TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 31, 2026
Here are the top news stories as of March 31, 2026, grouped by category. These draw from major broadcasts (e.g., ABC World News Tonight, NBC Nightly News) and ongoing coverage, with the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran dominating many areas.
U.S. NEWS
- A Delta flight bound for Atlanta made an emergency landing after flames erupted from its left engine shortly after takeoff from São Paulo; all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.
- A 15-year-old student opened fire at a Texas high school, killing a teacher; authorities are investigating the incident.
- Airport security lines shortened significantly after TSA officers received paychecks amid prior funding delays and staffing issues.
- The U.S. Army launched an administrative review of video showing Apache helicopters from the 101st Airborne Division hovering near Kid Rock’s estate in Nashville.
- A flight attendant recovered after being ejected in a LaGuardia collision incident.
POLITICS
- President Trump issued a new warning and deadline (April 6) to Iran, stating the U.S. is in indirect talks with Iranian officials and claiming "regime change" has already occurred; he has discussed potential U.S. access to Iranian oil.
- Trump extended a pause on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure while expressing confidence in the U.S. military campaign.
- Large-scale "No Kings" protests occurred nationwide against Trump policies, described by organizers as among the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S. history.
- Ongoing developments around Trump's cabinet and administration, including past changes like the departure of Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary (effective around early March).
WORLD AFFAIRS
- Escalation in the U.S.-Israel war with Iran: An Iranian attack destroyed a vital U.S. radar jet at a base in Saudi Arabia; additional U.S. troops deployed to the region; Iran struck a Kuwaiti oil tanker near Dubai.
- Regional spillover included Israeli operations in Lebanon and ongoing U.S. actions against Houthis in Yemen; Pakistan hosted diplomatic talks aimed at de-escalation.
- A major earthquake in Myanmar (Burma) saw death tolls rising above 2,000, with U.S. aid response hampered by prior USAID cuts; China and Russia provided faster assistance.
- U.S. resumed embassy operations in Venezuela; lawmakers expressed support for Taiwan’s stalled defense budget.
EDUCATION
- A Texas high school shooting where a 15-year-old killed a teacher highlighted ongoing school safety concerns.
- Various exam and result announcements in India (e.g., Rajasthan Board 12th results, UPPSC PCS finals), though these are region-specific and less globally dominant.
- Broader U.S. context included federal scrutiny of higher education, interagency shifts involving the Department of Education, and campus impacts from Middle East tensions (e.g., reported Iranian targeting of some U.S. universities abroad).
ECONOMY
- Markets showed volatility with the Dow in correction territory (down >10% from pre-war highs) amid the Iran conflict; oil prices surged due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and regional instability.
- Warnings of greater economic risks to the U.S. from the ongoing Middle East war, including impacts on fuel costs and global supply chains.
- Broader concerns around tariffs, trade tensions (including Trump’s planned China trip), and potential effects on sectors like energy and manufacturing.
TECHNOLOGY
- Ongoing AI developments and investments dominated, including deals for data centers (e.g., Mistral’s Nvidia chip purchases) and debates over AI adoption, trust, and workforce impacts (e.g., workers feeling less productive despite heavy use).
- Chip and semiconductor news, such as stock movements tied to Google tech updates and AI buildout challenges.
- Broader stories included new carbon materials for capture, 3D data storage advances, and concerns from figures like Steve Wozniak about Big Tech and AI power.
HEALTH
- Coverage was relatively quieter on major new outbreaks, with focus on general medical responses to regional conflicts (e.g., overwhelmed facilities in Myanmar post-earthquake).
- Studies highlighted non-drug treatments (e.g., braces, exercise, hydrotherapy) outperforming some medications for knee arthritis pain relief.
- Ongoing policy and managed care developments, including Medicare Advantage regulatory actions and broader healthcare cost discussions under the Trump administration.
SPORTS
- March Madness updates: UConn advanced to the Final Four with a dramatic win over Duke; the Final Four lineup included UConn, Illinois, Arizona, and Michigan.
