TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 25, 2026
Here are today's top news stories (as of March 25, 2026) in each requested category, based on prominent headlines and developments.
U.S. News
- Ongoing partial government shutdown causes major disruptions: TSA wait times at airports stretch to four hours or more due to staffing shortages from unpaid workers; ICE agents are being deployed to some airports to help mitigate delays as funding talks continue.
- Deadly collision at LaGuardia Airport: A runway incident involving an Air Canada jet and a fire truck prompts NTSB investigation; the airport's safety system did not alert in time.
- Trader Joe's recalls millions of frozen food items over potential safety concerns, adding to consumer alerts amid broader economic pressures.
- Consumer confidence dips to a 12-year low, reflecting worries over the economy, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions.
Politics
- Signal group chat security breach involving war plans: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials accidentally included a journalist in a commercial app discussion of Yemen strikes; National Security Adviser Mike Waltz takes responsibility, with Senate hearings grilling DNI Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Trump supports his team while denying classified info was shared.
- Trump signs executive order overhauling U.S. elections: Requires documentary proof of citizenship for federal voter registration, mandates ballots by Election Day, and threatens funding cuts for non-compliant states; aligns with RNC voter list probes.
- Musk positioned for billions in new government contracts via SpaceX amid DOGE-related efficiency pushes, raising questions about conflicts.
- Senate Democrats reject GOP offer on DHS funding; ongoing shutdown talks with limited reforms.
World Affairs
- U.S.-Iran conflict developments dominate: Trump claims productive talks with Iran and extends deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz (pausing strikes on power plants for five days), but Iran denies negotiations; ongoing strikes, missile exchanges with Israel, and casualties reported. Russia warns of "irreparable consequences."
- Broader Middle East tensions: Israeli actions in Gaza, West Bank, and southern Lebanon continue; U.S. deploys more troops to the region amid uncertainty over war duration and oil impacts.
- Drone attack hits fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, causing a fire; other regional incidents include aid deliveries to Cuba amid crisis.
Education
- Limited major national breaking stories today, with focus shifting to ongoing federal policy shifts (e.g., Education Department programs potentially moving to other agencies like HHS for school safety and family engagement).
- House Education Policy and Administration hearings underway, alongside subcommittee sessions on various topics.
- Broader context includes debates over federal funding, school safety, and impacts from the partial government shutdown on related programs.
Economy
- Trump announces 25% tariffs on all imported cars effective April 2, escalating global trade tensions; Canada calls it a "direct attack" on USMCA.
- Consumer confidence hits 12-year low amid Iran war uncertainties, energy price surges, and shutdown effects; Fed holds rates steady with projections for limited cuts in 2026.
- Stock markets mixed: Some bounces on Iran de-escalation hopes, but concerns over oil, inflation, and job data (e.g., earlier non-farm payroll losses) persist; businesses signal cautious growth signals for 2026.
Technology
- Meta loses landmark trial in New Mexico over child safety practices, with the jury ruling the company engaged in "unconscionable" trade practices exploiting minors; broader scrutiny on platforms continues.
- OpenAI shutters its short-form video app Sora as part of cost-cutting; other moves include Anthropic advancing Claude Code capabilities and Amazon acquiring humanoid robotics firm Fauna.
- Drone innovations: Brinc unveils a Starlink-connected "Guardian" drone aimed at replacing police helicopters; ARM stock rises on new chip revenue expectations.
Health
- Cyberattack on medical device giant Stryker (linked by experts to Iran-related tensions) disrupts order processing and manufacturing but does not affect product safety; hospitals warned of potential retaliatory DDoS risks.
- Federal judge temporarily blocks HHS/RFK Jr.-backed changes to childhood vaccine schedule and advisory panel, citing procedural issues; major medical groups had sued.
- Aetna agrees to $117.7 million settlement with DOJ over alleged inaccurate Medicare Advantage coding to inflate payments.
Sports
- NCAA March Madness updates: Sweet 16 previews highlight loaded East region (Duke, UConn, etc.); standout performances like USC's Jazzy Davidson (47 points across two games) and ongoing NIT tournament action.
- NFL moves: Veteran Buccaneers LB Lavonte David retires; Joe Flacco returns to Bengals on one-year deal; Jets mock drafts emphasize defense.
- Other highlights: Tiger Woods set for competitive return after 13 months; college softball power rankings shift with a new No. 1; MLB preseason/preview buzz continues.
