TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 28, 2026
Here are today's top news stories (as of March 28, 2026) in each requested category, based on major headlines and developments.
U.S. News
- "No Kings" Protests Set for Today: Organizers expect millions to participate in what could be the largest single-day protest in U.S. history, with over 3,000 events planned across all 50 states and every congressional district. The rallies oppose the Trump administration's policies, including federal workforce cuts, immigration enforcement, and foreign conflicts.
- Ongoing Partial Government Shutdown Impacts: The shutdown (now in its sixth week) causes record TSA wait times, unpaid federal workers (including TSA officers), and travel disruptions. President Trump announced plans to sign an executive order addressing back pay for affected workers, while Senate and House negotiations continue on funding bills.
- Major 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Myanmar (Burma): The quake caused significant damage and tremors felt in Thailand and beyond; rescuers are searching for survivors amid collapsed buildings. At least 20 deaths reported initially.
- HHS Plans Massive Job Cuts: The Department of Health and Human Services is set to eliminate around 10,000 positions as part of broader federal downsizing efforts.
Politics
- "No Kings" Protests as Major Anti-Trump Mobilization: Nationwide demonstrations today highlight opposition to perceived authoritarian actions, including mass government furloughs, ICE operations, tariffs, and military engagements. Organizers frame it as a defense of democracy.
- Trump Administration Targets on Lawyers and Critics: Reports of threats to suspend security clearances and federal building access for lawyers representing political opponents or involved in past prosecutions.
- DHS Funding Battles: Senate approved partial funding for Homeland Security (excluding ICE and Border Patrol), but the House faces uncertainty; this ties into broader shutdown and immigration enforcement debates.
- Trump's Mixed Messaging on Iran Conflict: Repeated extensions of deadlines for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, alongside continued U.S.-Israel strikes, fuel domestic political divisions over war powers and congressional approval.
World Affairs
- U.S.-Israel Strikes Continue on Iran: Overnight attacks targeted Iranian sites (including nuclear, industrial, and military facilities) despite Trump's delay on energy infrastructure strikes. Iran released damage images and vowed retaliation; concerns grow over regional escalation and U.S. troop deployments.
- Strait of Hormuz Tensions Drive Global Concerns: Trump extended deadlines for Iran to allow shipping; oil prices fluctuate wildly amid fears of prolonged disruption. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the conflict could end soon, while urging allies to help secure the waterway.
- Major Earthquake in Myanmar/Thailand: 7.7-magnitude quake causes widespread damage; international aid and rescue efforts underway.
- Gaza and Broader Middle East: Israeli operations continue post-ceasefire breakdown; separate reports of U.S. actions against Houthis in Yemen.
Education
- Trump Administration Higher Education Push: New Department of Education initiatives focus on raising academic standards, ensuring admissions transparency based on merit, and addressing the unlawful SAVE student loan plan (guidance issued for borrowers to transition).
- Crackdown on Higher Ed Policies: Ongoing efforts include visa revocations, DEI program restrictions, funding threats, and lawsuits reshaping universities.
- Workforce Preparation for AI: Bipartisan calls for states to update academic standards and skills training to address AI-driven job market changes.
Economy
- Iran War Disrupts Markets and Energy: Oil and gas prices spike (national average gas up significantly); stocks (Dow, S&P, Nasdaq) volatile and down since conflict began, with inflation fears rising. Gold prices also affected.
- Tariffs and Farmer Impacts: Ongoing debates over trade policies, with mixed reports on effects on agriculture amid broader economic pressures from the shutdown and global tensions.
- Inflation and Fed Outlook: Early March data points to rising pressures from energy shocks; markets show heightened volatility beyond just war headlines.
Technology
- AI Advancements and Challenges: New model releases (e.g., GPT variants, Claude updates) and agent tools continue; Big Tech faces scrutiny over emissions from data centers and potential "addiction" lawsuits akin to Big Tobacco.
- Tech Stocks and Market Pressures: Sector drops amid oil price rises and Iran-related risks; broader concerns over AI's energy demands complicating climate goals.
- Other Developments: Innovations in infrastructure modernization, wearable tech, and autonomous vehicles (e.g., Waymo ridership growth) highlighted in programming and reports.
Health
- HHS Workforce Cuts: Plans to slash ~10,000 jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services amid federal downsizing, raising concerns for public health operations.
