran as no immediate threat, further discrediting the war effort.
- Trump's actions, including the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities and assassinating Qasem Suleimani, were influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and other political motives.
- The war with Iran caused severe global economic disruptions and chaos in the region, with criticism from figures like Senator Chris Van Hollen and General Michel Yakovleff.
- Broader themes include Trump’s disregard for intelligence, his autocratic tendencies, and the erosion of democracy under his leadership.
- The blog also highlights other issues such as social justice, healthcare, education reform, environmental concerns, American racism, and global conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian war and the Ukraine crisis.
The autonomy of universities in the USA falls far behind peer group Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Young people with cannabis use disorder are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, major depression, and anxiety compared to those with other substance use disorders. In adults, cannabis use disorder is linked to a lower risk of psychiatric disorders.
- The study raises concerns about whether excessive cannabis use during youth affects brain development, potentially predisposing individuals to psychiatric disorders.
- The link between cannabis and psychosis has been documented since the early 20th century, with studies showing associations between heavy cannabis use and increased risk of schizophrenia.
- The study used a large U.S. database to compare psychiatric outcomes between individuals with cannabis use disorder and those with other substance use disorders, revealing age-dependent differences in risk.
- A new report highlights a significant decline in academic freedom and institutional autonomy in universities worldwide, including in the USA, where autonomy has sharply dropped in recent years due to federal and state-level pressures.
- The decline in university autonomy in the USA between 2024 and 2025 was particularly abrupt, with a sharp drop in the Academic Freedom Index score.
- Resistance to the erosion of academic freedom in the USA has emerged through legal, academic, and civil society actions, offering hope for reversing this trend.
- Two-year-olds are capable of predicting conversational turn-taking using linguistic cues, such as the use of pronouns like "you" and "I." This ability improves with age.
- Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) can also predict conversational turn-taking but do so more slowly, which may explain their delayed responses in conversations.
- Supporting children with DLD through targeted questions can help them improve turn-taking skills.
- ADHD in teenagers is linked to anxiety and depression, partly due to low self-esteem and parental mental health issues. Girls with ADHD are also affected by difficulties with peers.
- Reducing mental health risks in adolescents with ADHD requires supporting parents' mental health and fostering adolescents’ self-esteem. For girls, enhancing social skills is particularly important.
- A study on grade inflation revealed that higher teacher grade inflation reduces students’ future academic and career success, while passing grade inflation increases high school graduation rates but has limited long-term effects.
- Policies prioritizing low-income students at high-income schools can reduce income segregation with minimal impact on public school retention rates.
- Industry increasingly attracts younger and foreign-born AI researchers, offering significantly higher salaries than academia, leading to a shift from open science to proprietary innovation.
Grade Retention is Bad Education Policy | tultican https://tultican.com/2026/03/22/grade-retention-is-bad-education-policy/
### Key Points
- Mandatory third-grade retention policies, implemented in 26 states, are criticized for being based on intuition rather than scientific evidence.
- Research by economist Jiee Zhong found that third-grade retention reduces annual earnings, increases absenteeism and behavioral issues, and lowers high school graduation rates.
- Racial disparities in retention outcomes reveal that white students face the largest decline in high school graduation rates compared to Black and Hispanic students.
- Duke University researchers argue that retention has little long-term benefit and often causes harm, despite public and educator support driven by misconceptions about its effectiveness.
- Some studies, like one on Florida's retention program, show temporary academic benefits due to additional interventions, but these benefits could be achieved without retention.
- Retention is an expensive policy, costing taxpayers over $18 billion annually, while evidence since the 1990s has consistently shown its harmful effects.
Losing Time | JD2718 https://jd2718.org/2026/03/22/losing-time/
A reflective blog post explores the author's experience with "losing time" over several days. The author describes a series of days where they felt unproductive, distracted, and unable to accomplish tasks, despite having clear intentions and making plans. They recount moments of distraction, frustration, and introspection, ultimately pondering what caused this state of mind. The post ends on a hopeful note, with the author feeling more optimistic about regaining focus and productivity.
### Key Points
- The author shares their experience of feeling unproductive and distracted over several days, describing this as "losing time."