- International soccer: New Zealand’s All Whites defeated Chile 4-1 in a historic win; various World Cup qualifiers and friendlies (e.g., England vs. Japan, others on March 31).
- Other notes included Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest (mentioned in some broadcasts), IPL cricket action in India, and NBA/NHL regular-season games.
These stories reflect the fluid situation, especially around the Middle East conflict, which influences economics, politics, and world affairs. For real-time updates, check major outlets like ABC, NBC, or Reuters.
A Must-Watch Interview: Heather Cox Richardson and Timothy Snyder https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/30/a-must-watch-interview-heather-cox-richardson-and-timothy-snyder/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A crucial interview between historians Heather Cox Richardson and Timothy Snyder explores Trump-era authoritarianism, the power of oligarchs, and the fossil fuel industry.
- Timothy Snyder stresses the importance of the November elections as an opportunity to curb authoritarianism and oligarchic influence.
Stephen Miller: Too Cruel for School? https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/30/stephen-miller-too-cruel-for-school/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Stephen Miller encouraged Texas Republicans to challenge Plyler v. Doe, aiming to deny public schooling to undocumented children.
- Critics argue that overturning Plyler v. Doe would harm society, creating a permanent underclass and increasing crime rates.
- Historical parallels are drawn to California’s Proposition 187, which was struck down for violating Plyler v. Doe.
- Texas Republicans may seek to exploit judicial appointments to overturn Plyler v. Doe and enforce harsh measures against immigrant children.
Peter Greene: What You Need to Know About Plyler v. Doe and Why It Matters https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/30/peter-greene-what-you-need-to-know-about-plyler-v-doe-and-why-it-matters/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Plyler v. Doe (1982) ruled against a Texas law that denied state-funded education to undocumented immigrant children, citing the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and the societal consequences of illiteracy.
- The ruling also emphasized the importance of educating all children, regardless of immigration status, to prevent the creation of an underclass.
- Conservatives, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott and figures like Steven Miller, are pushing to overturn Plyler, leveraging arguments around the Fourteenth Amendment and "jurisdiction" language.
- Efforts to challenge Plyler include legislative proposals and hearings aimed at denying education to undocumented children, with potential ripple effects on broader civil rights protections.
- Overturning Plyler could lead to widespread exclusion of immigrants from education and create societal divisions, echoing historical concerns about uneducated youth.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: MARCH 30, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/morning-news-update-march-30-2026.html
The article provides an extensive roundup of current events, spanning topics such as global conflicts, U.S. politics, education reforms, technological advancements, and health updates. Key issues include escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict, domestic protests against executive overreach, education policy changes, and the integration of AI in various sectors.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS MARCH 30, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0768238465.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of various topics, including U.S. politics, global conflicts, education reforms, technological advancements, societal issues, and public health. It highlights the impact of the U.S.-Iran conflict, President Trump's policies, the integration of AI in schools, the privatization of education, and grassroots movements like the "No Kings" protests. The article emphasizes the importance of democracy, equity, justice, and evidence-based policymaking while addressing challenges such as child welfare, ethical concerns about AI, and systemic inequalities.
Big Education Ape: ANYTHING GOES: HOW AMERICA DECIDED ITS SOLDIERS AND ITS CHILDREN WERE ACCEPTABLE TEST SUBJECTS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/anything-goes-how-america-decided-its.html
The article discusses the ethical dilemmas and controversies surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States, particularly in the military and education sectors. It highlights the government's push for unrestricted AI usage in warfare and classrooms, despite concerns about its ethical implications and potential dangers. The article focuses on the case of Anthropic, an AI safety company that refused to allow its AI to be used for autonomous lethal weapons or mass surveillance, leading to its blacklisting by the U.S. government. It also emphasizes the risks of AI in education, such as dependency, lack of critical thinking, and privacy violations, while showcasing grassroots efforts to impose safeguards.
### Key Points
- The U.S. government labeled AI safety company Anthropic a national security threat after it refused to allow its AI to be used for autonomous lethal weapons and mass surveillance.
- Anthropic set two "red lines": no fully autonomous lethal weapons and no mass domestic surveillance without judicial oversight.
