TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 17, 2026
Gemini said
It is Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The news landscape is dominated by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, legal battles over public health, and the aftermath of the Academy Awards.
U.S. News
St. Patrick’s Day Safety: Major cities, including Cleveland and New York, are on high alert for today’s parades. Officials have issued strict traffic and safety warnings as massive crowds are expected despite a wave of "wild weather" and arctic blasts hitting the Northeast and Midwest.
Massive Strike Action: Nearly 3,800 workers at one of the nation’s largest meatpacking plants have walked off the job, citing labor disputes that could impact regional food supply chains.
Kennedy Center Shut Down: In a shocking move, the Kennedy Center board has voted to shut down operations for two years and has named a new president to oversee a massive restructuring.
Politics
Tillis Breaks with Trump: Republican Senator Thom Tillis (NC) announced he will not seek re-election, delivering a "fiery final act" in Congress after a public fallout with President Trump over the ongoing Iran conflict.
SAVE America Act Debated: The administration is pushing for the SAVE America Act, while simultaneously facing scrutiny as the FBI obtains 2020 election records from Arizona, signaling a continued investigation into previous election cycles.
Newsom vs. Louisiana: California Governor Gavin Newsom is making headlines for blocking the extradition of a doctor to Louisiana, who is accused of mailing abortion pills, intensifying the legal battle between "sanctuary" and "restrictive" states.
World Affairs
Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Tensions have reached a boiling point as President Trump pressures European allies to send warships to reopen the blockade. Germany, Italy, and Spain have so far ruled out participation, leading to a diplomatic rift within NATO.
Baghdad Embassy Attacked: Multiple reports confirm a drone and rocket attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. No casualties have been reported yet, but the "Green Zone" remains under high security.
Cuba Blackout: An island-wide blackout has plunged Cuba into darkness. The Cuban government blames a "U.S. energy blockade," while President Trump suggested the U.S. might have the "honor of taking Cuba" amid the crisis.
Education
Department of Education Cuts: New data reveals the federal workforce shrank by 10% in the last year, with the Education Department seeing some of the steepest personnel and funding cuts.
University-Pentagon Ties: The Pentagon has announced plans to curb ties with several top universities and think tanks, citing security concerns regarding international research partnerships.
Digital Learning Surge: In international news, Maharashtra (India) launched a massive program to provide 1.5 million tablets to students to support digital-first curriculum.
Economy
Energy Prices Surge: Global oil and gas prices have spiked following news that U.S. forces struck military targets on Kharg Island, Iran. Analysts warn of a "material shortage" in the petrochemical supply chain.
Nvidia’s "Inference Inflection": Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang heralded the next phase of the AI boom, backed by a staggering $1 trillion in orders, even as the broader market reacts to war-time volatility.
H-1B Policy Concerns: Higher education and tech groups are warning that new, restrictive H-1B visa policies could undermine U.S. competitiveness by causing a "talent drain."
Technology & Health
Vaccine Policy Blocked: A federal judge has blocked the U.S. government from "slimming down" vaccine recommendations, after internal memos revealed officials may have ignored significant data before making the proposal.
Ambulatory Care Ratings: U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers list today, highlighting a major shift in American healthcare toward outpatient procedures for complex surgeries.
xAI Expansion: Elon Musk’s xAI has reportedly recruited top engineering talent from the startup Firebender as the race for "AGI" (Artificial General Intelligence) intensifies.
Sports
March Madness Begins: The NCAA Tournament is the center of the sports world today. In a historic first, Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley will call their first game together.
WBC Fever: Aaron Judge has praised the World Baseball Classic crowds, calling the atmosphere "bigger and better than the World Series" as the U.S. heads into the final against Japan.
NFL Trade Winds: The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly agreed to a trade for quarterback Justin Fields to serve as a high-profile backup to Patrick Mahomes.
Federal Judge Blocks RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Revisions--and His Appointments https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/16/federal-judge-blocks-rfk-jr-s-vaccine-revisions-and-his-appointments/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Sahli Negassi, a senior at West Orange High School, scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT without attending charter, private, religious schools, or receiving homeschooling.
- Negassi balanced extracurricular activities, including sports, club presidencies, and Advanced Placement classes, while preparing for the SAT using free online resources.
- His preparation focused on pattern recognition, memorization, and time management, and he credits his parents, especially his father, for his early educational foundation.
- Negassi is deeply involved in school activities, such as cross-country, color guard, the math team, National Honor Society, varsity chess, and the Royal Strings ensemble.
- He hopes to attend Harvard and become a lawyer, showcasing determination and self-driven preparation.
Chalkbeat: Retaining Third Grade Students Has Long-Term Negative Effects https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/16/chalkbeat-retaining-third-grade-students-has-long-term-negative-effects/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Retaining third-grade students with low reading scores, a key feature of the "Mississippi Miracle," may artificially boost fourth-grade scores while having adverse long-term effects.
