TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 21, 2026
Here are today's top news stories (as of March 21, 2026) in each category, based on prominent ongoing developments and reports. The dominant global theme is the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, which influences multiple areas.
U.S. News
- U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jet struck by enemy fire over Iran — An Air Force F-35 on a combat mission made an emergency landing after being hit, amid ongoing airstrikes in the Iran war.
- Near-miss aviation incident at Newark Airport — An Alaska Airlines passenger jet and FedEx cargo plane came within 325 feet of colliding during landing approaches, raising air safety concerns.
- Long security lines at airports due to TSA pay crisis — Widespread delays and suspensions (including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry in some cases) continue as staffing and funding issues persist.
- Body of missing University of Alabama student found in Spain — James Gracey (also referred to as Jimmy Gracey), who disappeared in Barcelona, was recovered in nearby waters.
Politics
- Pentagon seeks $200 billion from Congress to fund the Iran war — The administration pushes for massive funding to sustain military operations, including potential ground troop options.
- Trump urges Japan and criticizes NATO allies as "cowards" for not aiding in Iran conflict — The president pressures allies for support in securing the Strait of Hormuz and slams NATO reluctance.
- Reports highlight damage to U.S. democracy under Trump — Multiple studies (e.g., Bright Line Watch, V-Dem Institute) note rapid declines in democratic rankings due to executive power moves and media attacks.
- Trump administration sues Harvard — Legal action alleges violations related to civil rights or other policies, continuing tensions with elite institutions.
World Affairs
- Escalating U.S.-Iran war and potential U.S. ground troops — Trump weighs options like deploying troops to secure the Strait of Hormuz or key sites, amid strikes and retaliations.
- Iran strikes on energy facilities and Qatar's response — Iranian attacks hit Qatari sites after Israeli strikes on shared South Pars gas field, heightening Gulf tensions.
- Trump's 'Board of Peace' initiative faces mixed reception — Some nations (e.g., Israel, Saudi Arabia) join the proposed global body led by Trump, while others (e.g., France, Sweden) reject it.
- EU summit tensions over Ukraine and Iran — Leaders debate responses, with Hungary's Orbán claiming victories amid veto threats and energy disputes.
Education
- Trump administration sues Harvard — The suit claims violations (potentially tied to civil rights or policies), escalating federal scrutiny of universities.
- Ongoing impacts of student loan changes — New limits (e.g., ending Graduate PLUS) spark debates on pushing students toward private loans and rising college costs.
- Rajasthan Class 10 Board Exams results imminent — Announcement expected soon (March 23), with other regional updates like low NIPUN status in some Indian schools.
- Broader higher ed pressures — Hearings and reports address runaway costs, federal policy shifts, and immigration-related detentions affecting campuses.
Economy
- Soaring oil/gas prices from Iran war strain households — Despite overall economic resilience, Americans face higher costs; Trump pushes plans to ease impacts.
- Rising U.S. recession risks in 2026 — Experts warn of slowdowns tied to inflation, interest rates, and war-related disruptions.
- Economy insulated but households burdened — Broader resilience contrasts with individual hardships from oil surges and uncertainty.
- Tariff and trade policy fallout — Ongoing adjustments after court rulings on tariffs add economic uncertainty.
Technology
- Limited major breakthroughs reported today — Tech news focuses more on hiring (e.g., channel roles at Intel, Workday) and incremental AI/defense integrations.
- AI governance and national security discussions — Ongoing debates on AI in defense policy and high-stakes simulations.
- Other developments — Biotech advances (e.g., lab-grown hair follicles) and platform/economic shifts (e.g., YouTube ads, open-source AI).
Health
- Advances in obesity treatments — The Lancet discusses making treatments more equitable, with focus on oral GLP-1 agonists for efficacy/tolerability.
- Pesticide exposure linked to Parkinson's risk — UCLA study highlights long-term chlorpyrifos exposure dramatically raising disease odds.
- Medicaid fraud claims escalation — Dr. Oz intensifies accusations against states, tied to broader policy debates.
- General medical research — Topics include physiologically guided procedures and malaria parasite discoveries.
Sports
- March Madness 2026 underway — NCAA men's tournament features upsets and chaos (e.g., High Point over Wisconsin, TCU over Ohio State); second-round games ongoing today.
