TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 16, 2026
Here are the top news stories for March 16, 2026, based on prominent headlines and developments across the requested categories. The dominant global theme is the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran (now in its third week), which is influencing multiple areas like politics, world affairs, economy, and more.
U.S. News
- Severe weather across the eastern U.S., including blizzards in the northern tier (Minnesota, Wisconsin), high winds, potential tornadoes in the Mid-Atlantic, and an early heatwave in the West, causing road issues and preparedness declarations (e.g., in Maryland).
- About 3,800 workers at a major meatpacking plant in Colorado set to strike.
- Ongoing impacts from the Iran conflict, including U.S. military actions and domestic economic ripple effects like rising jet fuel prices.
Politics
- President Trump faces critical decisions in the Iran war's third week, weighing escalation versus de-escalation amid military, diplomatic, and economic challenges.
- Trump pressures NATO allies, China, and others (now "demanding" about 7 countries) to send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with little to no commitments so far (e.g., Germany, China, UK cautious or refusing).
- Democrats in Congress push for hearings and limits on the Iran war authority, though previous efforts have been rebuffed.
- Trump signals possible delay to his upcoming Beijing summit with Xi Jinping unless China helps on Hormuz.
World Affairs
- Iran war escalates with Israel launching strikes, Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz to U.S. allies, causing oil supply disruptions and soaring prices.
- Trump's coalition appeals for Hormuz naval support gain no firm promises from key nations like China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain.
- Pope escalates calls for ceasefire in the Iran conflict.
- Broader regional tensions, including potential reviews of Iran's relations with Gulf states.
Education
Education-specific headlines are lighter today, with no major national breaking stories dominating feeds:
- Student recognitions, such as a Los Alamos High School freshman selected as a BigFuture Ambassador for the College Board.
- Ongoing discussions around federal education policy shifts under the Trump administration, including "returning education to the states."
- Minor local or niche items, like school staffing successes in certain districts.
Economy
- Oil prices surge above $100/barrel due to Hormuz disruptions and attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure (e.g., Kharg Island), raising inflation fears and impacting global markets.
- Stock futures waver amid energy instability from the Iran war; central banks (Fed, ECB, etc.) prepare to assess war impacts in upcoming meetings.
- Dollar holds near 10-month highs as markets brace for rate decisions and war fallout.
- Trump's promised economic boom collides with war costs, including higher gas/jet fuel prices threatening growth projections.
Technology
- NVIDIA's GTC AI conference kicks off (March 16-19) in San Jose, with CEO Jensen Huang's keynote highly anticipated for AI breakthroughs and implications for stocks/markets.
- New space tech developments, like a British startup's compact high-frequency impulse device (Hi-Fi M) for astronaut exercise in microgravity.
- Broader AI trends, including reports on chatbots and workforce exposure to AI-driven changes.
Health
Health news is relatively quiet on major breaking fronts today:
- Ongoing research into microplastics potentially damaging brain health and linking to conditions like Alzheimer’s/Parkinson’s.
- Studies on gut bacteria producing serotonin and ties to IBS.
- Minor items like NIH meetings (e.g., National Cancer Advisory Board) and general pharma/health policy updates.
Sports
- World Baseball Classic: Team USA holds off Dominican Republic 2-1 in semifinals (advancing to final amid a controversial final pitch call).
- NCAA March Madness brackets unveiled for men's and women's tournaments (Selection Sunday fallout), with top seeds like Duke, Arizona, etc.
- Ongoing schedules, including NBA (e.g., Orlando at Atlanta) and other league play.
The Iran conflict remains the overarching story influencing many categories, particularly energy markets and international relations. Stay safe if you're in affected weather areas!
Press Freedom? What? https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/15/press-freedom-what/ via @dianeravitch
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, threatened to revoke licenses of broadcasters with negative coverage of the Iran war, citing the need for media to operate "in the public interest."
- Carr's statement followed Trump's criticism of media outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times for reporting on U.S. military setbacks in Iran.
- Carr justified his stance by referencing Trump's 2024 election win, claiming it reflected public distrust in the media, despite Trump not winning by a landslide.
- The threat was met with backlash from free speech advocates and political figures, who labeled it unconstitutional and authoritarian.
- Critics compared the move to actions by authoritarian regimes, expressing concerns over the erosion of press freedom and democracy in the U.S.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Trump have repeatedly criticized the media for focusing on negative aspects of the Iran war, accusing them of undermining the administration.