- A study by Matt Barnum of Chalkbeat highlights that third-grade retention in Texas led to lower high school graduation rates and reduced income as adults, despite initial test score improvements.
- The study, conducted by Jiee Zhong, used a natural experiment to compare students who barely passed versus those who barely failed the state exam, showing that retention had significant long-term negative impacts.
- Retained students, often from low-income, Black, or Hispanic backgrounds, initially showed improved test scores but later faced increased absenteeism, behavioral problems, and a 19% income decline by age 26.
- The findings challenge the growing trend of states like Arkansas, Indiana, and West Virginia adopting third-grade retention policies, urging caution due to potential exacerbation of educational and income inequalities.
Paul Thomas: More About the "Mississippi Miracle" https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/16/paul-thomas-more-about-the-mississippi-miracle/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Mississippi's fourth-grade reading scores improved due to the "science of reading" curriculum and third-grade retention policies, appealing to conservative and liberal states alike.
- Critics argue that grade retention artificially inflates fourth-grade scores and point to stagnant eighth-grade scores as evidence of no real "miracle."
- Data comparisons between Mississippi and other states reveal that Black students in Mississippi are not outperforming their peers in states like California at the eighth-grade level.
- The persistent racial achievement gap and systemic inequities remain unaddressed, undermining claims of a genuine "Mississippi Miracle."
Universities Are Struggling to Keep AI Talent Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Universities are struggling to retain AI talent as industry offers higher wages and attracts younger, foreign-born researchers. Industry scientists publish less but patent more, indicating a shift toward proprietary innovation.
- ADHD treatment improves outcomes for young people with ADHD and substance use disorder, reducing mortality by 30%, but clinicians hesitate to prescribe stimulants due to misuse concerns. Proper treatment leads to better health outcomes.
- College students with lower self-control and habitual short-form video use procrastinate more, leading to poor sleep health and higher stress, though it doesn’t affect grades. Addressing motivations and media habits could help.
- Middle and high school students spend one-third of the school day on smartphones, mainly for social media and entertainment, which weakens attention and impulse control. Restricting smartphone access during school hours may improve focus.
- Teacher grading violations influence student cheating behaviors. Overgrading increases cheating in diverse communities, while undergrading leads to retaliation. Community structure affects ethical responses.
- Campus tour weather impacts students' likelihood of applying to a college, with poor weather reducing applications, though it doesn’t affect ultimate enrollment decisions.
- School matching policies can improve student achievement modestly, but resource augmentation through replacing low-performing schools proves more effective in reducing educational inequality.
Teacher Tom: This is Personal: Your Help Needed! https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/this-is-personal-your-help-needed.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom shares his personal journey into early childhood education, crediting parent educators from North Seattle College for inspiring and guiding him.
- Parent education programs have been pivotal in building leadership, strengthening families, and creating workforce skills, yet they are now at risk of losing state funding.
- The potential funding cut threatens 13 colleges and thousands of families who rely on these programs for support and community building.
- Teacher Tom argues that these programs provide immense value, not only to working parents but also to society, by fostering a supportive village for raising children.
- A call to action is made, urging readers, especially those in Washington state, to take specific steps to help save these programs.
Choosing "Changing the Odds" Over "Beating the Odds" "One of the excuses educators have long offered to explain America's poor reading performance is poverty." Emily Hanford, Hard Words (2018) PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/choosing-changing-the-odds-over-beating
### Key Points
- The story is set in a dystopian future where the United States has fractured into regions like Texida and New Cali, with a strong anti-gasoline car sentiment.
- The protagonist, Terror Mustang, lives in an automotive graveyard, preserving old gas cars, banned books, and automotive manuals while facing discrimination as a "GASR."
- Texida enforces strict societal rules, including mandatory gun ownership and service requirements, while education and libraries have been repurposed.
- Terror befriends Apricot, who secretly reads banned books, sparking a connection and a longing for companionship in Terror.
- The story reflects on the loss of a friend, DK, who shared tales of a book about firemen who burned books, inspiring Terror to search for the book and preserve its memory.
- Terror is haunted by recurring dreams of finding the book, which bursts into flames, symbolizing their fear of losing knowledge and connection.
glen brown: "Trump was wrong — monumentally, predictably, and inexcusably wrong" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/trump-was-wrong-monumentally.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump’s decision to attack Iran led to severe consequences, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, spiked oil prices, and economic instability.
- The war stemmed from Trump’s belief that the Iranian regime could be overthrown without significant repercussions, a strategy deemed unrealistic by experts and historical precedent.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the war initially, but later backtracked, admitting the improbability of regime change.
