TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 2, 2026
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The dominant global story is the escalating U.S.-Israel military conflict with Iran following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the weekend, with ongoing strikes, retaliations, and regional spillover.
U.S. News
- U.S. military casualties in Iran operations — Three American service members killed and five seriously wounded in strikes against Iran; President Trump warns of likely more casualties as operations continue.
- Mass shooting in Austin, Texas — Two people killed and 14 injured in a shooting in the city's entertainment district.
- Broader domestic impacts — Travel advisories and business disruptions (e.g., Standard Chartered bank postponing staff travel to the Middle East) due to the Iran conflict.
Politics
- Trump on Iran war duration and regime change — President Trump states the U.S. assault on Iran could last four to five weeks, urges regime change, and offers conflicting visions for Iran's future government post-Khamenei.
- Congressional reactions — Partisan divides emerge over the strikes (Operation Epic Fury), with debates on U.S. involvement and aftermath.
- International responses — China condemns the attacks as unacceptable and calls for ceasefire; Trump reiterates no negotiations with Iran.
World Affairs
- Escalation in Middle East conflict — U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continue on Iran; Iran retaliates with missile strikes causing explosions in Gulf cities (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha); Iran refuses talks with the U.S.
- Hezbollah joins the fray — Hezbollah launches strikes on Israel in retaliation for Khamenei's death; Israel responds with attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, ending a yearlong truce and risking wider war.
- Leadership vacuum in Iran — Confirmation of Khamenei's death leads to 40 days of mourning; uncertainty over succession amid vows of revenge from Iranian officials.
Education
- Teacher financial struggles — Gallup report: One in five K-12 teachers struggling financially, with one in three holding second jobs.
- Federal proposed rules on student loans — U.S. Department of Education's comment period ends today on changes to make higher education more affordable, including new graduate loan limits and simplifying repayment (tied to recent legislation).
- Push for teacher prep investment — Education groups advocate for $2.5 billion federal plan to rebuild teacher preparation programs amid enrollment declines.
Economy
- Oil prices surge amid conflict — Oil futures jump (crossing $80 in some reports) due to disrupted Middle East supply and Strait of Hormuz concerns; stock futures sink in reaction.
- Broader market impacts — Warnings of rising energy costs, shipping/air travel disruptions, and global economic ripple effects from the Iran war.
- Upcoming economic indicators — Focus on ISM Manufacturing PMI release today as markets monitor for signs of slowdown or resilience.
Technology
- MWC 2026 announcements — Lenovo unveils adaptive AI PCs, modular concepts, glasses-free 3D laptops, foldable gaming handhelds, and Lenovo Qira rollout; other highlights include Honor's "Robot Phone" and more AI-integrated devices.
- AI infrastructure investments — Forecasts of Big Tech spending $650 billion on AI scaling in 2026; ongoing concerns about AI disruption to jobs and markets.
- AI in markets — Discussions on AI's potential to upend sectors, with investor focus on returns from data center spending.
Health
- U.S. News launches Hospital Compare tool — New digital platform to help patients compare over 6,000 hospitals side-by-side for better care decisions.
- Rising healthcare costs — Reports of health insurance premiums surging up to 22% in 2026, with calls for alternatives like HSAs to offset burdens.
- Other notes — Emerging stories on HIV treatments for older adults and policy battles under the current administration.
Sports
- College basketball — No. 2 UCLA dominates USC 73-50 to close the regular season; high school playoff action ramps up (e.g., Big Red boys advance to district title game).
- General coverage — Spring training MLB games ongoing; PIAA basketball playoffs begin in some regions; Connections: Sports Edition puzzle trending.
The Iran conflict overwhelmingly leads across U.S., politics, and world categories, influencing economy and global stability headlines. Other areas show more routine or sector-specific developments. Stay safe and informed!
Joy in Iran! https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/01/joy-in-iran/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Many Iranians celebrated the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, viewing it as the end of a repressive regime.