The Scam of Strong Schools Equals a Strong Economy https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/03/15/the-scam-of-strong-schools-strong-economy/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Public schools are often blamed for economic struggles, but their role in shaping the economy is overstated.
- The 1983 report “A Nation at Risk” spurred school reforms based on the idea that better schools would improve economic competitiveness.
- Despite reforms leading to higher test scores and college attendance, schools are not credited for economic recovery.
- Politicians and business leaders used schools as scapegoats to divert attention from flawed fiscal and corporate policies.
- The misconception lies in confusing individual benefits of education with collective economic outcomes.
- Schools serve multiple purposes in a democracy, not just economic ones, making the narrative of schools driving the economy misleading.
glen brown: A brief update on some of the key events in Ukraine this week https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/a-brief-update-on-some-of-key-events-in.html
### Key Points
- The article discusses the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting recent missile and drone attacks by Russia and Ukraine's counteroffensive efforts.
- Ukrainian defense expertise is being shared with other countries facing similar drone threats, contributing to global security.
- The blog reflects on the role of writers in society, quoting Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus on the themes of isolation and oppression.
- Criticisms of Donald Trump are evident throughout the blog, focusing on his actions in relation to Iran, democracy, and his overall presidency.
- The blog includes a wide range of topics, from personal anecdotes to broader political and social commentary, demonstrating the author's diverse interests and concerns.
glen brown: "Their failure to sufficiently fight back 'against a war-crazed Trump administration'" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/their-failure-to-sufficiently-fight.html
### Key Points
- The article quotes various writers and thinkers about the role of writers in addressing oppression and societal issues.
- A coalition of peace groups criticized Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries for not opposing Trump's militaristic actions, especially the war on Iran.
- The coalition demands new leadership in Congress to address issues like militarism, unauthorized wars, and arms sales to Israel.
- Critics argue that the Democratic Party's half-hearted responses to Trump's actions amount to implicit support for his policies.
- The blog post reflects on broader political and social issues, including Trump’s governance, international conflicts (e.g., Iran and Ukraine), social justice, education reform, and systemic injustices.
glen brown: How to Feel Whole in a Broken World: An Astronaut’s Antidote to Despair https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/how-to-feel-whole-in-broken-world.html
### Key Points
- The article explores the philosophical and existential reflections of writers and astronauts on the human condition, despair, and the power of perspective.
- It highlights astronaut Chris Hadfield’s advice on overcoming despair through daily accomplishments, optimism, and gaining a broader perspective of life by viewing Earth as a unified entity from space.
- The narrative draws parallels between polar explorers of the past and modern astronauts, emphasizing how wonder and awe, such as experiencing the Northern Lights, can counteract despair.
- Danish artist Harald Moltke’s spiritual experience with the Northern Lights is recounted, illustrating how nature’s beauty can inspire awe and provide a sense of connection and purpose.
- The blog post integrates themes of social justice, political critique, and cultural commentary, weaving them into a broader narrative about human resilience and interconnectedness.
A New Voice... ...and why we are building it ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/getting-the-band-back-together
- The article criticizes Retiree Advocate (RA) for being ineffective and self-serving, while emphasizing the pivotal role of NYC Retirees and Marianne Pizzitola in achieving recent victories against Unity and Medicare Advantage.
- The author advocates for the Fix Retiree Benefits movement, which plans to run in the 2027 RTC election and push for state regulations to protect retiree healthcare, including eliminating co-pays.
- Frustration is expressed over RA's lack of collaboration and dismissive attitude toward rescheduling meetings or addressing concerns raised by members.
- The author recounts personal experiences of being silenced during meetings and criticizes RA for prioritizing their own agenda over retiree health benefits.
- RA is accused of ignoring the contributions of NYC Retirees and failing to learn from past election results, instead focusing on maintaining power and loyalty.
- The article highlights the need for leadership that welcomes criticism and prioritizes the collective good, contrasting this with RA’s alleged self-interest and lack of inclusivity.
Ed Tech Digest Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
- The blog offers educational resources and strategies, focusing on topics like using photos in lessons, teaching English Language Learners (ELLs), and leveraging Google’s NotebookLM.
- Highlights include regular posts like "Sentences of the Week" and curated resources for teachers on various themes such as Poetry Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and ESL/EFL/ELL teaching.