These stories reflect the dominant themes of geopolitical tensions (especially U.S.-Iran), domestic political and fiscal challenges, and sector-specific developments. News can evolve quickly—check reliable sources for updates.
What One Iranian Thinks of Trump's Threat to Wipe Out Power Grid https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/24/what-one-iranian-thinks-of-trumps-threat-to-wipe-out-power-grid/ via @dianeravitch
- The blog post criticizes "grade retention," a policy of holding back students who fail to meet academic standards, labeling it a "zombie policy" that persists despite evidence of its ineffectiveness.
- Twenty-six U.S. states enforce mandatory third-grade retention for students failing reading exams, with Maryland set to join in 2027, despite research showing this approach is harmful, particularly for students of color.
- Economist Jiee Zhong's study on Texas third graders revealed that retention temporarily improves test scores but leads to long-term negative outcomes, including lower earnings, increased absenteeism, higher rates of juvenile crime, and reduced high school graduation rates.
- Zhong's research also highlighted racial disparities in the effects of retention, with white students experiencing a significantly higher drop in high school graduation rates compared to Black and Hispanic students.
- A Duke University study confirmed that grade retention is largely ineffective and harmful in the long term, yet public opinion often favors stricter promotion standards due to the misconception that retention benefits struggling students.
Peter Greene: Nebraska GOP Wants Vouchers, Even After Voters Rejected Them https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/24/peter-greene-nebraska-gop-wants-vouchers-even-after-voters-rejected-them/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Nebraska voters have repeatedly rejected school vouchers, viewing them as harmful to public schools.
- State legislators and pro-voucher advocates, backed by significant funding, have attempted to bypass voter opposition through legislative tactics.
- Petition drives in Nebraska have been highly successful, gathering double the required signatures to force referendums against voucher laws.
- Despite defeats in referendums, voucher proponents continue to push new proposals, including federal voucher programs and gap funding strategies.
- Nebraska's rural Republicans remain staunchly opposed to using public funds for private school choice, reflecting widespread voter sentiment.
Nancy Bailey: Why Are We Still Debating Retention? There Are Better Alternatives. https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/24/nancy-bailey-why-are-we-still-debating-retention-there-are-better-alternatives/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Nancy Bailey argues that grade retention harms students' self-esteem, school attachment, and long-term success.
- Research by experts, including Melissa Roderick and Jiee Zhong, shows that retention increases dropout rates and reduces adult earnings.
- Retention disproportionately affects students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and is linked to stigma and disengagement.
- Alternatives to retention, such as summer school, small group instruction, tutoring, and looping, are proposed to better support struggling students.
- Mississippi's retention policies, while credited for early test score improvements, face criticism for their long-term academic and social consequences.
- Experts argue that neither retention nor social promotion without support is effective; instead, targeted interventions and inclusive practices are needed.
Big Education Ape: ROBOT TEACHER GOES NUCLEAR: THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION IS HERE (AND IT'S ALREADY BROKEN) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/robot-teacher-goes-nuclear-future-of.html
The article humorously critiques the overzealous implementation of robot teachers in education, highlighting their limitations compared to human educators. It narrates the story of eighth graders creatively sabotaging a robotic teacher system, illustrating the irreplaceable value of human teachers in fostering meaningful learning experiences.
### Key Points
- Robots were introduced as educational tools to supplement teachers but quickly became a profit-driven initiative to replace them, leading to initial excitement followed by declining outcomes.
- Eighth-grade students creatively disrupted their robot teacher, exposing flaws in its functionality and demonstrating the importance of human adaptability and empathy in education.
- Human teachers, such as Ms. Okonkwo, Mr. Delgado, and Dr. Park, showcased their ability to connect with students, adapt to their needs, and foster genuine learning, highlighting the shortcomings of robotic systems.
- Research suggests robots should enhance educators rather than replace them, as human connection and adaptability remain crucial for effective learning.
Big Education Ape: THROWING DEMOCRACY OUT THE WINDOW — WITH THE BABY AND THE BATHWATER #NoKingsMar28 #NoKingsInAmerica #NoKings https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/throwing-democracy-out-window-with-baby.html
Meanwhile, political and social issues dominate the U.S. landscape, including the dismantling of democratic infrastructure under the Trump administration's policies, such as immigration enforcement, healthcare cuts, voter suppression, restrictions on transgender care, and the privatization of public education. The "No Kings" movement is rallying nationwide on March 28, 2026, to protest these changes and advocate for the restoration of democratic principles.