- They recount specific moments of distraction, such as getting sidetracked by emails, calls, and overthinking tasks, which led to a lack of progress.
- The author reflects on possible causes, including unprocessed emotions from recent news and a conversation about "time blindness."
- Despite the challenges, the author expresses hope and determination to regain focus and get back on track.
Convoy to Cuba busts Trump's blockade. A blockade only works if others fear it. A flotilla is what happens when they don’t. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/convoy-to-cuba-busts-trumps-blockade
- A solidarity caravan, "Our America Convoy to Cuba," delivered 20 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba, including solar panels, food, and cancer medicine, in response to the severe energy and economic crisis exacerbated by Trump's energy embargo.
- Delegates from 33 countries and 120 organizations joined the convoy, symbolizing global resistance against the U.S. blockade on Cuba.
- The article draws a parallel between Trump's comments about Cuba and a scene from *The Godfather: Part II*, portraying Cuba as a colonial prize to be divided.
- The U.S. embargo on Cuba, in place for 66 years, is losing its effectiveness as countries like Russia, Mexico, and China openly send aid to Cuba, defying U.S. sanctions.
- The article critiques the weakening of the Monroe Doctrine, highlighting that a blockade without enforcement and a sphere of influence without obedience are ineffective.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Board Special Meeting, March 18, 2026 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/03/board-special-meeting-march-18-2026.html?spref=tw
- The Seattle School Board held a special meeting on March 18, 2026, to discuss the adoption of the McGraw Hill's Emerge! Elementary School Curriculum for K-5 English Language Arts after an 18-month selection process.
- Superintendent Shuldiner emphasized professional development, literacy coaching, and alignment of the new curriculum with the Science of Reading and HB 1295.
- Concerns were raised by Director Evan Briggs about the short pilot period for the curriculum and the lack of the superintendent’s involvement in the selection process.
- The current K-5 curriculum, adopted in 2017, is at the end of its cycle, and the publisher no longer supports it. Teachers in dual-language programs are currently creating their own content.
- Questions were raised about the curriculum's ability to support students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and dual-language programs. The committee ensured the curriculum was inclusive and aligned with diverse needs.
- Concerns were voiced about the 9-year contract term, its flexibility, and the use of capital funds for purchasing the curriculum.
- Discussions included the digital component of the curriculum for younger grades and its limited use for kindergarten and first-grade students.
- The meeting also covered other topics such as Continuous School Improvement Plans (CSIPs), electronic vendor payments, PTA policy concerns, and grant process updates.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
International: Ultimatum to Iran
President Trump has issued a high-stakes 48-hour ultimatum to Tehran, threatening to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened to global shipping.
The Threat: The President stated on social media that if the waterway is not opened "without threat" within 48 hours, the U.S. will target Iran’s energy infrastructure, "starting with the biggest one first."
The Context: This comes as the war, which began on February 28, has caused global oil prices to surge.
Gas prices in the U.S. have jumped roughly 33% in three weeks, reaching a four-year high of $3.91 per gallon. Retaliation: Iran has responded by threatening to strike all U.S. and Israeli infrastructure in the region, including desalination plants and IT networks, if their own facilities are attacked.
Domestic: DHS Shutdown and ICE Deployment
As the DHS partial shutdown enters its 35th day, the administration is facing a growing crisis at U.S. airports.
ICE at Airports: President Trump announced plans to deploy ICE agents to airport security lines to manage delays caused by TSA officer shortages.
Thousands of TSA employees have been working without pay for over five weeks, leading to a wave of resignations and absences. Backlash: The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the ACLU have slammed the move, arguing that ICE agents are not trained in aviation security and that the deployment is a "political" maneuver rather than a safety solution.
Midterm Pressure: Analysts note that the pressure is mounting on the White House to resolve both the energy crisis and the shutdown ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Other Key Stories
Diplomatic Calls: The White House confirmed the President spoke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer today to discuss the necessity of reopening the Strait of Hormuz for global energy stability.
White House Events: First Lady Melania Trump announced the schedule for the 2026 Spring Garden Tours, providing a rare moment of routine amidst the current geopolitical and domestic tension.
