TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 9, 2026
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The dominant global theme remains the escalating U.S.-Israel war against Iran, now in its second week, with major ripple effects across multiple areas.
U.S. News
- President Trump holds a news conference addressing the Iran war, including updates on military actions, potential next steps like seizing Iran's nuclear stockpile on Kharg Island, and responses to questions on the conflict's progress.
- Seventh U.S. service member dies from injuries sustained in earlier Iranian attacks, amid ongoing U.S. involvement in strikes.
- Economic fallout from the war continues, with job losses reported (e.g., 92,000 in February data still resonating) and rising gas prices contributing to uncertainty in Trump's "roaring economy" narrative.
- Incidents like lockdowns or threats (e.g., Fort Polk lockdown lifted after no credible threat found) and other domestic security notes appear in local/national wires.
Politics
- Trump's ongoing push for the SAVE Act/SAVE America Act, with Republicans facing pressure on election reforms, voting rules, and related legislation amid midterm concerns.
- Trump administration's handling of the Iran war, including reported calls with Putin to discuss the conflict and denials or statements on U.S. ground troops.
- Iran names Mojtaba Khamenei as new Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, with Trump warning against unapproved leadership and Iran rejecting surrender.
- GOP anxiety over rising energy prices and their potential midterm liability, tied to the Iran conflict's oil disruptions.
World Affairs
- Iran war escalates with continued U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, toxic black rain from oil depot hits, no radiation release from Natanz strike, and Iran's new Supreme Leader ascension.
- Trump demands Iran's unconditional surrender, with reports of more punishing assaults planned and considerations for seizing nuclear assets.
- Oil prices skyrocketing due to supply disruptions from the conflict, raising global economic fears.
- Iran rules out capitulation, with foreign minister indicating negotiations may be off the table amid ongoing bombings.
Education
- School mental health projects receive a 3-month funding reprieve after a court rules against the Trump administration's attempt to freeze/slash grants for hiring and training professionals.
- 'Pandemic babies' now in 1st and 2nd grade — ongoing studies and reports on how children born during COVID are performing academically and socially.
- Civics teachers report changing lessons due to fear of political backlash, with about a third altering content amid "divisive concepts" debates.
- Private school choice expansion continues to grow, with over 1 million students using public funds for private education and discussions on future implications.
Economy
- Oil prices surge to record levels from Iran war disruptions, impacting global supply and prompting Trump administration considerations for mitigation options.
- U.S. job losses and economic rough start to 2026, with rising gas prices, market volatility, and uncertainty from the conflict affecting stocks and Fed outlook.
- Broader market effects, including stocks (especially tech) rattled by the conflict, and discussions on inflation pass-through if the war prolongs.
Technology
- AI infrastructure spending boom continues, with major players projected to invest heavily (e.g., $700 billion in 2026), driving stocks like Nvidia amid volatility.
- Tech stocks impacted by Iran conflict selloff, with broader market concerns from geopolitical risks affecting equities.
- Ongoing AI breakthroughs and hardware advancements (e.g., edge AI like new processors for on-device processing) highlighted in monthly roundups.
Health
- Brain scans show ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression, advancing understanding of fast-acting treatments.
- New 'magic mushroom' drug variants explored for depression treatment without psychedelic hallucinations.
- Preventable cancers — WHO reports up to 7 million cases globally could be avoided with better measures.
- Other ongoing issues like menopause-linked mental health risks, GLP-1 drugs (e.g., Ozempic) potentially aiding migraines or osteoarthritis, and forever chemicals accelerating aging in men.
Sports
- NBA matchup: Washington Wizards vs. Miami Heat ongoing or highlighted today, with Miami on a win streak and injury notes (e.g., Jamir Watkins out).
- U.S. vs. Mexico in baseball/international play, featuring standout moments like Roman Anthony's three-run home run.
- College softball Power 10 rankings update, with UCLA rising significantly after a strong week.
- Paralympic athlete stories featured in segments, highlighting decorated athletes' incredible journeys.
These reflect the most prominent and recurring stories from major sources today. The Iran conflict overshadows much of the news cycle across categories. Stay safe and informed!