### Key Points
- The Trump administration's immigration policies are causing fear and disruption in immigrant communities, leading to avoidance of essential services.
- Cuts to social safety nets like SNAP and Medicaid are leaving vulnerable populations without access to healthcare and nutrition.
- Restriction of gender-affirming care is creating a healthcare desert for transgender Americans, increasing mental health risks.
- Policies like Schedule F and the SAVE America Act are undermining democracy, turning civil servants into political pawns and suppressing voter rights.
- Universal school vouchers under the Educational Freedom Act of 2026 are draining resources from public education, harming special-needs students.
- States are resisting federal policies through legislation and litigation, such as protecting immigrant data and funding healthcare services.
- The "No Kings" movement is organizing protests on March 28, 2026, to defend democracy and oppose authoritarian policies.
"WE TOLD YOU SO": THE FOUNDING FATHERS ON SCHOOL VOUCHERS, RELIGIOUS STRIFE, AND THE SLOW-MOTION DEMOLITION OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY #NoKings https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/we-told-you-so-founding-fathers-on.html
Cutting State Funding while Intensifying Test-and-Punish Won’t Improve Public Schools https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2026/03/24/cutting-state-funding-while-intensifying-test-and-punish-wont-improve-public-schools/ via @janresseger
- The article critiques the Ohio legislature's "test-and-punish" school reform model, which involved state takeovers of school districts in academic distress, such as Youngstown, Lorain, and East Cleveland.
- The "Youngstown Plan," which replaced local school governance with state-appointed Academic Distress Commissions, faced significant opposition and failed to improve educational outcomes.
- School districts with higher poverty levels tend to have lower standardized test scores, which are used as a flawed metric for measuring school quality.
- The Ohio legislature began implementing the Fair School Funding Plan in 2021 to address funding disparities but failed to fully fund it in the 2025 budget. Instead, $2.4 billion was diverted to private school vouchers, and there was a significant income tax cut.
- The lack of sufficient state funding has created significant financial gaps for districts like Youngstown, Lorain, and East Cleveland, further exacerbating challenges.
- Research shows that increased per-pupil spending leads to improved educational outcomes, especially for low-income students, but Ohio's current policies undermine this approach.
- A recent GAO report criticized the federal "test-and-punish" strategy under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), highlighting its disproportionate impact on schools serving low-income students and students of color.
- Effective school improvement strategies, such as those implemented in East Cleveland under local leadership, focus on fostering collaboration, improving school culture, and addressing specific student needs.
Margie Lopez-Waite Out As CEO Of ASPIRA https://exceptionaldelaware.wordpress.com/2026/03/24/margie-lopez-waite-out-as-ceo-of-aspira/ via @ExcptlDelaware
- Margie Lopez-Waite has stepped down as CEO of Las Americas ASPIRA Academy, effective March 23, 2026, with no reason provided for her sudden departure.
- The ASPIRA board announced a nationwide search for a new leader, with interim leadership to be handled by existing staff.
- Lopez-Waite's tenure faced controversies, including issues involving her son, a former employee, and a past incident where a staff member brought a gun to the school.
- Beyond ASPIRA, Lopez-Waite has held roles on the Delaware Hispanic Commission, the board of Delaware State University, and the Delaware Charter Schools Network, though her current status in these roles is unclear.
- Lopez-Waite previously ran unsuccessfully for Delaware State Representative in 2024 and had a corporate career with MBNA before its merger with Bank of America.
glen brown: Robert Mueller https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/robert-mueller.html
### Key Points
- The Mueller investigation indicted 38 individuals and entities, uncovering Russian interference in the 2016 election and obstructive actions by Trump.
- Trump engaged in significant obstructive behavior, including attempting to fire Mueller, tampering with witnesses, and pressuring officials to limit investigations.
- Criticism of Attorney General William Barr for misrepresenting the Mueller report's findings and withholding it from public view.
- Mueller adhered to DOJ policy prohibiting indictment of a sitting president, which limited his conclusions.
- Russia's attack on the DNC and election interference were confirmed, with Mueller educating the public on these actions despite challenges.
- Trump pardoned several individuals convicted during the investigation, undermining accountability.
We’ve Begun Work On A Third Edition Of “The ESL/ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide” Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
- The blog covers educational resources, news, and strategies, including updates on books, tools, and teaching methods.
- Bruce Springsteen collaborated with the ACLU to support birthright citizenship in a recent campaign.
- Work is underway on the third edition of "The ESL/ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide."