- Cancer Prevention Insights: Global analysis shows up to 40% of cases preventable through addressing tobacco, alcohol, obesity, infections, and pollution.
- Ongoing Research: Advances in understanding cancer drug variability, cellular mechanisms linked to Parkinson's, and Long COVID mysteries.
Sports
- NCAA March Madness Sweet 16/Elite Eight Action: Key games include upsets (e.g., Iowa over Nebraska), thrillers (Purdue surviving Texas), and strong performances (e.g., Hannah Hidalgo's near quadruple-double for Notre Dame). Regional finals set for this weekend.
- College Basketball Highlights: Illinois advancing, Arizona dominating, and continued bracket chaos in the 2026 tournament.
- Broader Notes: FIFA World Cup 2026 player discussions and other leagues (e.g., soccer playoffs) in focus as the tournament approaches.
Note: News is fast-moving, especially around protests today and the Iran conflict. Many stories interconnect (e.g., war impacts on economy/politics). For real-time updates, check major outlets.
Trump's Tenuous Relationship to Reality https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/27/trumps-tenuous-relationship-to-reality/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The University of Gothenburg's annual report states that global democracy is in decline, with the U.S. experiencing the most dramatic regression.
- Under Trump's presidency, U.S. democracy fell to its lowest level since 1965 due to executive overreach, media suppression, and civil rights erosion.
- The U.S.'s Liberal Democracy Index (LDI) score dropped sharply from 0.79 in 2023 to 0.57 in 2025, marking the largest one-year decline in American history.
- The Republican Party has shifted towards a far-right, nationalist agenda, contributing to the "third wave of autocratization."
- Analysts argue that the U.S. is transitioning into a form of authoritarianism, and the Constitution has failed to prevent the rise of tyranny due to a lack of civic virtue.
Big Education Ape: KIDS CAN'T VOTE. KIDS CAN'T LOBBY. KIDS CAN'T WAIT. ONE MAN IS FIGHTING FOR THEM ANYWAY #NoKingsMar28 #NoKingsInAmerica #NoKings https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/kids-cant-vote-kids-cant-lobby-kids.html
### Key Points
- The article critiques the focus on war promotion, emphasizing its glorification while ignoring the devastating impact on children worldwide.
- It highlights domestic issues such as child poverty, lack of health insurance, cuts to education and healthcare programs, and the mental health crisis among youth in the U.S.
- The piece discusses the global consequences of U.S. budget cuts to foreign aid, leading to millions of preventable child deaths and worsening living conditions for vulnerable children.
- Specific examples of child suffering in conflict zones like Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and El Salvador are provided, showcasing the severe impact of war and political decisions on children.
- The media and political systems are criticized for ignoring the plight of children due to their lack of political power and representation.
- The article highlights the work of Bruce Lesley and his publication "Kids Can't Wait," which focuses on child welfare and advocacy for making children a priority in policy decisions.
- The "No Kings" movement is introduced as a call to action for defending democracy and ensuring power remains with the people. The movement emphasizes the need to prioritize children in policymaking.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS MARCH 27, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01796611645.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of current events, including political developments, global conflicts, education reforms, technology advancements, and societal issues. Key topics include the U.S.-Iran conflict, education privatization, AI integration in schools, public health funding cuts, grassroots movements, and the impact of Trump administration policies. It highlights significant challenges to democracy, equity, and justice while emphasizing the importance of collective resistance, cultural heritage, and evidence-based decision-making.
### Key Points
- The U.S.-Iran conflict continues to escalate, with missile exchanges, troop deployments, and ceasefire negotiations.
- President Trump extended a pause on striking Iranian energy sites, claiming Iran is seeking a deal and allowing limited tanker access through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump announced 25% tariffs on imported cars and parts, with potential impacts on allies and global trade negotiations.
- Reports of ICE detaining and deporting international students highlight broader anti-immigration efforts.
- The Trump administration redirected $11 billion in pandemic-era health grants to chronic disease efforts, with major health department job cuts.
- Grassroots movements like "No Kings" are challenging billionaire-backed education reforms and advocating for public school ownership.
- The privatization of public education in California has exacerbated inequality, with billionaires spending over $250 million to promote charter schools.
- AI in education is predicted to bring hyper-personalized learning but raises concerns about equity, ethics, and surveillance.
- Inclusive environments benefit LGBTQ students by improving self-esteem and reducing anxiety, while robots teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) show promising results.