- Concerns were raised about the potential for continued U.S. and Israeli attacks and the long-term consequences of regime change in Iran.
- Critics argued that the attack lacked congressional approval, violating the War Powers Act, and expressed fears about the unpredictability of the situation.
- Some questioned the authenticity of the reports and videos of celebrations, suggesting possible disinformation campaigns.
- There is uncertainty about Iran's future leadership and the potential for escalated conflict involving allies like North Korea, China, and Russia.
ICYMI: Oh Great A New Frickin' War Edition (3/1) PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/icymi-oh-great-a-new-frickin-war
- The US attack on Iran is criticized for being a foolish decision, urging citizens to pressure Congress for better actions.
- Ohio school district prohibits "Hate has no home here" posters, seemingly protecting discriminatory views.
- Florida’s voucher-funding system faces backlash from private school operators due to inefficiencies.
- South Carolina's school choice law leads to unintended financial beneficiaries, causing legislative dissatisfaction.
- The "Mississippi Miracle" in education is oversold, with systemic issues persisting despite improved reading scores.
- Concerns arise about AI in education, questioning its effectiveness in student learning.
- Charter school profiteering in Stockton, CA highlights exploitation in the privatized education sector.
- Florida school choice turf wars reveal a shift in privatization dynamics.
- The 100-point grading scale is criticized as a flawed design.
- Gifted programs spark debate over their role and sensitivity in education.
- AI developments, including META’s posthumous posting patent, raise ethical and societal concerns.
- The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education faces criticism for offering subpar degrees to working-class students.
- Google and ISTE+ASCD partnership is accused of harming US education.
- Democrats show potential support for public education amidst ongoing challenges.
- Kentucky faces another defeat in school choice legislation, alongside insights into teens and AI from a Pew survey.
The Unchanged Century Myth PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/the-unchanged-century-myth
### Key Points
- The claim that schools haven’t changed in a century is inaccurate; schools have evolved significantly in terms of curriculum, technology, and societal roles.
- Historical data from the 1920s reveals that schools were highly segregated, had low attendance rates, and lacked resources, contradicting the idea of a "golden age" in education.
- Education has seen major shifts, including the introduction of junior and senior high schools, expansion of curricula, and increased accessibility, although challenges like segregation and inequality persisted.
- Schools are slow to change due to their conservative nature, which is necessary to avoid risky experimentation that could harm students.
- Arguments claiming either no change or detrimental change in schools are overly simplistic and often used to promote specific agendas. Thoughtful, evidence-based reform is essential.
About that School Trump Referred to in the State of the Union Address… - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2026/03/01/about-that-school-trump-referred-to-in-the-state-of-the-union-address/
About that School Trump Referred to in the State of the Union Address…
Melania Trump is promoting AI in education, introducing a student from the Alpha School, a private institution that teaches for only two hours a day using AI without traditional teachers. Founded by Mackenzie Price, who claims traditional schools have "poisoned" young minds, Alpha School emphasizes a "growth mindset" and learning efficiency. Co-founder Brian Holtz has a business background, while Joe Liemandt, a Stanford dropout, is the principal. Dan Meyer, a math teacher, notes that while Alpha employs certified teachers called guides, they do not function like traditional teachers and prioritize technology in the classroom. Critically, he points out that the school has replaced disadvantaged students with affluent ones.
### Key Points
- Donald Trump omitted public schools in his State of the Union Address and promoted AI in education alongside his wife, Melania Trump, through her Be Best initiative.
- The Alpha School, a private institution, uses AI-driven learning for only two hours a day without traditional teachers, emphasizing a "growth mindset" and learning efficiency.
- Concerns are raised about the lack of traditional teacher roles in AI-driven schools, which focus on technology and minimal human interaction.
- The U.S. has spent $30 billion on replacing textbooks with technology, resulting in a generation less cognitively capable than their parents. Scandinavian countries are reducing screen usage to improve education quality.