- Second-round matchups — Key games include Michigan vs. Saint Louis, Duke vs. TCU, Gonzaga vs. Texas, and more on CBS/TNT/truTV.
- Other events — FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Finals in Norway; Milan-San Remo cycling classic.
The Iran conflict dominates headlines across U.S., politics, world affairs, and economy categories, creating ripple effects globally.
Olivia Troye: Our Government Is For Sale https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/20/olivia-troye-our-government-is-for-sale/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Olivia Troye discusses a $500 million deal between an Abu Dhabi royal and the Trump family, raising concerns about foreign influence on U.S. governance.
- The deal allegedly led to the UAE gaining access to advanced U.S. AI technology despite national security concerns.
- Troye highlights how such transactions undermine democratic governance and national security.
- Commenters argue that systemic corruption affects both political parties, emphasizing the role of campaign financing and the impact of the Citizens United ruling.
- Researchers have found that U.S. policies often favor economic elites over the majority, reflecting an oligarchic system.
Treasury Department Expects to Make Two Coins with Trump's Face on Them https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/20/treasury-department-expects-to-make-two-coins-with-trumps-face-on-them/ via @dianeravitch
- The U.S. Treasury Department plans to mint two coins featuring Donald Trump's image: a $1 coin with his profile and a 24-karat gold coin for the nation's 250th anniversary, the latter being controversial.
- The first commission rejected the gold coin proposal, citing it as undemocratic. A second Trump-aligned commission approved it, with some members advocating for a larger coin size.
- The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, a bipartisan panel, opposed the gold coin, arguing it violates democratic norms and equates to honoring royalty.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a former committee member, criticized the idea, saying Trump has caused harm to the country and that such coins require broad consensus.
- Only one other sitting president, Calvin Coolidge, has appeared on U.S. currency, which also caused controversy. Democrats and some Republicans argue that featuring living presidents on coins is inappropriate and possibly illegal.
- Some lawmakers and experts argue that the Treasury Department could bypass approval panels to mint the coins, but this might lead to legal challenges.
- Trump's administration has also attempted other controversial memorialization efforts, such as renaming buildings and creating monuments, but these moves have faced public and legislative opposition.
- The administration scrapped previously approved designs for commemorative quarters honoring Black Americans and women, replacing them with themes like the Mayflower Compact and Revolutionary War, which critics found uninspired.
Research Studies Of The Week Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog offers free subscription options and republished posts on education topics, including advice for teachers from English Language Learners.
- March 25th is recognized as the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, with teaching resources available.
- Research studies, such as those from Ghana, explore teacher-student misalignment and are applicable globally.
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) resources and weekly updates are shared, alongside critiques of its limitations.
- Useful tools like ESLvideo and Google Slides are highlighted for ELL classroom planning and AI education use.
- Books authored by the writer provide research-based strategies across various subjects, including math, science, social studies, and English.
- Practical tips for motivating students and engaging parents in education are discussed.
- The blog includes Q&A posts, educational videos, and contributions to platforms like Education Week and The New York Times.
Norms vs. Standards From June 2016 PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/norms-vs-standards
- The article explains the difference between standards-referenced (criterion-referenced) tests and norm-referenced tests. Standards-referenced tests compare students against a fixed standard, allowing all students to potentially achieve a high score if they meet the criteria.
- Norm-referenced tests compare students against each other, setting achievement levels (cut scores) after the test is taken. These tests ensure a distribution of scores, meaning some students will always score lower than others. Examples include the SAT and IQ tests.
- Norm-referenced tests are not effective for measuring growth over time since they only provide relative comparisons within a specific group or "bucket." They cannot compare across different groups or years.
- The concept of "grade level" in education is often based on norm-referencing, which ensures that some students will always fall below the "grade level" benchmark.
- Federally mandated standardized tests like PARCC and SAT aim to create a large "national bucket" for comparisons, but their norm-referenced nature means some students will always fail. This makes such tests unsuitable as graduation requirements.
