TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 18, 2026
Here are the top news stories for March 18, 2026 (based on prominent headlines and reports circulating today), organized by the requested categories. The dominant global theme is the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran (now in its second to third week), which is influencing many areas including politics, world affairs, economy, and more.
U.S. News
- Top counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigns in protest over the Trump administration's war with Iran, stating that Iran posed "no imminent threat" to the U.S. and blaming pressure from Israel and its lobby for starting the conflict.
- U.S. Embassy in Baghdad under attack amid escalating regional fallout from the Iran war, following Israel's killing of Iran's de facto/security leader (Ali Larijani).
- TSA checkpoints closing or disrupted as agents call out sick amid partial government funding issues and no-pay situations at the Department of Homeland Security.
- Winter storm and severe weather snarling travel on the East Coast, with strong winds and related incidents (including a Manhattan rooftop fire near St. Patrick's Day events).
- Sonic boom from exploding meteor heard across Ohio to Kentucky, confirmed by NASA as a high-speed object entering the atmosphere.
Politics
- Joe Kent's resignation as National Counterterrorism Center director highlights internal dissent within the Trump administration over the Iran war.
- Trump lashes out at NATO allies (including the UK under Keir Starmer) for refusing to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the U.S. doesn't need help but criticizing lack of support.
- Federal court blocks Trump's sweeping funding freeze, upholding a ruling against the administration's attempt to halt trillions in government financial assistance.
- Trump criticizes media and late-night shows while bragging about military actions in Iran, amid broader political fallout from the conflict.
- Top Democrats (e.g., Hakeem Jeffries) slam the Iran war as a "reckless war of choice," questioning preparation and justification.
World Affairs
- Escalating U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran continue, with reports of assassinations (including Iran's security chief Ali Larijani and others), massive air campaigns, and Iran's new supreme leader vowing to maintain blockages in the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. Embassy attack in Baghdad and regional spillover from the Iran conflict, raising fears of broader Middle East instability.
- Trump's public blasts at allies like the UK over their stance on the Iran war, straining diplomatic ties.
- Iran war enters Day 18, with analysts noting challenges for the U.S. (including arsenal depletion and ally reluctance), and reports of $20B+ in U.S./Israeli arms expended.
- Global oil crunch and supply disruptions tied to the conflict, affecting regions like India (LPG shortages) and beyond.
Education
Education stories are quieter today amid global focus elsewhere, but notable items include:
- City University of Hong Kong named world's most international university for the third straight year.
- Ongoing discussions around U.S. Department of Education initiatives, such as regional competitions for awards like the Presidential 1776 Award.
- School assembly headlines roundup features education-related updates mixed with national/international news for students.
Economy
- Goldman Sachs warns of unemployment spike and slowed growth due to the Iran war, with gas prices up 27% and diesel up 34% since the conflict began.
- LPG consumption in India slumps 17% in early March due to war-related shortages and supply disruptions in West Asia.
- U.S. economic projections show moderated growth (around 2% in 2026), entering a "wartime shock" phase with Fed decisions in focus.
- Corporate earnings highlights, such as Lululemon beating Q4 expectations but guiding lower for next periods amid broader market concerns.
Technology
- AI and biotech breakthroughs, including lab-grown hair follicles and new space exercise tech (e.g., high-frequency impulse devices for astronauts).
- YouTube planning longer/unskippable ads as advertising models evolve.
- Enterprise AI developments, with companies like Mistral pushing "build-your-own AI" tools to compete with OpenAI and Anthropic.
- Apple security updates and fixes for bugs in iOS/macOS, plus ongoing AI infrastructure spending projections.
Health
- Study links long-term pesticide exposure (chlorpyrifos) to dramatically increased Parkinson's disease risk.
- Cells' sensing ability discovered to extend farther than expected, potentially explaining cancer spread mechanisms.
- Vaccine policy turmoil continues, with court injunctions limiting changes to U.S. recommendations but ongoing doubt and misinformation.
- AI expansion in healthcare, such as Roche increasing Nvidia chip use for computing in drug development and diagnostics.
Sports
- March Madness 2026 underway, with analysis of brackets, threats to top seeds (e.g., in regions featuring Duke, Arizona, Michigan, Florida), and hype around potential upsets like 12-seed High Point's sharpshooter Chase Johnston.
- NIT first-round games, including matchups like George Washington vs. Utah Valley.