The Number of Billionaires Is Soaring, Thanks to Trump Tax Cuts! https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/09/the-number-of-billionaires-is-soaring/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- An audit of Arizona’s ESA program for homeschooling revealed that 20% of purchases, including non-educational items like condoms, jewelry, and video games, were unallowable.
- The ESA program, originally for students with disabilities, was expanded in 2022 to include all students, with eligible families receiving up to $7,000 annually.
- A risk-based audit found that 46% of purchases by certain account holders were unallowable, and the Attorney General has called for stricter upfront controls.
- Criticism arose over the policy of automatically approving some expenses and auditing them later, which has led to misuse of funds.
Reforming Public Schools--Small or Giant Steps? https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/03/09/reforming-public-schools-small-or-giant-steps-2/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Larry Cuban discusses a conversation with a former student about the challenges of reforming public schools, focusing on incremental versus fundamental changes.
- Incremental changes involve small, systematic improvements within the existing school structures and cultures, which Cuban argues have historically been more feasible and effective.
- Fundamental changes aim to overhaul or replace core educational structures and cultures, advocating for a complete reimagining of schools and teaching methods.
- Cuban emphasizes that most public institutions, including schools, have achieved progress through incremental change rather than radical reform.
- He highlights the importance of educators deciding whether to work within the system for incremental change or outside it for broader societal reforms.
- Examples of successful incremental reforms include improvements in districts like Long Beach and Boston, which achieved progress over decades through sustained efforts.
School Supplies Question their purpose at your peril. ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/school-supplies
### Key Points
- A high school student was found with a real and fake gun in their bedroom, raising concerns about safety in schools. When a teacher questioned the school's lack of action, they faced accusations of violating the student’s privacy, despite the information being public.
- The Department of Education (DOE) prioritizes student privacy over addressing potential threats, even when safety is at risk. Teachers expressing concerns are sometimes penalized instead of supported.
- The author recalls an incident where a student threatened his life in front of a class, and the administration's response was inadequate, leading to the replacement of the author with a PE teacher.
- Forest Hills High School UFT Chapter Leader Adam Bergstein faces potential dismissal for exposing a student who posted a threatening message with a gun on Instagram, despite his duty to represent and protect staff and students.
- The DOE’s actions against Adam Bergstein are seen as a deterrent to teachers speaking out about safety concerns, undermining their responsibility to ensure a secure environment.
- The author highlights the systemic issues in the DOE, where administrators focus on appearances over actual safety and discourage proactive measures from educators.
- Adam Bergstein is praised for his dedication and willingness to stand up for the safety of his school community, embodying the qualities of a strong chapter leader.
### Key Points
- The article criticizes the Trump administration for its lack of planning and negligence in evacuating Americans during conflicts in the Middle East.
- It compares Trump’s handling of evacuations to the Biden administration’s 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, stating that despite initial chaos, Biden's team successfully evacuated over 100,000 people, unlike Trump's administration.
- The Trump administration is accused of undermining the State Department by cutting staff and prioritizing political loyalty over expertise, leading to institutional failures.
- The article highlights the lack of accountability within the Trump administration and the Republican Party, calling for voters to take action in future elections.
- Broader issues discussed include the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, social justice, and the dangers of MAGA Christian nationalism.
Teacher Tom: "Whoever Uses Machines Does His Work Like a Machine" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/whoever-uses-machines-does-his-work.html
### Key Points
- The Woodland Park Cooperative Preschool encourages children to use tools purposefully, fostering creativity and respect for their intended purposes.
- Tools and machines, while enhancing efficiency, inevitably shape human behavior and may lead to mechanical routines that diminish curiosity and simplicity.
- Technology often prioritizes efficiency but can hinder deep thinking, curiosity, and the "scientific spirit" essential for meaningful learning and discovery.
- The author reflects on personal experiences with curiosity, such as observing ravens, and how seeking definitive answers through technology can diminish wonder.
- In early childhood education, tools should promote curiosity, wonder, and human-centric learning rather than efficiency or predetermined answers.
Teacher grading violations and subsequent student cheating Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Teacher grading violations influence student cheating behavior. Students are more likely to cheat when teachers systematically undergrade them (negative reciprocity) and responses to overgrading vary by community type.