- The Trump administration faces criticism for undermining democracy through policies like voter suppression, immigration enforcement, and school privatization.
- Stephen Miller is advocating for state laws to deny public education to undocumented children, challenging the Plyler v. Doe decision.
- The Department of Education lacks a concrete plan to meet class size reduction laws and released weak AI guidance, raising privacy concerns.
- The Trump administration signed an executive order eliminating DEI practices among federal contractors, aiming for "merit-based" hiring.
- President Trump's signature will appear on U.S. currency for the first time in history to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
- The Republican Party faces internal divisions due to Trump’s controversial policies, with critics predicting electoral consequences.
- The importance of dignity in education is emphasized, particularly for Black students and families, alongside advocacy for culturally responsive curricula.
- The rise of AI-generated content has led to concerns about plagiarism and fabricated work, prompting calls for a reevaluation of writing education.
- Arizona's voucher program is criticized for widespread fraud, with unallowable purchases costing nearly $1 billion annually.
- Activists like Mario Vasquez and organizations like the Crusade for Justice highlight the sacrifices and complexity of civil rights movements.
- The article critiques Trump’s self-serving leadership, highlighting the dangers of "soullessness" in global politics.
- The cultural conflict between prioritizing children’s welfare and monetary gains is explored, with advocacy for play-based learning policies.
- Digital privacy concerns are raised, with practical tips provided to combat cookies and tracking pixels.
- Grassroots movements and local campaigns emphasize the importance of defending public education and democratic principles.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: MARCH 27, 2026 #NoKingsMar28 #NoKingsInAmerica #NoKings https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/morning-news-update-march-27-2026.html
Big Education Ape Morning News Update for March 27, 2026, covers various topics, including U.S. politics, education, global affairs, technology, health, and sports. Key highlights include updates on U.S. Department of Homeland Security funding, international conflicts, education policy changes, advancements in health technology, and major protests planned for March 28 under the "No Kings 3.0" movement.
### Key Points
- The U.S. Senate approved partial funding for the Department of Homeland Security amidst ongoing immigration disputes, with TSA workers set to receive back pay through an executive order by President Trump.
- Internationally, the U.S.-Israel operations in Iran continue to impact oil prices, shipping, and agriculture, with ongoing negotiations and global ripple effects.
- The U.S. Department of Education announced plans to vacate its LBJ headquarters to save costs and celebrated completing over 10 million FAFSA applications for 2026–27.
- The Department of Justice is investigating medical school admissions at several universities over potential racial discrimination in DEI policies.
- UNESCO’s 2026 GEM Report highlights a global rise in school exclusion, with 273 million children out of school, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
- A pan-cancer blood test shows promise for early tumor detection, while COVID-era health grants are being redirected to other public health priorities.
- Major protests under the "No Kings 3.0" movement are planned across U.S. cities on March 28, focusing on immigration policies, executive overreach, and the ongoing Iran war.
- NCAA March Madness continues with notable upsets and advancements in the Sweet 16, alongside updates on MLB and NBA games.
Big Education Ape: NO KINGS 3.0 THIS SATURDAY UP YOURS, BILLIONAIRE EDUCATION OLIGARCHY: HOW REGULAR PEOPLE ARE RECLAIMING AMERICA'S CLASSROOMS #NoKingsMar28 #NoKingsInAmerica #NoKings https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/no-kings-30-this-saturday-up-yours.html
Big Education Ape highlights the ongoing battle for public education in the U.S., focusing on grassroots movements, political shifts, and resistance to privatization efforts. The "No Kings" movement and the "Non-Permission Slip" campaign are pivotal strategies in opposing billionaire-backed education reforms and promoting community ownership of schools.
### Key Points
- The "No Kings" movement is rallying millions across the U.S. to protest billionaire-backed privatization of public education and executive overreach.
- Grassroots efforts are flipping traditionally Republican districts, such as Florida's House District 87 and Iowa's Senate District 1, by focusing on education issues like school funding and opposition to private school voucher programs.
- Democrats are adopting a strategy of naming and targeting billionaires funding privatization efforts, such as Jeffrey Yass and Betsy DeVos, in their campaigns.
- The "Non-Permission Slip" initiative empowers parents to formally oppose federal voucher programs, ICE cooperation in schools, and censorship in curriculums.