- Norm-referenced tests are more focused on sorting individuals into categories of winners and losers rather than measuring actual proficiency or improvement.
glen brown: "People Can’t Afford Healthcare": Sanders Rips Pentagon Request for Another $200 Billion https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/people-cant-afford-healthcare-sanders.html
- Glen Brown's blog reflects on the role of writers, quoting figures like Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus, emphasizing resistance to oppression and freedom from societal constructs.
- U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the Trump administration’s request for $200 billion for the war on Iran, highlighting the financial strain on Americans struggling with healthcare, housing, and childcare.
- The National Priorities Project (NPP) pointed out alternative uses for the $200 billion, such as funding Medicaid, food stamps, veteran care, and education programs, emphasizing the need to prioritize domestic needs over war spending.
- The blog critiques the Trump administration’s foreign policy, particularly its actions in Iran, calling them reckless and costly, and compares it to past mistakes like the Iraq War.
- Other topics discussed include U.S. gun control policies, systemic racism, social justice, healthcare, education reform, and international conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian war and the Ukraine crisis.
Teacher Tom: Microscopic Utopias https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/microscopic-utopias.html
### Key Points
- Moments of kindness between children, such as comforting a sobbing classmate, represent "microscopic utopias" that showcase human compassion.
- Utopia is not a destination but an act of caring for others during their times of need, emphasizing the importance of small, kind gestures.
- The blog reflects the author’s belief in the potential for a better world through early childhood education and community-building efforts.
- Teacher Tom shares free resources for educators and parents to foster play-based learning environments, encouraging creativity and engagement.
- The blog is a personal platform where Teacher Tom discusses education transformation, emotions, and community, while inviting collaboration and support.
Tennessee’s Christo-Fascist Supermajority On the March It is clear that Tennessee's MAGAt legislators plan to convert God to a Trumpist and then put him charge of every public institution. http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/03/tennessees-christo-fascist.html
- Tennessee Senate passed a bill mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, alongside other historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
- The bill differs from a House version, which allows but does not mandate these displays. The bill will return to the House for amendment approval.
- Supporters argue the Ten Commandments are historically significant, while opponents believe the bill violates the First Amendment and could alienate non-Christian students.
- Similar laws have been passed in Republican-led states like Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas, sparking lawsuits that may reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
- A separate bill, the "Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act," was also passed by the Senate, allowing schools to teach about the positive impacts of religion in history classes. It will next be considered in the House Education Committee.
When the Machines Ban the Books Who needs book-burning firefighters when AI is ready to do the job? ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/when-the-machines-ban-the-books
- Artificial intelligence is being used to identify "controversial" books in school libraries, potentially leading to automated book bans.
- Some AI systems scan entire catalogs, flagging books for sensitive content or political risk, and categorizing them for administrative review.
- There is concern that administrators might rely solely on AI-generated lists to exclude books without deeper evaluation.
- Advocacy groups could use AI-generated lists to push for the exclusion of flagged books.
- Historically, library technology has been focused on improving access to information, but this new trend shifts the focus to assessing and mitigating risk.
Failing Up: From Nashville to Chicago – Dad Gone Wild https://norinrad10.com/2026/03/20/failing-up-from-nashville-to-chicago/
### Key Points
- The author reflects on their experience with Sito Narcisse during his time as MNPS Deputy Superintendent, describing him as personable but ineffective in delivering results for students and schools in need.
- Sito Narcisse, despite his controversial track record in Nashville and East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, has been named a finalist for the Chicago Public Schools superintendent role.
- Narcisse’s tenure in East Baton Rouge Parish was marked by failed contract negotiations and his request for a 22% raise, which led to his departure from the district.
- Concerns are raised about the lack of a Hispanic candidate in the Chicago superintendent finalist pool, highlighting broader issues of representation in educational leadership.
- The article critiques the trend of education administrators moving between districts despite poor performance, often gaining more authority and higher salaries.
- In Tennessee, the PECA bill, which would have weakened teacher unions, failed to advance, marking a temporary win for teachers.
- There is growing criticism of excessive standardized testing in Tennessee schools, with a pilot program proposed to study the impact of reducing testing.
- The article questions whether standardized testing truly measures learning or simply shifts instruction to test preparation.
- A Tennessee bill proposes requiring districts to publicly disclose all local assessments, though there is confusion about whether similar legislation already exists.