- U.S. intelligence and bipartisan voices consistently opposed the war, citing high risks like civilian casualties, regional instability, and nuclear proliferation.
- The war exposed divergent U.S.-Israeli interests and highlighted the dangers of perpetual conflict, especially given the lack of clear post-war strategies.
- The article calls for a new Middle East policy emphasizing conditional U.S. support for Israel, regional stability, clean energy, and war as a last resort.
Input Request on CA Universal Meals Implementation - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/cauniversalmealsimpl.asp
- A voluntary statewide survey is being conducted by the Nutrition Policy Institute for School Food Service Directors to assess the implementation of California Universal Meals during the 2025-2026 school year. The survey is a follow-up to one conducted in March 2023 and has a response deadline of April 6, 2026.
- The survey takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete, participation is voluntary, and responses will remain confidential and not linked to personal or school identities.
- The Nutrition Policy Institute, part of the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is managing the survey. Questions can be directed to Principal Investigator Wendi Gosliner at SchoolMealsStudy@ucanr.edu.
- The California Universal Meals Program aims to ensure all students have access to meals to support their academic success. Related resources include background information, policies, FAQs, and webinars.
- The California Department of Education, in collaboration with the Nutrition Policy Institute, is leading this survey effort as part of broader initiatives to evaluate and refine the Universal Meals Program.
AFT @aft.org
Don’t miss the #NoKings Kick-off call on March 19th. Hear directly from movement leaders, organizers on the ground, and special guests as we discuss the vision, urgency, & moral imperative behind this national day of nonviolent action. https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/916978/?utm_source=aft
The Long-Term Effects of Grade Inflation Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Grade inflation in the U.S. negatively impacts students' long-term outcomes, reducing future test scores, high school graduation rates, college enrollment, and lifetime earnings. Passing grade inflation has limited long-term effects but increases high school graduation rates.
- School assignment reforms prioritizing low-income students at high-income schools can reduce segregation significantly with minimal impact on district retention.
- AI researchers are increasingly moving to industry, driven by higher wages, leading to a shift from academic publishing to proprietary innovation.
- Adolescents and young adults with ADHD and substance use disorder face a treatment gap, with fewer receiving ADHD medication despite its association with improved health outcomes and reduced mortality.
- College students with lower self-control and habitual short-form video use for procrastination experience poorer sleep health and higher stress, though grades remain unaffected.
- Middle and high school students spend one-third of their school day on smartphones, with frequent checking linked to weaker attention and impulse control, highlighting the need for school policies to manage phone use.
- Teacher grading violations influence student ethics, with undergrading leading to increased cheating and overgrading showing varied effects based on community homogeneity.
The More Reforms Change PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/the-more-reforms-change
### Key Points
- The Secretary of Education proposed dismantling the Department of Education in 1981, transferring its functions to other federal departments and pushing education responsibilities back to states.
- A key argument was that the federal government's involvement in education was overly intrusive, and cutting its budget would reduce federal deficits while encouraging states to take more responsibility.
- The proposal included slashing funding and offering states no-strings block grants, allowing them to spend as they wished.
- The disempowerment of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) was part of the plan, aiming to prioritize local and state resolution of complaints, raising concerns about inequality and civil rights enforcement.
- The article draws parallels between the Reagan administration's education policies and those of the Trump administration, emphasizing the longevity of anti-public education reforms.
- The author reflects on the historical context of these policies, noting that such ideas have been part of conservative agendas since the Department of Education was established.
Second Breakfast: Secret Agent Man | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/secret-agent-man
### Key Points
- The article begins by discussing grim news in education technology, including concerns about platforms like ChatGPT and Roblox being misused and the challenges of moderating these technologies.
- OpenAI faced criticism for banning a user who created harmful content but failing to alert authorities, raising ethical questions about tech companies' responsibilities.
- Roblox's head of Parental Advocacy emphasized "digital literacy" as a solution to online safety issues, which the author critiques as a superficial and misleading approach.
- The rise of "gambling literacy" in education is noted, reflecting a potential future trend in ed-tech that mirrors past shifts like MOOCs and adaptive learning.
- Google partnered with ISTE+ASCD to provide AI training for U.S. teachers, but critics argue this is more about brand marketing than meaningful education reform.
- The concept of "AI literacy" is questioned, with experts noting the lack of agreed-upon definitions or substantive research to support its implementation.
- The article highlights how students are already using AI tools like chatbots for homework without formal training, suggesting that these technologies don't require specialized education.
- The author critiques the promotion of "agentic AI" like Einstein, which claims to automate the educational experience, calling it a scam and questioning its feasibility.
- Broader societal issues, such as the devaluation of education and the impact of AI on labor, particularly in feminized roles, are discussed. The author argues for recognizing and valuing human work.