- Features tools like “Zep,” a game-based learning site similar to Wayground, Blooket, and Kahoot, and resources on teaching students about corporate manipulation using “reactance.”
- Provides insights from research studies, republished posts on educational topics, and guidelines for teachers on student AI use.
- Offers a variety of books and resources with research-based instructional strategies for teaching Social Studies, English, Math, Science, and ELLs, as well as strategies for improving student motivation and engagement.
- Includes additional content such as a blog supporting parental engagement in schools, a Bam Radio show, and posts for Education Week Teacher and The New York Times Learning Network.
South Carolina's "Parental Rights Act" Is a Threat to Children's Health, Safety, and Bodily Autonomy The bill that just passed the South Carolina House by a 116-1 vote harms children, and your state’s children may be the next target. BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/south-carolinas-parental-rights-act
### Key Points
- The "Parental Rights Act" (H. 4757) passed the South Carolina House with overwhelming support, but it raises concerns about children’s health, safety, and autonomy.
- The bill frames parental authority as a "fundamental right," subject to strict judicial scrutiny, diminishing the role of schools, healthcare providers, and child-protection systems in acting in the best interests of children.
- The education provisions grant parents extensive control over school curricula, teacher materials, and counseling records, while requiring parental consent for discussions on sensitive topics like gender identity and sexual orientation.
- Schools would be required to disclose information about a child's physical, emotional, or mental health to parents, even if it compromises the child’s safety.
- The bill undermines the trust between students and school counselors or nurses, potentially discouraging children from seeking help in abusive or hostile situations.
- H. 4757 repeals existing laws allowing minors to access confidential healthcare services, such as mental health care, STI testing, and reproductive health services, without parental consent.
- The bill's requirement for parental consent for healthcare services, including referrals, could delay or prevent necessary interventions for adolescents in crisis.
- The "emergency exception" for healthcare is narrowly defined, excluding many urgent adolescent health issues like suicidal ideation or pregnancy complications.
- The legislation may lead to the loss of federal Title X funding, costing South Carolina millions of dollars annually and reducing access to family planning services.
- Similar "parental rights" laws in states like Texas and Idaho have led to harmful consequences for children, including denial of life-saving medical treatments and restrictions on crisis hotline support.
- The article argues that the law prioritizes parental control over child welfare, effectively treating children as property and ignoring their rights and needs.
- The bill is linked to a broader ideological agenda, extending beyond existing federal parental rights protections.
- Recommendations include restoring adolescent medical consent rights, protecting confidentiality in student-health professional relationships, and ensuring compliance with federal funding requirements.
- The article emphasizes the need for laws to account for worst-case parental behavior and safeguard children’s welfare, rather than assuming all parents act in their children’s best interests.
The Great Venezuelan Gold Heist $100M 'Extracted' from Venezuela MICHAEL KLONSKY https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/the-great-venezuelan-gold-heist
- The United States transported $100 million worth of gold from Venezuela to the U.S., as announced by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
- This transfer occurred under the collaboration between the U.S. and Venezuela's "acting President" Delcy Rodríguez, following the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro.
- The partnership includes U.S.-licensed dealings with Minerven, Venezuela’s state-run gold company, and extends to the extraction of critical and precious minerals like gold, bauxite, aluminum, and coal.
- Burgum described the transaction as part of “critical investments” and “exploration,” though critics label it as imperialistic exploitation under the guise of strategic mineral agreements.
TN Teacher Morale Below National Average Teacher morale is declining nationally, relatively low in Tennessee ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/tn-teacher-morale-below-national
- Teacher morale is declining nationally, with Tennessee teachers reporting lower morale (+10) compared to the national average (+13) and neighboring states like Arkansas (+24) and South Carolina (+16).
- Major factors affecting teacher morale include insufficient planning time (54%), inadequate handling of student discipline by administration (53%), large class sizes (51%), lack of mental wellness days (37%), and ineffective school leadership styles (36%).
- Approximately one-third of Tennessee teachers believe student behavior has stayed the same or improved over the past year, which aligns with the national average.
- Teachers suggested solutions for improving student behavior, including smaller class sizes, reduced parental interference in discipline, limited student phone access, and parent education on promoting appropriate school behavior.
Teens and young adults with ADHD and substance use disorder face treatment gap Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Teens and young adults with ADHD and substance use disorder face a treatment gap, as they are less likely to receive ADHD medication despite its benefits, including a 30% reduction in mortality.