- The Pentagon blacklisted Anthropic, favoring OpenAI and Elon Musk’s xAI, which reportedly agreed to fewer restrictions on AI usage.
- A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the blacklisting, calling the government’s actions “Orwellian” and defending Anthropic’s ethical stance as constitutionally protected.
- The U.S. government’s "AI-First" agenda prevents states from imposing restrictions on AI use, treating classrooms and other sectors as experimental spaces.
- AI tools in education have shown short-term benefits but lead to reduced critical thinking and increased dependency among students.
- Reports of harmful incidents involving AI in classrooms, such as an AI toy promoting self-harm and a security system wrongly identifying a bag of chips as a weapon, raise concerns.
- Grassroots resistance is growing, exemplified by the "No Kings" movement, which opposes automated tyranny and unregulated AI use.
- The international community is pushing for a legally binding treaty on autonomous weapons, with the U.S. resisting such regulations.
- The article criticizes the U.S. government for prioritizing speed and efficiency over ethics and accountability in AI deployment.
- The case of Anthropic is seen as a pivotal test of whether private companies can maintain ethical boundaries in the face of government pressure.
- Advocacy groups like the Transparency Coalition, Count on Mothers, Encode Justice, and others are working to impose regulations on AI usage in education and other sectors.
Big Education Ape: Sunday, March 22, 2026 LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/sunday-march-22-2026-looking-back-week.html
### Key Points
- The "Big Education Ape" blog focuses on public education advocacy, teacher rights, and critiques of corporate education reform. It highlights issues such as MAGA education policies, birthright citizenship legal battles, and skepticism toward AI and automation in classrooms.
- The blog critiques the Trump administration's policies, including the rebranding of voucher programs, increased ICE raids affecting school attendance, and an executive order targeting birthright citizenship.
### Key Points
- The article critiques the focus on war promotion, emphasizing its glorification while ignoring the devastating impact on children worldwide.
- It highlights domestic issues such as child poverty, lack of health insurance, cuts to education and healthcare programs, and the mental health crisis among youth in the U.S.
- The piece discusses the global consequences of U.S. budget cuts to foreign aid, leading to millions of preventable child deaths and worsening living conditions for vulnerable children.
Big Education Ape: NO KINGS 3.0 THIS SATURDAY UP YOURS, BILLIONAIRE EDUCATION OLIGARCHY: HOW REGULAR PEOPLE ARE RECLAIMING AMERICA'S CLASSROOMS #NoKingsMar28 #NoKingsInAmerica #NoKings https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/no-kings-30-this-saturday-up-yours.html
Big Education Ape highlights the ongoing battle for public education in the U.S., focusing on grassroots movements, political shifts, and resistance to privatization efforts. The "No Kings" movement and the "Non-Permission Slip" campaign are pivotal strategies in opposing billionaire-backed education reforms and promoting community ownership of schools.
Big Education Ape: WHO TOOK A BITE OF THE AI APPLE? SIX CHATBOTS WALK INTO A CLASSROOM… https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/who-took-bite-of-ai-apple-six-chatbots.html
The article discusses the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, exploring its potential benefits and risks. It highlights key predictions made by six AI chatbots and examines existing AI ethics policies in various school districts. The article emphasizes the importance of value-driven decision-making to ensure AI's positive impact on education and avoid repeating the mistakes made with social media integration in schools.
CURMUDGUCATION: Follow Casey Fiesler For AI Info https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2026/03/follow-casey-fiesler-for-ai-info.html
### Key Points
- Casey Fiesler is a professor specializing in human-centered computing and AI ethics, offering clear and concise explanations of AI concepts.
- Her videos are accessible to laypeople, providing grounded insights into how AI works without bias.
- Fiesler also creates humorous content about AI and ethics, making complex topics engaging and relatable.
- Notable figures in education and AI, like Emily Bender and Hank Green, follow her work, emphasizing her credibility.
Nancy’s Substack I Read the News Today, Oh Boy Real news and the impact of influencers NANCY FLANAGAN https://flanagann.substack.com/p/i-read-the-news-today-oh-boy
- The rise of influencers, initially dismissed as superficial, has led to significant influence in politics, often spreading misinformation and conflict due to a lack of political understanding.