- Pre-tournament breakdowns and predictions dominating coverage as the NCAA Tournament kicks off.
These reflect the major circulating stories—particularly the Iran war's ripple effects—on March 18, 2026. News can evolve quickly, especially in conflict zones.
Arkansas: Federal Judge Bans Display of 10 Commandnents in Public Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/17/arkansas-federal-judge-bans-display-of-10-commandnents-in-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A coalition of diverse religious and secular groups opposed Senate Bill 11, which sought to introduce state-organized prayer in Texas public schools.
- Nearly all of Texas's 1,200 school districts rejected the bill, reaffirming the separation of church and state.
- The coalition included organizations like RAC-TX, BJC, ACLU of Texas, and others, advocating for religious freedom and diversity in schools.
- The rejection of SB 11 highlights Texans' commitment to religious freedom and the constitutional separation between church and state.
- The bill was seen as an attempt to impose Christian nationalist policies, against which the coalition stood united.
Public School Funding Keeps Dropping across U.S., but Ohio Public School Finance Is Especially Precarious https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2026/03/17/public-school-funding-keeps-dropping-across-u-s-but-ohio-public-school-finance-is-especially-precarious/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- Public school funding across the U.S. has declined since the 2007-2009 recession, with 42 states devoting a smaller share of their economies to K-12 schools.
- States’ fiscal effort to fund schools has decreased, costing public schools $575 billion between 2016 and 2023.
- Higher-poverty districts receive less adequate funding than lower-poverty districts, disproportionately affecting African American, Hispanic, and Native American students.
- Ohio ranks 26th out of 47 states in school finance adequacy, with recent budgets significantly underfunding the Fair School Funding Plan by $2.75 billion.
- Ohio’s new budget replaces a graduated income tax with a flat tax, reducing state revenues and favoring wealthier individuals.
- Private school voucher funding has increased, surpassing the funding increase for public schools, despite public schools serving far more students.
- The burden of school funding has shifted from businesses to local homeowners, with state contributions to education declining from 47% in 1999 to a projected 32% by FY 2027.
- A proposed ballot initiative to eliminate property taxes in Ohio threatens to devastate school funding, as property taxes are the primary funding source for public schools.
glen brown: "He may not have had much of a strategy at all" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/he-may-not-have-had-much-of-strategy-at.html
### Key Points
- The article discusses DARVO, a psychological manipulation tactic often used by narcissists, and how Donald Trump has employed it extensively in his political career.
- DARVO involves denying wrongdoing, attacking the accuser, and reversing the roles of victim and offender to evade accountability.
- Experts like Jennifer Freyd and Sarah Harsey explain how DARVO has been weaponized by Trump to distort reality, discredit critics, and confuse the public.
- Examples of DARVO use include Trump's responses to sexual assault accusations and his framing of trade policies and political controversies.
- The tactic’s effectiveness lies in creating doubt and shifting focus, leaving victims defensive and questioning reality.
- DARVO is not limited to Trump; other political figures, like Andrew Cuomo, have also employed it, but Trump’s usage is described as particularly blatant.
- To counter DARVO, experts suggest educating people about the tactic, calling it out when observed, and focusing on critical thinking and factual discourse.
In Many Ways, I Think “ESLvideo” May Now Be One Of The Best Examples For AI Education Use On The Web Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
- The blog provides the latest news and resources in education, including posts on AI in education, educational policy, and teaching resources like Project Zero.
- Weekly posts republish past content, share resources for events like Cesar Chavez Day, and highlight useful classroom instruction materials.
- Features resources for teaching ELLs, educational strategies, and Google AI tools like NotebookLM.
- Offers teaching and learning resources for events like World Poetry Day and republished guest posts on topics like Bloom’s Taxonomy.
- Includes books with research-based strategies for various subjects, tips for student motivation, and classroom management techniques.
- Shares additional work such as a blog for parental engagement, a radio show, and contributions to Education Week Teacher.
- Provides videos and posts for the New York Times Learning Network, accumulating over 54,000 pageviews in a month.
Teacher Tom: The Two Knucklehead Theory https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-two-knucklehead-theory.html
### Key Points
- Two boys, previously not close, bond over a mischievous chant, illustrating the formation of social connections and shared behaviors among preschoolers.
- Teacher Tom reflects on the "Two Knucklehead Theory," which suggests that group behaviors, both positive and negative, become amplified when two or more individuals collaborate.