- Concerns about misuse lead clinicians to hesitate in prescribing CNS stimulant medications for individuals with co-occurring ADHD and substance use disorder, despite their effectiveness.
- ADHD treatment, particularly with stimulants, improves outcomes such as fewer hospitalizations, emergency visits, and suicidal thoughts, even among those with substance use disorders.
- College students with lower self-control and habitual short-form video use experience worse sleep health and higher stress, though academic performance remains unaffected.
- Short-form video consumption is linked to procrastination, driven by escapism, entertainment, and a need for social connection, leading to negative psychological and behavioral outcomes.
- Frequent smartphone use during school hours, primarily for social media and entertainment, is associated with poorer attention and impulse control among students.
- Limiting access to smartphones during school hours could help improve students’ attention and academic engagement.
- Teacher grading violations can influence student ethical behavior, with undergrading leading to more cheating and overgrading having varying effects based on community structure.
- Adolescents are particularly influenced by peers who are socially close or have high status in their social networks, impacting learning and behavior.
- Positive peer influence becomes more significant in older adolescents, who are more likely to emulate prosocial behaviors like donating to charity.
- Social media amplifies peer influence, making it crucial to understand and manage these dynamics for educational and social benefits.
Is This the End of DEI? Our Conversation on The Doc Chat Show (Video Below) – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/03/15/is-this-the-end-of-dei-my-conversation-on-the-doc-chat-show-video-below/
- Universities, philanthropy, non-profits, and corporations across the U.S. have dismantled DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs over fears of risking federal support, but federal courts have invalidated the legal basis for these decisions.
- Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig and Dr. John C. Turner discuss the implications and future of DEI initiatives on The Doc Chat Show, questioning what institutions will do next now that DEI is not deemed illegal.
- Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig is a prominent scholar in education policy and equity, frequently cited in major media and featured on various national TV, radio, and podcast platforms.
- Cloaking Inequity is an online platform focused on justice, democracy, education, and politics, offering reflections, analysis, and commentary. It invites readers to subscribe for updates.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, March 15, 2026, the news cycle is dominated by the escalating conflict with Iran and President Trump’s efforts to manage the resulting economic fallout at home.
Here are the top stories involving the President today:
1. Escalation of the Iran-Israel War
The war, which began roughly two weeks ago, continues to intensify.
Strike Outcomes: President Trump stated this weekend that U.S. and Israeli forces "obliterated" Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, a critical oil export hub.
He warned that further strikes on energy infrastructure may follow. Strait of Hormuz: Trump is calling on international allies—including China, Japan, and the UK—to send warships to help the U.S. secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Global oil shipping has been severely disrupted, leading to a spike in energy prices. Peace Negotiations: In a recent interview, Trump said he is "not ready" to make a deal with Tehran, claiming the current terms are not favorable enough.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appeared on Face the Nation today, stating Iran has no intention of negotiating under the current circumstances.
2. Domestic Energy & Economy
Gas Price Crisis: With gas prices surging due to the conflict, the administration is under heavy pressure. Trump promised a "very big decrease" in energy costs once the war ends, but Energy Secretary Chris Wright cautioned today that Americans will feel the pinch for "a few more weeks."
California Clash: Governor Gavin Newsom has vowed to fight a Trump administration order to restart the Sable Offshore pipeline in California.
Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to boost domestic oil supply, a move Newsom calls an "illegal" exploitation of the war crisis. Trade Agenda: The USTR released the President’s 2026 Trade Policy Agenda today.
It highlights a 32% year-over-year drop in the trade deficit with China for 2025 and outlines plans for new "Reciprocal Trade" deals.
3. Immigration & Border Policy
Deportation Data: A new report today highlights a growing controversy over immigration data.
While the administration touts "historic lows" in illegal crossings and millions of self-deportations, critics and researchers argue the Department of Homeland Security has stopped publishing the granular, vetted statistics used by previous administrations. Housing EO: House Republicans issued a statement today praising a new Executive Order on Housing Affordability.
The order aims to lower costs by removing federal regulatory barriers to new home construction.
Other Notable Developments
TikTok Deal: Reports indicate the administration is poised to receive a $10 billion "transaction fee" from investors who took over TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Military Losses: The Pentagon officially identified the six U.S. service members killed in a refueling aircraft crash over Iraq last Thursday.