- Books like Diane Ravitch’s *Slaying Goliath* and Josh Cowen’s *The Privateers* are being used as intellectual tools to challenge the privatization narrative.
- Local and national organizations are providing tools, training, and resources to help citizens run for school boards and advocate for public education.
Big Education Ape: WHO TOOK A BITE OF THE AI APPLE? SIX CHATBOTS WALK INTO A CLASSROOM… https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/who-took-bite-of-ai-apple-six-chatbots.html
The article discusses the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, exploring its potential benefits and risks. It highlights key predictions made by six AI chatbots and examines existing AI ethics policies in various school districts. The article emphasizes the importance of value-driven decision-making to ensure AI's positive impact on education and avoid repeating the mistakes made with social media integration in schools.
### Key Points
- AI in education is predicted to bring hyper-personalized learning, turning teachers into mentors, offering 24/7 tutoring, making AI literacy a core subject, and transforming assessments.
- Different AI chatbots provided unique perspectives on the future of AI in education, with consensus on benefits but varied opinions on challenges like equity, trust, and ethics.
- Concerns about AI in education include cognitive offloading, the attention economy, deepfakes, equity gaps, and surveillance.
- Some school districts, like Chicago, New York City, Tucson, Seattle, and Boston, are leading with proactive AI ethics policies and frameworks.
- Key elements of a model AI ethics policy include mandatory disclosure, bias audits, human oversight, age-appropriate access, and community input.
- The article provides a phased timeline for implementing AI policies in schools, from foundational steps to continuous reviews.
- Parents and the public are encouraged to ask critical questions about AI tools, data privacy, academic integrity, and equity in schools.
- The article draws parallels between the rise of AI in education and the unregulated introduction of social media, emphasizing the need for proactive policies to avoid similar negative outcomes.
- The six AI chatbots — Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT, Claude, Llama, and Copilot — were assessed for their insights, with differing strengths such as equity focus, risk assessment, and optimism.
Curmudgucation Plyler for Dummies PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/plyler-for-dummies
- A study from the University of Chicago found that AI tutors are more effective when they don't mimic human behavior.
- The research involved fourth-grade students learning Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), divided into three groups: one with a "fictional" human-like robot, one with a "factual" non-human-like robot, and one with no extra lessons.
- The "fictional" robot used first-person stories, expressed emotions, and simulated human interactions, while the "factual" robot presented third-person hypotheticals without emotions or personal references.
glen brown: Trump is "feeling 'bored' after starting a war that has killed thousands of people, created chaos across the Middle East, and raised prices for US consumers" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/trump-is-feeling-bored-after-starting.html
- The article critiques the lack of accountability for high-ranking officials in U.S. administrations, focusing on abuses during the Bush, Obama, and Trump presidencies.
- The Obama administration’s failure to prosecute Bush-era officials for constitutional violations and human rights abuses created a moral hazard, leading to more egregious misconduct during Trump’s presidency.
- Trump’s administration is characterized by aggressive policies, blatant lawlessness, and elite impunity, exemplified by pardons for white-collar crimes and war crimes endorsed by officials like Pete Hegseth.
- The Biden administration attempted to address accountability but faced criticism for slow investigations and reluctance to appear partisan.
- The article calls for Democrats to prioritize accountability and proposes initiatives like a “Nuremberg Caucus” to document evidence for future prosecutions.
First Fish Chronicles: Three Lies About EdTech and the Law | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/three-lies
### Key Points
- The U.S. edtech industry operates under false premises that companies are schools, schools are parents, and students are consumers, allowing them to monetize student data without proper consent.
- The business model of surveillance capitalism drives edtech companies to prioritize data collection over student well-being, exploiting children’s online behavior for profit.
- Edtech companies use persuasive design techniques to manipulate user behavior, keeping students engaged with their platforms for longer periods to gather more data.
- Children are particularly vulnerable to persuasive design due to their underdeveloped cognitive abilities, making them easy targets for behavioral manipulation.
- The infiltration of edtech into K-12 education has negatively impacted student performance in science, reading, and math, and has even reduced computer literacy.
- FERPA has been distorted by edtech companies to claim they are "school officials," allowing them to bypass parental consent and directly collect student data.
- Many edtech companies fail to meet FERPA’s requirements, such as being under the direct control of schools or having legitimate educational interests in the data they collect.