- The chant's edgy humor pushes boundaries, but the teacher allows it to unfold as part of the children's natural exploration and learning process.
- The classroom discussion about the chant helps the children reflect on its implications, fostering self-regulation and mutual understanding of boundaries.
- Teacher Tom advocates for play-based learning environments, where children can explore, socialize, and collaboratively determine acceptable behaviors.
The Mystery of Eighth Grade Test Results PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/the-mystery-of-eighth-grade-test
### Key Points
- The article examines the disparity between 4th grade and 8th grade test results in the so-called "Mississippi Miracle," focusing on why 8th graders underperform.
- Many districts have reorganized school structures to mitigate the impact of poor 8th grade test scores on school averages, blending them with other grades.
- The article highlights the "Giving A Shit factor," explaining that 8th graders are at a developmental stage where they are less motivated to care about standardized testing.
- Testing fatigue is a significant issue for 8th graders, who are often disinterested after years of repetitive practice tests and standardized testing rituals.
- The assumption behind test-based accountability—that students will care enough to try their best—is flawed, especially for 8th graders who struggle to see the relevance or stakes of these tests.
- Test topics are often dull and fail to engage students, further decreasing their motivation to perform well.
- Early reading habits play a crucial role in academic success, but catching up becomes increasingly challenging by middle school if these habits aren't established early.
On Testing and 8th Graders Wherein Peter Greene drops some knowledge ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/on-testing-and-8th-graders
- Standardized testing, introduced by No Child Left Behind in the early 2000s, has become a regular feature in schools, affecting teachers, schools, and districts, but not directly benefiting students.
- There is skepticism about the value of the current testing model, with a focus on the disparity between 4th-grade and 8th-grade test results, as highlighted by Peter Greene and Jill Barshay.
- The "Mississippi Miracle" showcases strong 4th-grade test results that do not translate to 8th grade, raising questions about the effectiveness of the system and student engagement.
- Testing culture has led to rituals like pre-test pep talks and videos, which tend to motivate younger students but fail to engage 8th graders, who often show apathy toward standardized tests.
- The foundation of test-based accountability assumes students will care about and perform well on tests, but this assumption falters with middle schoolers, particularly 8th graders.
Waist deep in the Big Muddy. FRED KLONSKY https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/waist-deep-in-the-big-muddy-4bf
- The article mentions Fred Klonsky's Substack platform, which focuses on topics such as pensions, unions, politics, and retirement, alongside his art.
- It references Michael Mulgrew, the United Federation of Teachers president, and critiques the union's lack of democracy.
- A brief note highlights Fred Klonsky's recent inactivity in posting due to personal circumstances.
glen brown: "Trump’s assault on US democracy is truly without precedent" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/trumps-assault-on-us-democracy-is-truly.html
A report by the V-Dem Institute highlights the rapid erosion of democracy in the United States during Donald Trump's second term. The report emphasizes the unprecedented pace at which democratic norms and institutions have been undermined, including the concentration of power in the presidency, the abdication of congressional oversight, and attacks on the judiciary. The administration's efforts to centralize control over state-run election processes have also raised concerns about the integrity of future elections. Comparisons are drawn to other authoritarian leaders, with Trump achieving more significant democratic backsliding in a shorter time frame.
### Key Points
- The V-Dem Institute report reveals that Trump's administration has dismantled democratic norms at an unprecedented rate, consolidating power in the presidency.
- The Republican-controlled Congress has ceded significant oversight and legislative powers to the executive branch during 2025.
- The administration has undermined the judiciary through mass pardons, pressure campaigns, and executive orders targeting political adversaries.
- Efforts to centralize federal control over state-run election processes, such as restrictions on mail-in voting, have raised concerns about the integrity of elections.
- V-Dem founder Staffan Lindberg compares Trump's rapid democratic backsliding to other authoritarian leaders, noting its unparalleled speed in U.S. history.
- Seattle Police arrested a male juvenile in connection with the January shooting of two Rainier Beach High School students. The suspect was not a student at the school, and the police are still investigating, including searching for the weapon. Police presence will remain at the school for the rest of the academic year.
- Two Seattle schools, McClure Middle School and Greenwood Elementary, received identical voicemail threats, leading to evacuations. No threats were found.
- Former Garfield High School basketball coach Brandon Roy was fired last September after allegations of recruiting violations involving an NBA agent offering incentives to a student. The firing was linked to a rival school's report, but no official findings have been made.