- "Speak Free" is a free tool for practicing English pronunciation with daily exercises.
- Students can engage in citizen science through platforms like "Star Sailors."
- Affirmations and their impact in classrooms were highlighted in a Harvard Business Review article.
- A weekly round-up of educational policy issues and resources is shared on the blog.
- The blog offers advice on scaffolding instruction for English learners.
- Discussions on the validity of state English tests for ELLs, like WIDA and ELPAC, are featured.
- The blog explores the debate about teaching whole novels in high school.
- The author has published multiple practical resources for teaching Social Studies, English, Math, Science, and ELLs.
- Strategies for student motivation, classroom management, and parental involvement are provided.
- Additional resources include a blog, radio show, videos, and contributions to Education Week and The New York Times.
Full-Service Community Schools grantee and partner school characteristics Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- The Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) program faces challenges in engaging families in decision-making and combining funding streams, though onboarding coordinators and building partnerships were less problematic.
- A study found that high school GPA (HSGPA) is a stronger predictor of college success than SAT/ACT scores at public universities, contrary to findings at elite institutions.
- Young people with cannabis use disorder are at higher risk for psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, major depression, and anxiety, while adults with cannabis use disorder show lower risks compared to other substance use disorders.
- Academic freedom has declined globally, with significant drops in institutional autonomy in countries like the USA, where coercive federal actions have accelerated the trend.
- Toddlers as young as two years old can predict conversational turn-taking using linguistic cues, with these skills improving with age. Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) also show this ability but are slower in their predictions.
- Teens with ADHD are at higher risk of anxiety and depression due to factors like low self-esteem and parental mental health. Girls with ADHD are also affected by peer difficulties.
- Grade inflation negatively impacts students' long-term outcomes, including reduced future test scores, lower high school graduation rates, and diminished lifetime earnings. However, passing grade inflation has limited long-term effects but increases high school graduation rates.
Teacher Tom: The Best Educated People on Earth https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-best-educated-people-on-earth.html
### Key Points
- Preschoolers attempted to lift a heavy loft, transitioning from playful boasting to serious teamwork.
- The children coordinated their efforts, demonstrating the power of collective action and problem-solving.
- The author critiques traditional education's focus on individual achievement over collaboration.
- Real-life success often relies on teamwork rather than solitary efforts, contrary to the competitive model of schools.
- Teacher Tom advocates for fostering community and shared accomplishments to prepare children for meaningful lives.
Curmudgucation: When Implementing New Tech, Always Ask This Question | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/new-tech
- The article emphasizes the importance of evaluating educational technology (ed tech) and administrative decisions based on how they impact teachers and their ability to teach effectively.
- Many administrative decisions or new technologies often shift the workload to teachers rather than easing their burden, leading to inefficiencies and frustrations.
- The blog advocates for school administrations to prioritize decisions that directly support classroom teaching rather than focusing on tools that primarily benefit administrative monitoring.
- The article critiques the adoption of tech for its novelty or administrative convenience without considering its actual utility for teachers, students, and parents.
- It calls for careful questioning of who benefits from new policies or technologies, urging that decisions should prioritize those directly involved in teaching and learning.
Teach Truth & Sing the Blues: Jesse' Songbook for Survival In Era of Book Bans and War on History Sinners Reveals What US Tries to Forget Sinners deserves to win Oscars: It’s a blues poem a freedom cry and a love letter to powerful culture JESSE HAGOPIAN https://jessehagopian.substack.com/p/in-era-of-book-bans-and-war-on-history
### Summary
The article by Jesse Hagopian, titled "Teach Truth & Sing the Blues: Jesse'
### Key Points
- The movie *Sinners* portrays the struggle against the Ku Klux Klan and the resilience of Black communities, drawing parallels to the author’s personal family history.
- *Sinners* highlights the concept of the "oppositional gaze," as described by bell hooks, which allows Black audiences to critically view films and challenge distorted representations of Black life.
- The film celebrates the historical significance of blues music, connecting it to the lived experiences, struggles, and creativity of Black Americans.
- *Sinners* features a magical sequence where blues music transforms the juke joint into a portal, showcasing the interconnected genealogy of Black music across time and space.
- The film uses vampires as a metaphor for the parasitic exploitation of Black creativity and the challenges of resisting cultural erasure under white supremacy.
- The storyline rejects "colorblind" racism, emphasizing that true solidarity against oppression must confront white supremacy directly.