- COPPA, designed to protect children under 13, has been misinterpreted by edtech companies to allow schools to act as parents and consent to data collection, bypassing parental rights.
- The technological context of today is vastly different from when FERPA and COPPA were enacted, making it easier for companies to exploit loopholes in these laws.
- Edtech companies treat minor students like adult consumers, assuming their use of platforms is voluntary and consent is informed, which is inaccurate in the school setting.
- The article calls for enforcing existing laws to realign corporate incentives with educational goals and suggests reimagining schools as digital sanctuaries where children are free from surveillance and behavioral manipulation.
Teacher Tom: Mistaking Subject Matter for Meaning https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/mistaking-subject-matter-for-meaning.html
### Key Points
- Consciousness often operates outside the present moment, allowing the mind to wander across time and space.
- Modern schooling restricts children's natural mental exploration by focusing on subject matter rather than fostering meaning and creativity.
- Direct instruction constrains the mind, while play enables deeper, more natural thinking and learning.
- Punishing children for their natural inclination to play undermines their ability to learn effectively.
- Play-based learning allows children to engage their full mental and physical capacities, promoting development and creativity.
California Farmworkers Day - Curriculum Frameworks & Instructional Materials (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/farmworkersday.asp
- Resources for teaching about the California Farmworkers movement, including curriculum frameworks and instructional materials.
- Overview of the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum adopted in March 2021 and related resources, like the Chicano Latino Studies webinar.
- Historical milestones of the California Farmworkers movement, such as the Delano grape growers' collective bargaining agreements in 1970 and the 300-mile pilgrimage to Sacramento as a symbol of hope and social justice.
- The role of Filipino workers and the Community Service Organization (CSO) in organizing farmworkers and advocating for voter literacy and social justice.
- Key events like the Delano Grape Strike and the Plan of Delano, which aimed to achieve social justice and labor reforms for farmworkers.
- Insights into nonviolent social change, influenced by figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., and their relevance to the farmworkers' movement.
- Ongoing resources and updates from the California Department of Education, such as guidance on digital learning integration and standards.
- Popular program areas, including social-emotional learning, career technical education, and standardized testing.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
The news today, March 28, 2026, is dominated by massive nationwide protests, a critical turning point in the month-long war with Iran, and the fallout of the ongoing DHS shutdown.
Here are the top 10 stories involving President Trump today:
1. Nationwide "No Kings 3" Protests Sweep Major Cities
The third "No Kings" National Day of Action is taking place today in over 3,000 locations.
2. Trump Signals "Winding Down" of Iran War
Marking exactly one month since the start of Operation Epic Fury, President Trump suggested today that the U.S. may soon begin winding down military operations. While he listed five key objectives for the campaign, critics point out that major goals—including the total dismantling of Iran's nuclear infrastructure—remain unfulfilled despite heavy airstrikes.
3. White House Awaits Response to 15-Point Ceasefire Plan
The administration is reportedly expecting a formal response from Tehran today regarding a U.S.-led 15-point ceasefire proposal.
4. Absence from CPAC for First Time in a Decade
In a surprising move, President Trump did not attend this year’s CPAC in Texas, marking his first absence from the conservative conference in nearly ten years.
5. Implementation of Executive Order to Pay TSA Agents
Following his signing of an executive order yesterday, the administration is moving to pay roughly 60,000 TSA employees using funds from the "Big Beautiful Bill" (the Reconciliation Act).
6. Potential Surge of 10,000 More Troops to Middle East
Despite talk of "winding down," reports indicate the Pentagon is still finalizing options for a "final blow" against Iran.
7. Federal Court Blocks Anthropic "Blacklisting"
A federal judge in San Francisco has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to designate the AI company Anthropic as a "supply chain risk."
8. DOGE Savings Reports Under Intense Scrutiny
One year after the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new AP report highlights that while 260,000 workers have left federal service, the actual taxpayer savings are heavily disputed.
9. Crackdown on "Blue State" Health Care Funding
The administration is facing backlash after deferring nearly $260 million in Medicaid funding for Minnesota. CMS officials claim the move is part of a "CRUSH" initiative to stop healthcare fraud, while state leaders call it a political retaliatory strike for Minnesota's refusal to comply with federal immigration directives.
10. Oil Prices Hit $110 a Barrel Amid Strait Closure
Global energy markets remain in turmoil today as Brent crude topped $110 a barrel.