- A library board in Rutherford County, Tennessee, voted to move 132 books, many with LGBTQIA+ themes, from the children’s section to the adult section, sparking First Amendment debates.
- The article highlights a recurring issue in education: the gap between qualifications, policies, and actual outcomes.
Kids can’t wait: Why the U.S. Must Ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/why-the-us-must-ratify-the-convention
- The U.S. is the only UN member state that has not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which was adopted in 1989 and is the most widely adopted human rights treaty in history.
- The article highlights how children in the U.S. face systemic challenges due to government policies such as cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, education funding, and the spread of health misinformation.
- The authors argue that children’s rights are being overlooked, as they are often used as political props but denied basic protections, safety, and education.
- Childhood trauma and toxic stress have long-term negative effects on children’s health, education, and future, with ripple effects on society as a whole.
- Ratifying the CRC would symbolize a commitment to children’s rights and send a message that the U.S. values its youth as an investment in the future, not merely as budgetary or political concerns.
- The article critiques the U.S. for failing to act on children’s rights while claiming to champion these rights internationally, highlighting hypocrisy.
- The authors stress the moral imperative to protect children and argue that safeguarding their rights should transcend partisan politics.
- Ratifying the CRC would not solve all issues overnight but would lay the groundwork for recognizing and protecting children’s rights in law and principle.
Choosing Democracy: Dolores Huerta and the UFW https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/03/dolores-huerta-and-ufw.html
### Key Points
- Dolores Huerta, at age 96, revealed she was sexually abused by Cesar Chavez in the 1960s, resulting in two secret pregnancies.
- She kept the incidents a secret for decades to protect the farmworker movement, which she considered her life’s work.
- Huerta now identifies as a survivor and shares her story to support other women who have come forward with similar experiences of abuse by Chavez.
- She condemned Chavez's actions, stating they do not represent the values of the farmworker movement, which remains larger than any individual.
- Huerta continues to advocate for farmworkers and women’s rights, urging communities to support survivors of sexual violence.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, March 20, 2026, the news surrounding the Trump administration is dominated by an intensifying conflict in the Middle East, a major legislative push on Artificial Intelligence, and ongoing legal battles over environmental policy.
1. Escalating Conflict with Iran
The most critical developing story involves the three-week-old U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Ground Troop Preparations: Reports today indicate the Pentagon is making "heavy preparations" for the potential deployment of U.S. ground forces into Iran.
President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, "I'm not putting troops anywhere," but added, "If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you." Naval Movements: The U.S. is reportedly sending three more warships and thousands of Marines to the region.
Strait of Hormuz: President Trump took to social media to call NATO allies "cowards" for their reluctance to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a primary driver of soaring global oil prices.
Security Alerts: The State Department issued an updated security alert today for U.S. citizens in Iran, urging them to shelter in place as departure options become increasingly limited.
2. National AI Legislative Framework
The White House officially unveiled a National AI Legislative Framework today.
The Goal: The administration is urging Congress to pass a "light touch" regulatory blueprint to ensure American dominance in AI.
Preempting States: A key—and controversial—feature of the plan is to preempt state-level AI laws, which the administration argues create a "patchwork" that stifles innovation.
Opposition: In response, several Democratic lawmakers introduced the GUARDRAILS Act today, seeking to repeal the President’s recent executive order on AI and protect the rights of states to enact their own safeguards.
3. Diplomatic Meetings
Japan Alliance: President Trump welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the White House today for a bilateral meeting and dinner.
Discussions are focused on strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance, specifically regarding regional security and technology cooperation.
4. Education & Domestic Policy
Department of Education: Today marks the one-year anniversary of the executive order to abolish the Department of Education. Reports highlight that while the department still exists, nearly 120 programs have already been transferred to other agencies.
Task Force to Eliminate Fraud: The President signed a new Executive Order today establishing a Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by the Vice President, aimed at coordinating a national strategy to stop "waste and abuse" in federal benefit programs like housing and medical care.
5. Legal & Environmental Challenges
Climate Lawsuit: California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a major lawsuit against the administration today. The suit challenges the repeal of the EPA’s "Endangerment Finding," which serves as the legal basis for federal climate pollution regulations.