- Black women in the film, particularly Annie, are portrayed as central figures of wisdom, strategy, and survival, continuing a historical tradition of leadership in the freedom struggle.
- The film pays homage to the revolutionary legacy of early 20th-century Black women blues singers, who reclaimed their bodies and desires through their music.
- *Sinners* critiques the exploitation of Black musicians, highlighting how their creativity often benefited others while they faced systemic oppression.
- The film’s narrative portrays the blues as a profound truth-telling art form, rejecting judgments of sin and celebrating the resilience of Black creativity and culture.
- The soundtrack features legendary blues artists and serves as a living tribute to the genre’s enduring legacy.
- The film is described as a "blues poem," a "freedom cry," and a "love letter" to Black culture, history, and music.
I pray every night for our national nightmare to end. https://rlratto.wordpress.com/2026/03/24/i-pray-every-night-for-our-national-nightmare-to-end/ via @ratto_rr
- The author, a retired elementary school teacher, expresses deep concern and despair over the current state of the U.S., specifically under Donald Trump's leadership, citing accusations of criminal activity, human rights abuses, and constitutional violations.
- The article highlights the author's belief that Trump has targeted various institutions, including schools, media, and courts, while endorsing censorship and violating First Amendment rights.
- The author accuses Trump of international misconduct, such as invading a sovereign nation and partnering with Netanyahu to commit alleged war crimes, and questions the country's ability to recover from this era.
- The author reflects on America’s history of overcoming challenges but expresses uncertainty about whether the nation will emerge stronger this time.
- The post includes references to related entries and books that discuss political and social issues in the U.S.
Why we need a moratorium on the use of AI https://classsizematters.org/why-we-need-a-moratorium-on-the-use-of-ai/
### Key Points
- Advocacy groups and parents demand a two-year moratorium on AI use in NYC schools due to risks to student privacy, mental health, and cognitive development.
- Concerns are raised about algorithmic bias, inequitable outcomes, and environmental impacts of AI products.
- Criticism of the DOE’s centralized authority and lack of accountability for AI tool implementation at the school level.
- The current DOE privacy practices are deemed ineffective, with examples of data breaches and misuse of student information.
- Parents and educators emphasize the need for thorough evaluation and stakeholder involvement before implementing AI in classrooms.
- The coalition calls for Mayor Mamdani to fulfill his commitment to green and healthy schools and halt unregulated AI adoption.
AI Moratorium Coalition Rejects DOE Inadequate AI Guidance | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy https://studentprivacymatters.org/ai-moratorium-coalition-rejects-doe-inadequate-ai-guidance/
### Key Points
- Advocacy groups and parents demand a two-year moratorium on AI use in NYC schools due to risks to student privacy, mental health, and cognitive development.
- Concerns are raised about algorithmic bias, inequitable outcomes, and environmental impacts of AI products.
- Criticism of the DOE’s centralized authority and lack of accountability for AI tool implementation at the school level.
- The current DOE privacy practices are deemed ineffective, with examples of data breaches and misuse of student information.
- Parents and educators emphasize the need for thorough evaluation and stakeholder involvement before implementing AI in classrooms.
- The coalition calls for Mayor Mamdani to fulfill his commitment to green and healthy schools and halt unregulated AI adoption.
CURMUDGUCATION: Free Market Myths and School Choice https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2026/03/free-market-myths-and-school-choice.html
### Key Points
- School choice does not inherently require a free-market system and can be integrated into the public school framework.
- The belief that competition improves education is flawed, as the free market often prioritizes marketing over quality and creates inequality.
- The assumption that financial incentives are the primary motivators for educational improvement is criticized as overly cynical.
- Free-market advocates emphasize "voting with your feet," but this approach fails to create meaningful accountability in education.
- Some proponents of free-market education are driven by ideological opposition to public education and social safety nets, rather than a genuine interest in equitable school choice.
- Cultural and political agendas, such as promoting Christian nationalism, often use the rhetoric of school choice as a cover for other goals.
- A better approach to school choice would focus on providing quality education to all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, without relying on market dynamics.
Choosing Democracy: No Kings : The Resistance Grows https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/03/no-kings-resistance-grows.html
### Key Points
- The article discusses the "No Kings" movement, a grassroots resistance effort aimed at opposing fascism and promoting democracy, with a focus on public organizing and protests.
- "No Kings 3," scheduled for March 28, 2026, is expected to be the largest protest in the movement's history, emphasizing community-driven action without corporate sponsorship.