- Alpha Schools, with a $65,000 price tag, are criticized for being accessible only to wealthy families, and their virtual charter school counterparts generally perform poorly.
- Critics argue that AI cannot replace human teachers, as students may miss essential skills and knowledge without human interaction and structured teaching.
- Public schools, despite their flaws, rely on human interaction and well-trained teachers to provide a more comprehensive education compared to AI-focused models.
- The article calls for better support for public school teachers, proper use of AI as a tool, and a commitment to maintaining public schools in America.
Start school later, sleep longer, learn better Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com
### Key Points
- Starting school later aligns with adolescents' biological clock, allowing them to sleep longer and improving mental health, physical development, and learning abilities.
- A flexible school model in Switzerland, allowing students to choose their start time, resulted in 95% of students starting later, sleeping 45 minutes longer, and showing improved academic performance and health.
- Flexible school start times can help reduce chronic sleep deprivation and address mental health challenges among adolescents, as shown in a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
- Cooperative play among non-friends improves significantly when given goal-directed tasks, promoting connectedness and social development.
- A new tool developed by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute helps identify children at risk of speech disorders, reducing unnecessary treatments and improving early intervention.
- Adolescents who experience loneliness or family conflict are more likely to exhibit aggression or become victims, highlighting the importance of social health during early adolescence.
- Joint evaluation of multiple candidates for academic promotion reduces racial disparities in decision-making and increases the promotion chances of Black and Hispanic faculty.
- The Mathematics Intervention Toolkit has been introduced to support educators in implementing evidence-based strategies for elementary students struggling with mathematics.
glen brown: Trump's Violation of a "Just War" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/trumps-violation-of-just-war.html
### Key Points
- The article emphasizes the role of writers in resisting oppression and maintaining independence from societal doctrines and politics.
- Discussion on the principles of a "just war," including just cause, last resort, proper authority, right intentions, reasonable success, and proportionality.
- Criticism of Donald Trump’s presidency, including his policies and actions, such as environmental deregulation, racial remarks, and handling of political opponents.
- Reflection on the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting its devastating impact on Ukraine's people and cultural heritage.
- Various societal issues are explored, including pensions, education reform, social justice, healthcare, and climate change.
glen brown: The Week Ahead by Joyce Vance https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-week-ahead-by-joyce-vance.html
### Key Points
- The article discusses the role of writers in resisting oppression and embracing isolation as a form of independence.
- Commentary on the State of the Union (SOTU) address and a counterprogramming event called “State of the Swamp” by Miles Taylor, focusing on fact-checking and democratic principles.
- Reports on deaths in ICE-run facilities and legal battles over classified documents involving Judge Aileen Cannon.
- Coverage of the legislative failure of the SAVE Act and Fulton County’s fight for election records against the DOJ.
- Discussion of Trump’s attempts to seize control of elections and concerns over a draft executive order regarding China’s alleged interference in the 2020 elections.
- Insights from interviews with prominent figures like Ruth Ben-Ghiat, John Tester, and Kyle Whitmire on topics such as resistance, journalism, and Republican hypocrisy.
- Reflections on the Russia-Ukraine war, its cultural impact, and broader geopolitical implications.
- Commentary on the Trump administration’s policies, including environmental deregulation and racial issues, as well as its broader impact on democracy.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This Week, March 2-8, 2026 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/03/seattle-schools-this-week-march-2-8-2026.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Two meetings are scheduled for March 4, 2026: an Executive Session to review a public employee's performance (not open to the public) and a Board Special Meeting focusing on the budget and goals.
- Speaker topics for an upcoming Board meeting include high school boundaries, a zoning resolution for Green Dot, and other issues.
- Concerns about nepotism in the Seattle school district are raised, citing examples of personnel promotions and transfers based on personal connections.
- Discussion on advanced learning services and their description in CSIPs, with Director Geary expressing agreement on certain points.