- The author has shifted from traditional news consumption to curated online content but questions the reliability and motives of these sources.
- Michigan's public schools are criticized based on questionable and context-free data, highlighting the misuse of test scores to portray failure.
- The media landscape has become fragmented, allowing individuals to consume news that aligns with their beliefs, exacerbating misinformation.
- Social media influencers, particularly in conservative circles, are often paid to promote specific narratives, raising concerns about truth and objectivity.
- Educators face challenges in teaching students critical thinking and media literacy amidst the prevalence of online misinformation.
- Despite challenges, local truth-tellers and social connectors offer hope for preserving truth and fostering civic engagement.
- The importance of storytelling and preserving historical truths is emphasized, especially in an era of increased competition in public education and attempts to rewrite history.
Fred Klonsky in Retirement 2 Professor Khalidi speaks in Brooklyn. Zionists (ironically) protest outside a house of worship. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/professor-khalidi-speaks-in-brooklyn
- Professor Rashid Khalidi, a historian and author, spoke at the First Unitarian Church in Brooklyn on Palestine, an event organized by Brooklyn for Peace.
- The event coincided with national No Kings Day demonstrations, which saw millions participating across the U.S. and worldwide, including tens of thousands marching in New York City.
- A small group of Zionist protesters demonstrated outside the church, ironically opposing such protests near religious institutions despite previously advocating for laws to ban them.
The Vonnegut Effect at 100 and Beyond: On the Promises of Humanism "We humanists try to behave as decently, as fairly, and as honorably as we can without any expectation of rewards or punishments in the afterlife." Kurt Vonnegut, "Man without a Country" https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/the-vonnegut-effect-at-100-and-beyond
- Kurt Vonnegut, celebrated for his dark humor and humanistic ideals, would have likely found the significance of his 100th birth anniversary amusing, given his views on arbitrary importance.
- Vonnegut, a WWII survivor, channeled his experiences, such as the firebombing of Dresden, into his most famous anti-war novel, *Slaughterhouse-Five*, which gained him widespread recognition, particularly among anti-war college students during the Vietnam War era.
- Despite his flaws, Vonnegut’s works, blending dark humor and idealism, continue to resonate. His writings often tackled themes of war, human kindness, and societal hypocrisy.
- Vonnegut’s later years were marked by cynicism and anger, which he expressed through political essays criticizing Republicans, environmental neglect, and societal carelessness.
- He warned of the dangers of prioritizing religious zeal and the afterlife over the welfare of living people and democracy, a message that remains relevant today.
- The article reflects on Vonnegut's legacy and laments the current state of society, invoking his warnings and literary influence as a call to action for decency and humanism.
glen brown: "Trump is under the gun to end his misbegotten war" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/trump-is-under-gun-to-end-his.html
- The article criticizes Donald Trump's handling of the war with Iran, labeling it as "misbegotten" and highlighting his use of delaying tactics and lack of a coherent strategy.
- Trump's threats towards Iran, such as bombing power plants or imposing tariffs, are seen as ineffective and costly, with no evidence of progress in negotiations.
- Iran is perceived to have the upper hand due to its preparation for U.S. attacks, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and reliance on cost-effective asymmetric warfare, such as drones and missiles.
- The U.S. and Israel are facing significant challenges, including depleted military resources and manpower shortages, which weaken their ability to sustain the conflict.
- Iran may leverage Trump's desperation to end the war by negotiating a favorable deal that offers minimal concessions while gaining significant benefits, such as lifted sanctions.
- The article concludes that Trump's lack of strategy has led to a costly and avoidable war with no clear path to victory, leaving both the U.S. and Iran in precarious positions.
Teacher Tom: The Blind Spot https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-blind-spot.html
### Key Points
- Indigenous oral traditions, like those of the Apalech clan, offer ancient wisdom that challenges Western science's assumptions about "dead matter" and empty space, as seen in the concept of dark matter.