- The movement draws inspiration from historical civil rights events, such as the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, and highlights the importance of grassroots organizing for democracy.
- Artists and activists, including musician Nils Lofgren and civil rights leader Faya Ora Rose Touré, have contributed songs and efforts to support the movement.
- Practical steps for participation include registering local events, attending training sessions, and recruiting others through personal engagement rather than relying solely on social media.
- The movement emphasizes the significance of collective effort and solidarity to achieve meaningful change and resist authoritarianism.
A Federal Court Blocks RFK Jr.'s Anti-Vaccine Agenda – But the Threat to Children Is Not Over Immunization policy is, as they say at the movies, “One Battle After Another.” BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/a-federal-court-blocks-rfk-jrs-anti
A federal court has temporarily blocked vaccine policy changes made by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which had reduced the recommended childhood vaccination schedule. The ruling highlights procedural violations and the undermining of scientific expertise in vaccine policymaking. While this decision is a victory for child health advocates, it does not undo the damage already caused by falling vaccination rates, misinformation, and federal policy changes. States are stepping up with independent vaccination schedules, but they cannot replace federal infrastructure. Advocacy and long-term efforts are necessary to protect children’s health.
### Key Points
- A federal court blocked vaccine policy changes by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing procedural violations and the undermining of scientific expertise.
- 30 states have resisted federal vaccine policy changes, creating their own vaccination schedules based on independent scientific consensus.
- Vaccination rates are falling, and preventable diseases like measles and Hib are resurging, causing severe health impacts on children.
- The federal administration's "Make America Healthy Again" movement aims to eliminate the childhood vaccination schedule, further threatening public health.
- The court ruling reinstated the previous federal vaccine recommendations, restoring insurance coverage and halting further restrictions on the Vaccines for Children program.
- Public trust in the CDC and vaccine information has declined due to misinformation and controversial federal policies.
- States are taking broader steps to prioritize child health, including Medicaid expansions, universal childcare programs, and rejecting federal policies like school vouchers and book bans.
- Despite state-level actions and court rulings, the damage from reduced vaccination rates and misinformation persists, with long-term impacts on public health.
- Advocacy and public pressure on Congress to protect scientific decision-making in vaccine policy are essential to safeguard children’s health.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, March 24, 2026, the news cycle is dominated by President Trump’s shifting strategy in the conflict with Iran, a major cabinet swearing-in, and escalating domestic political battles.
Conflict with Iran: A Pivot Toward Peace?
Strait of Hormuz Ultimatum Postponed:
Trump has officially backed off his threat to "obliterate" Iranian power plants after an initial deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz passed yesterday. He cited "good and productive" conversations and expressed optimism that a deal could be reached. Five Objectives for Peace: In a press conference today, the President outlined five specific objectives the U.S. must meet before ending the war, which began on February 28.
While he suggested the military operation could be "winding down" soon, critics point out that several of these goals remain unfulfilled despite three and a half weeks of heavy air campaigns. Negotiation Rumors: Despite public denials from Tehran, reports suggest the administration is eyeing Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as a potential negotiating partner.
Cabinet & Domestic Policy
New DHS Secretary Sworn In: Trump officially swore in Markwayne Mullin as the Secretary of Homeland Security today.
Mullin replaces Kristi Noem and immediately faces a crisis as the DHS funding standoff continues, causing significant delays and chaos at major U.S. airports. DHS Funding Standoff: Trump signaled today that he may not be satisfied with the emerging Senate compromise on DHS funding, insisting that any deal must include strict voter ID requirements (the "SAVE Act").
Immigration Crackdown: The administration is facing a new lawsuit from Voice of America journalists and pushback from Senate Democrats over a proposal to move legal services for unaccompanied minors from in-person to virtual formats.
Legal & Political Friction
California Lawsuit: California Attorney General Rob Bonta has sued the Trump administration to block an executive order that used the Defense Production Act to restart a long-shuttered oil pipeline in Santa Barbara.
Voting Contradictions: Democrats are calling Trump a "fraud" today after it was revealed he cast a mail-in ballot in a Palm Beach County special election, despite his simultaneous push for federal legislation to severely restrict mail-in voting.
Supreme Court Watch: The Court is currently hearing arguments regarding the administration's request to further limit asylum seekers at the southern border.
Military & Security
National Guard Pay Parity: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced today that National Guardsmen deployed for domestic missions (including border and city "safety task forces") will now receive pay and benefits equal to active-duty troops.