Terrible Toxics How the EPA Rollbacks Are Betraying Child Health A new report by leading scientists who worked at the EPA document how the Administration's recent rollbacks of safeguards are exposing children to mercury lead pesticides & PFAS BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/terrible-toxics-how-the-epa-rollbacks
This article discusses a report by the Environmental Protection Network, which highlights the adverse effects of recent rollbacks in environmental protections by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These rollbacks are exposing children to harmful pollutants like mercury, lead, pesticides, and PFAS, leading to severe health consequences. The report emphasizes the need for stricter regulations and urges the government to prioritize children’s health over industrial interests.
### Key Points
- The article recounts the historical case of Smeltertown, where children were exposed to high levels of lead due to industrial pollution, leading to health crises.
- The report, "Terrible Toxics," by the Environmental Protection Network, documents the harmful effects of toxic pollutants such as mercury, lead, pesticides, and PFAS on children’s health.
- The report links exposure to toxic chemicals to severe health issues, including neurological damage, reproductive harm, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.
- The article criticizes the EPA for rolling back health safeguards, calling it "organized abandonment" of children’s health.
- The report highlights contradictions in the Administration’s policies, which claim to prioritize children’s health while implementing decisions that favor industrial interests over public health.
- The article calls for immediate action, urging the EPA and related agencies to restore and strengthen safeguards for children’s environmental health.
So Cool! Stephen King Is Offering Nine-Day Writing Residencies To K-12 Teachers & Retired Teachers
Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog provides resources for teachers, including writing residencies, teaching materials for festivals like Holi, and Women’s History Month.
- It shares insights on global events and their implications for education, such as the U.S., Israeli/Iran conflict.
- Regular features include "The Best" lists, ESL/EFL/ELL resources, and research studies applied to education.
- The author highlights tools like "The Globe of History" and weekly classroom instruction resources.
- Books authored by the blogger offer research-based instructional strategies for various subjects, including Social Studies, Math, English, and Science, along with resources for ELL classrooms.
- The blog emphasizes student motivation, parental involvement, and classroom management strategies.
- Other work includes a radio show, New York Times education posts, and videos for teachers.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, March 1, 2026, the news cycle is dominated by a major military escalation in the Middle East and domestic political tension regarding the 2026 midterm elections.
Major Conflict: Operation Epic Fury in Iran
The most significant news today is the ongoing aftermath of massive joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which President Trump officially confirmed on Saturday.
Death of Supreme Leader: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the strikes, along with approximately 40 senior regime members.
President Trump described this as the "single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country." Casualties & Status: The Pentagon confirmed the first American casualties today, reporting three U.S. troops killed and five wounded.
Trump stated in an interview that the operation is "ahead of schedule" and could be completed in "four weeks or less." Diplomatic Openings: Despite the ongoing bombardment, a senior White House official indicated that Iran's "potential new leadership" has signaled an openness to talks.
Trump told The Atlantic today, "They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk."
Domestic Politics & The 2026 Midterms
With the midterm primaries approaching this month, the president is shifting into high-gear campaign mode.
"Campaigning Like It's 2024": Chief of Staff Susie Wiles confirmed the administration’s strategy to keep Trump at the center of the midterm cycle.
Trump has been holding frequent rallies, including a recent stop in Texas where he reportedly ordered "hamburgers for all" at a local Whataburger. Congressional Backlash: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced today that Democrats will push for a War Powers Resolution to rein in the military action in Iran, calling the strikes "unconstitutional" without congressional approval.
Administration & Policy Updates
Government Shutdown & DHS: Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security, but the agency is celebrating amid an ongoing government shutdown.
Secretary Kristi Noem praised staff for working without paychecks while touting the administration's deportation of over 700,000 individuals in the past year. Healthcare Fraud Crackdown: The administration announced the "CRUSH Initiative," a major data-driven effort to target Medicare and Medicaid fraud, seeking to save billions in taxpayer dollars.
Legal Battles: The administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow the removal of protected status (TPS) for Syrian nationals, continuing its efforts to tighten immigration controls.