- Western science's claim of objectivity is critiqued as an illusion, with quantum physics revealing the inevitable influence of the observer on reality.
- The "blind spot" of modern science is explored, including the bifurcation of nature, reductionism, objectivism, and the reification of mathematics.
- Indigenous perspectives emphasize a holistic view of reality, rejecting the separation of living and non-living and valuing sensory experiences as part of understanding the world.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Meta and Google Get Spanked in Courts over Teen Us... https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/03/meta-and-google-get-spanked-in-courts.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- A California jury held Meta and Google responsible for a woman's mental health issues caused by their addictive social media platforms, awarding $6 million in damages.
- The platforms were deemed defective for exploiting the developing brains of children and teens; internal documents revealed deliberate strategies to attract and retain young users.
- Comparisons to the Big Tobacco lawsuits of the 1990s have been drawn, as the focus shifts to platform design rather than user content, circumventing Section 230 protections.
- A separate New Mexico jury also found Meta liable for failing to protect young users from online harm, awarding $375 million in damages.
- Future trials in California and Los Angeles will address similar claims against major social media platforms, including TikTok and Snapchat.
Denny Taylor An Addendum: The Science of Reading Act of 2026 - H. R. 7890 Is Not Based On Science DENNY TAYLOR https://teachingindangeroustimes.substack.com/p/an-addendum-the-science-of-reading
### Key Points
- The Science of Reading Act of 2026 (H.R. 7890) mandates hierarchical teaching methods that restrict learner-centered practices and multi-cueing strategies, limiting children's ability to hypothesize and adapt to a digital society.
- Critics argue that the ban on "three cueing" is based on the misconception that it promotes guessing rather than meaningful hypotheses, which contradicts how children naturally learn to read.
- Helen Prouix, a teacher with 30 years of experience, observed that phonics-first methods lead to more guessing, as children struggle to decode nonsense words or poorly written texts without contextual cues.
- Legislation aiming to prevent guessing undermines children's ability to cross-check and accurately identify words, hindering their development of letter-sound correspondences.
- The Act's focus on phonological decoding over morphological meaning incapacitates children, particularly those with ACEs, by removing opportunities to hypothesize word meanings in cohesive texts.
- Personal anecdotes, such as Nicola's and Patrick's stories, illustrate how rigid phonics instruction and excessive testing harm vulnerable children emotionally and academically.
- Patrick's case shows how alternative approaches, such as engaging children in meaningful projects, foster curiosity and advanced learning, even for children labeled with disabilities.
- Children with ACEs often experience environmental distress that impacts their ability to read, which is misdiagnosed as neurological disorders under reductive testing methods.
- The Act exacerbates reading difficulties by emphasizing fidelity to explicit phonics instruction, rather than fostering activities that engage imagination and critical thinking.
- The article stresses the importance of teaching literacy as a meaningful, healing process rather than a rigid, decontextualized exercise.
First serial: Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2026/03/30/first-serial-dangerous-dirty-violent-and-young/
- The article discusses a book tour for "Home 2025," highlighting its themes, including a first serial titled "Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young."
- It mentions various blog posts and events, such as International Women’s Day and a seminar on freedom under the "Under the Tree" podcast.
- A categorized list includes topics like articles, book reviews, education, letters, politics, and short fiction.
- The archives section provides a chronological list of posts dating back to 2006, showcasing a long history of content updates.
Michael Klonsky: WEEKEND QUOTABLES Leavitt vs. Sartre https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-4ff
- Over 9 million people participated in No Kings Day rallies globally, with significant turnouts in cities like St. Paul, San Diego, Austin, and Boise.
- Karoline Leavitt claimed victory over Iran by stating the U.S. had destroyed Iran's military capabilities, using a flawed logic that smaller enemies without significant military power are easily defeated.
- Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophy, particularly from "Critique of Dialectical Reason," emphasizes the complexities of conflict due to the resistance of the opposing side, contrasting with simplistic views of war.
- Sartre’s analysis of Algeria highlights that domination cannot erase the resistance of the oppressed, a perspective relevant to current conflicts like the U.S.-Iran situation.