- Weather during college campus tours can influence students' likelihood of applying, but it does not affect the quality or type of college they ultimately attend.
- Urban school improvement strategies, such as optimizing student-school matches or replacing low-performing schools, can enhance educational outcomes. Capacity constraints are a primary driver of inequality.
- Adolescents are highly influenced by peers, especially friends and high-status classmates. Peer influence can have both positive and negative effects on learning and behavior.
- Depression and suicidal ideation among U.S. college students have significantly increased over the past 15 years, with women, minorities, and financially stressed students experiencing the steepest rise.
- Teenagers are increasingly sleep-deprived, with more than 50% reporting less than 5 hours of sleep per night, leading to emotional and academic challenges. Later school start times and reduced evening demands could help improve sleep patterns.
- The way autonomy is experienced in schools impacts students' motivation and well-being. Autonomy satisfaction fosters persistence and achievement, while autonomy frustration leads to procrastination and burnout.
Grade 8 NAEP: A More Valid Reading Story (Although Still Incomplete) On NAEP Grade 8 Scores: "a better indicator of the cumulative effects of a system on student learning than 4th grade assessments." Bruce Baker, February 11, 2026 PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/grade-8-naep-a-more-valid-reading
### Key Points
- The media and education reformers are overemphasizing grade 4 NAEP reading scores in Mississippi, which are distorted by grade retention policies and do not reflect long-term student achievement.
- Grade 8 NAEP scores provide a better measure of cumulative student learning and reveal that Black students in Mississippi are not outperforming their peers in other states like California, Georgia, or Massachusetts.
- The racial achievement gap persists, and misleading narratives about “beating the odds” in Mississippi fail to address the systemic racial inequities in education and society.
- The article critiques the focus on short-term test score improvements and calls for systemic changes to eliminate inequities rather than celebrate isolated successes.
The AI Education Grift | tultican https://tultican.com/2026/03/09/the-ai-education-grift/
Elected school boards, a cornerstone of American democracy, are being influenced by tech billionaires promoting AI in education. The article critiques the push for AI integration in schools, arguing it's driven by profit motives rather than educational benefits. It highlights concerns about the unreliability, environmental impact, and potential harm of AI tools in education, as well as the questionable partnerships between tech giants and educational organizations. The author warns against rushing into AI adoption without proper evaluation and calls for educators, not tech companies, to lead decisions on its use.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, March 9, 2026, the news surrounding President Trump is dominated by the escalating military conflict in Iran, significant shifts in immigration policy, and a vocal dispute with the Supreme Court.
🛡️ Foreign Policy & the Iran War
President Trump held a press conference today at his golf club in Florida, providing a major update on the U.S.-Israel-led war in Iran.
Military Success: Trump claimed the U.S. is "achieving major strides," stating that most of Iran's naval power has been sunk and its air force "decimated."
He asserted the mission is "ahead of schedule." Energy Strategy: Amidst crude oil prices hitting nearly $120 a barrel, Trump warned Iran that the U.S. would hit their electricity production sites "much, much harder" if they attempt to block global oil supplies.
Hostage Day Proclamation: The President officially proclaimed today "U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day." He touted the release of 101 Americans since returning to office, attributing the success to a policy of "peace through strength."
⚖️ Conflict with the Supreme Court
The relationship between the White House and the Judiciary is increasingly tense.
"No Guts": During a weekend roundtable, Trump criticized the Supreme Court, saying they "ought to be ashamed" for rejecting his signature tariff policies and his attempts to federalize the National Guard.
TPS Legal Battle: Today, the Justice Department petitioned the Supreme Court to fast-track the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 350,000 Haitians and Syrians, following a lower court ruling that blocked their deportation.
🛂 Immigration & Domestic Policy
ICE Surge: The Department of Homeland Security released a report today detailing a series of high-profile weekend arrests by ICE, targeting "criminal illegal aliens" convicted of violent crimes and gang activity.
Civil Service Overhaul: Labor unions and watchdog groups filed a legal challenge today against a new Trump administration rule.
The policy aims to convert tens of thousands of non-partisan civil service roles into "at-will" positions, which critics argue is an attempt to politicize the federal workforce.
📈 Economic Outlook
The stock market saw a volatile session today.