- Garfield girls basketball coach Roydell Smiley was also released last fall, though it appears to be unrelated to the boys’ basketball team allegations. Recruiting violations remain a concern in high school sports.
- Allegations against Brandon Roy and others are under investigation by Seattle Public Schools and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). The case involves redacted emails and potential policy violations.
- Nepotism and questionable personnel movements within Seattle Public Schools are highlighted, with examples of principals and staff benefiting from personal connections.
Gary Rubinstein's Blog: Debunking the Latest The74 Miracle Charter School Story | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/debunking-latest
- The article critiques a claim in The74 that a high-poverty charter school in D.C. outperformed affluent schools in math, specifically Center City Congress Heights charter school with 70% of its 8th graders passing the test.
- The author, Gary Rubinstein, fact-checked the claim and confirmed the numbers but highlighted the small sample size (20 students) as a limitation.
- Rubinstein investigated the performance of other schools in the same charter network, finding that the success of Congress Heights was an outlier, with the network's overall pass rate being 30%, just slightly above the D.C. average of 25%.
- The post criticizes using isolated success stories as propaganda, cautioning against drawing broad conclusions or implementing ineffective policies based on such data.
- Rubinstein emphasizes celebrating individual student achievements without letting them be misused for misleading narratives.
There's room for more under the MAGA bus. Kent was a bad boy. He told Trump his "conscience" was bothering him. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/theres-room-for-more-under-the-maga
- Joseph Kent, Trump’s top counterterrorism official, resigned after stating he could not support the administration’s war on Iran, citing his conscience and the lack of justification for the conflict.
- Kent criticized the war, claiming it was influenced by pressure from Israel and its American lobby, and stated that Iran posed no imminent threat to the U.S.
- Kent has controversial ties to far-right figures like Nick Fuentes and Greyson Arnold and has been in his position since July, where he focused on perceived Antifa threats.
- His resignation highlights divisions within Trump’s MAGA base and disagreements about the war in the Middle East.
P2 Application Deadline for School Year 2026-27 - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/p2appdeadlinesy26.asp
### Key Points
- Provision 2 (P2) reduces paperwork and administrative burdens for meal eligibility and counting, complementing California’s Universal Meals Program.
- SFAs operating under P2 serve free meals to all students and collect household meal applications once every four years.
- During the first year of the P2 cycle, SFAs must complete standard meal counting, claiming, and verification processes.
- SFAs must still make individual free/reduced-price (F/RP) eligibility determinations for SUN Bucks benefits after the first year.
- Deadlines for applying to P2 vary: June 30 for normal school schedules and June 1 for year-round schedules.
- SFAs applying for a new P2 cycle must submit specific forms and complete training via the NSD Learning Site.
- Forms and training resources for P2 applications are available on the Child Nutrition Information and Payment Systems (CNIPS) platform.
- SFAs extending their current P2 cycle must submit the Extension Request forms by the application deadline.
- Contact information for assistance with P2 applications is provided, including emails and directories for SNP County Specialists.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, March 17, 2026, President Trump’s agenda is dominated by a major shift in foreign policy, a high-level resignation, and continued domestic legal battles.
1. Postponement of China Trip for Iran War Focus
President Trump officially delayed his diplomatic trip to China (originally scheduled for late March) by five to six weeks.
2. Resignation of Counterterrorism Director Joe Kent
Joe Kent, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned today in protest of the administration's military strikes in Iran.
3. Hints at "Taking Cuba"
Amid a nationwide blackout in Cuba—the third in four months—President Trump hinted at imminent action against the island's government.
4. Supreme Court & Immigration Battles
TPS Protections: The Supreme Court announced it will hear arguments in April regarding the administration's efforts to end deportation protections for thousands of Syrians and Haitians.
Trump vs. SCOTUS: On Truth Social, Trump recently lashed out at the Supreme Court, calling it a "weaponized and unjust Political Organization" following a ruling against his administration's tariffs.
5. Domestic Policy & Impeachment News
Energy Mandates: The administration issued an emergency order forcing Washington state's last coal plant to stay open for an additional 90 days, despite data showing the plant has not actually produced power since January.
Impeachment Articles: Representative Summer Lee introduced articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging she defied subpoenas related to the "unredacted Epstein files" and abused her prosecutorial authority to protect Trump’s allies.