- At the St. Paul rally, speakers like Lizz Winstead, Gov. Tim Walz, Pope Leo, and Bruce Springsteen voiced support for unity, peace, and resistance against war and oppression.
- Tributes were paid to Rudy Acuña and Ernie McMillan, two influential figures in social justice movements, for their lifelong contributions to equity and education.
Special Education Substantially Improves Learning Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
- Three randomized controlled trials in Chicago Public Schools tested interventions to improve student engagement in remote learning. Personalized phone calls increased registration for summer programs, weekly texts had mixed effects, and adding instructional aides showed long-term benefits for math performance.
- The number of postdoctoral researchers in the U.S. has quadrupled from 1979 to 2023, driven by increased science funding, but this growth has led to limited career prospects and worsened employment conditions. Recent trends suggest the U.S. may have reached “peak postdoc.”
- Universities contribute to innovation and economic growth through knowledge creation, student education, and technology transfer. Advances in microdata and network science have enhanced understanding of these impacts.
- Special education significantly improves learning outcomes for students with disabilities, with achievement scores rising 0.2–0.4σ within three years of individualized support. Gains are consistent across disability categories and are not driven by testing accommodations.
- Virtual instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted high school students’ transitions to college, with declines in FAFSA submissions, ACT participation, and first-year college enrollment, particularly in disadvantaged schools.
- Frequent social media use in early adolescence is linked to weaker reading and vocabulary skills over time, while also impairing attentional control. However, it may improve information processing speed. Researchers suggest limiting screen time and delaying smartphone use for children.
- A study found that ADHD medication in childhood, especially methylphenidate, may reduce the risk of developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia in adulthood. The protective effect is only observed when treatment starts in childhood, not later in life.
Choosing Democracy: St. Paul No Kings Rally https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/03/st-paul-no-kings-rally.html
The video reports on the "No Kings" protests, where an estimated 8 million people across all 50 U.S. states and over a dozen countries rallied against President Trump. Organizers highlighted the event as the largest single day of protest in U.S. history, with a significant gathering of 200,000 people in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The rally featured several prominent speakers and performers who addressed various social and political issues:
- Representative Ilhan Omar spoke about the administration’s "creeping authoritarianism" and criticized its foreign policy, specifically military operations in Iran, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
- Jane Fonda read a moving letter from Becca Good, the widow of Renee Good, who was killed by federal immigration agents in January.
- Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong condemned the administration's "fascism" and voiced support for the "Righteous 39" protesters currently facing charges.
- Senator Bernie Sanders argued that the American public has been consistently lied to regarding wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Iran, calling for an immediate end to the conflict in Iran.
- Sanders further criticized Trump for failing to uphold his campaign promise of being a "peace candidate" who would end "forever wars."
- Governor Tim Walz praised Minnesotans for standing up for decency against what he termed a "wanna-be dictator."
- The event concluded with a performance by Bruce Springsteen, who dedicated his song "Streets of Minneapolis" to victims of ICE violence, Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
- Legendary activist Joan Baez also appeared, praising the crowd for their commitment to non-violent resistance and determination.
The Left Chapter: $380 Million in Funding Cuts to One of the Most Successful US Public Education Programs | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/funding-cuts
### Key Points
- Federal funding cuts under the Trump administration have severely impacted public education, with over $4 billion withheld at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
- The FSCS program, which supports community-focused school initiatives, lost $380 million in funding, severely affecting schools like Chicago's Curie High School.
- The cuts have led to the termination of programs such as tutoring, after-school activities, parent education courses, and health services, which were crucial for underserved communities.
- Many educators and staff, funded by FSCS grants, face job insecurity, while students and families lose access to vital support systems.
- The Department of Education cited the elimination of "diversity, equity, and inclusion" programs as part of its rationale for the cuts, raising concerns about targeting disadvantaged schools.
- Legal challenges have been filed against the funding cuts by organizations and state attorneys general, arguing the decisions harm students and families.
Why we need a moratorium on the use of AI in NYC schools | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy https://studentprivacymatters.org/why-we-need-a-moratorium-on-the-use-of-ai-in-nyc-schools/
- The Parent Coalition for Student Privacy provides toolkits and resources for educators and parents to protect student data privacy, including downloadable guides in English and Spanish.
- The organization advocates for a moratorium on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in NYC schools due to concerns over inadequate guidance from the Department of Education (DOE).
- Protests have been organized by parents, educators, and children to demand a two-year moratorium on AI use in NYC schools.
- Advocacy groups have called for the Chicago Board of Education to overhaul or cancel telehealth counseling contracts due to privacy concerns.
- The NYC Department of Education revised regulations in May 2025 to allow schools to disclose student data, prompting privacy concerns and efforts to educate parents on how to opt out of data sharing.
KIDS CAN'T WAIT: The National ID Card Congress Has Rejected Is Back Again From a midnight House vote in 1990 to the SAVE America Act today, the fight over who controls your identity and your data has never been more consequential. BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/the-national-id-card-congress-has
### Key Points
- The SAVE America Act proposes requiring documentary proof of identity and citizenship to register to vote, but only five states currently meet its requirements. Critics argue it may lead to voter suppression.
- In 1990, a provision for a national ID system was secretly added to the Immigration Act conference report but was ultimately rejected by Congress after bipartisan opposition.
- The 1990 national ID proposal included a pilot program in three states that required biometric identification systems, raising concerns about privacy and potential for abuse.
- Opponents in 1990, including both Democrats and Republicans, argued the national ID system would lead to discrimination, particularly against minorities, and potential government overreach.
- The Heritage Foundation and President Ronald Reagan opposed the idea of a national ID card in the 1980s and 1990s, citing concerns over government surveillance and abuse.
- The REAL ID Act of 2005, passed after 9/11, established federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses, effectively creating a national ID system under the guise of state branding.
- The SAVE America Act is seen as a continuation of the national ID debate, with arguments about election integrity being similar to those made in 1990. Critics warn of the risks of building surveillance infrastructure.
- The article draws parallels between U.S. data collection practices and China’s surveillance systems, highlighting the risks of data misuse and government control.
- The use of AI tools like Clearview AI for facial recognition has already led to wrongful arrests, showcasing the dangers of repurposing personal data for unintended uses.
- The article warns that the incremental development of surveillance infrastructure could lead to significant privacy and civil liberties violations, emphasizing the need for safeguards.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Monday, March 30, 2026, has been a heavy news day for the Trump administration, dominated by an escalating military conflict in the Middle East and domestic tension over government operations.
Here are the top 10 news stories regarding Donald Trump today:
1. Escalation of the "Iran War" (Operation Epic Fury)
President Trump has issued a major ultimatum, threatening to "completely obliterate" Iranian power plants, oil wells, and critical infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened immediately.
2. Approval Ratings Hit Record Lows
A new national poll from UMass Amherst shows the President’s approval rating has plummeted to 33%, the lowest of his second term.
3. Executive Action to Pay TSA Workers
Amid the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, Trump signed an executive action today ordering back-pay for TSA agents.
4. Massive "No Kings" Protests Continue
The "No Kings" movement is gaining significant traction today, with large-scale demonstrations across the country.
5. Jeffrey Epstein Document Fallout
The DOJ's release of millions of pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein continues to haunt the administration.
6. Scaling Back Asylum Crackdown
In a surprising shift, sources report the administration is scaling back some of the asylum restrictions enacted following the D.C. National Guard shooting.
7. Lawsuit Over EPA Mercury Rollbacks
A coalition of public health and environmental groups sued the Trump administration today over its repeal of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.
8. Tensions with Governor Newsom Over AI
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order today specifically designed to counter federal rollbacks.
9. Threats to Seize Iranian Oil and Territory
Beyond infrastructure strikes, the President has threatened to seize Iranian oil supplies and take control of Kharg Island.
10. FEMA Grant Reinstatements Under Court Order
Following a string of administration cuts that left rural towns "sitting ducks" for natural disasters, a federal judge has ordered the administration to reinstate billions in disaster preparedness grants.