- The piece critiques the narrative that AI surpasses human intelligence, emphasizing the richness and complexity of human learning compared to AI's reliance on massive datasets.
- The article questions the motivations behind AI advocates' disdain for humanity and their push to replace human experiences with technology.
- Additional links and stories are shared, touching on topics like algorithmic manipulation, AI fraud, and the automation of traditionally female-dominated labor roles.
Was killing the school children a 'mistake' or 'a great honor'? Weekend Quotables MICHAEL KLONSKY https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/was-killing-the-school-children-a
- The article discusses a missile strike in Minab, Iran, ordered by President Trump, which killed 168 children at an elementary school. Trump referred to the act as a "great honor," sparking outrage and potential implications for war crime trials.
- U.S. strikes in Iran have resulted in over 1,400 deaths, including hundreds of women and children, with the devastation of schools being highlighted.
- Global reactions include criticism from figures such as Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, who condemned the U.S. administration's war branding, and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who refused to participate in the conflict.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to U.S., Israeli, and allied vessels, expressing gratitude to Pakistan for their support.
- Margorie Taylor Greene criticized the narrative that all Palestinians in Gaza are members of Hamas, highlighting the civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon.
- Analyst Max Boot pointed out the challenges the U.S. faces in dealing with asymmetric warfare, emphasizing Iran's strategic use of drones and radar targeting.
- President Trump claimed that the U.S. does not need oil from other nations, despite actions like seizing Venezuelan tankers and rising fuel costs.
Choosing Democracy: Prepare for the Big March - No Kings -Indivisble https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/03/prepare-for-big-march-no-kings.html
### Key Points
- The newsletter emphasizes the upcoming No Kings protest on March 28, aiming to be the largest protest in U.S. history against Trump’s regime and ICE policies.
- The grassroots-driven movement relies on community organizing, recruitment, and preparation without corporate sponsorship or large-scale advertising.
- The Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee commemorates Civil Rights history, inspiring activists and recognizing Indivisible’s efforts with the Freedom Flame award.
- Artists like Nils Lofgren and Bruce Springsteen contribute to the No Kings movement through music and protest tours.
- Recommendations for involvement include registering local protests, training for activism, and recruiting participants through personal outreach.
- Advocacy against Trump’s war on Iran calls for Congressional action to restrict funding, conduct oversight, and oppose publicly.
- The overarching message emphasizes that democracy is essential for freedom, driving the No Kings movement’s protests and activism.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Reviewing Seattle School Board Meeting, 3/1/2026 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/03/reviewing-seattle-school-board-meeting.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Recognition of Rainier Beach and Roosevelt High School basketball teams for their achievements; concerns raised about lack of similar support for arts programs.
- Superintendent Schuldiner discussed community engagement, budget deficit, and the introduction of the Purple Budget Book.
- Student representatives addressed AI policies, lack of approved AI detection tools, and plans for a student website and social media.
- Board President Gina Topp emphasized adhering to agenda policies to improve meeting efficiency and public input opportunities.
- Discussions on Council of Great City Schools membership and its evolving focus on conferences and tools like SOFG.
- Concerns voiced about inequities in fundraising between north-end and south-end schools and cuts to vital programs like Cascade Parent Partnership and Interagency.
- Debate on the rushed Student Transition Plan; calls for better preparation and clarity from staff.
- Introduction of a Performance-Based Pathway for High School Graduation, with mixed reactions from board members.
- Criticism of staff pushing for intro/action BARs without proper review, highlighting the need for improved processes in committees.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, Monday, March 16, 2026, news regarding President Trump is dominated by an escalating conflict with Iran, new executive actions targeting federal fraud, and domestic policy shifts in energy and trade.
1. War with Iran & The Strait of Hormuz
The conflict with Iran, now entering its third week, remains the primary focus.
Strike Threats: In an impromptu phone call with PBS News today, President Trump threatened to strike Iran’s Kharg Island again, stating he would "knock the hell out of it" if provoked.
He noted he has avoided hitting oil pipes to prevent long-term infrastructure damage but warned that the island is "dead militarily." Strait of Hormuz Coalition: Trump is pressuring allies and global powers—including China, Japan, and several European nations—to send warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
He expressed frustration with the lack of immediate commitment from partners like Britain and France, citing it as a "weakness of NATO." China Trip Delayed: Due to the war, Trump announced today that he has requested to delay his planned high-stakes trip to Beijing by "a month or so" to remain in Washington.
2. Domestic Policy & Executive Orders
New Anti-Fraud Task Force: The President signed an Executive Order today establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
Chaired by Vice President JD Vance, the group is tasked with auditing federal benefit programs (like SNAP and Medicaid) to combat "waste, fraud, and abuse." Trump specifically highlighted alleged fraud rings in states like Minnesota as a catalyst for the move. Energy & Mining Push: The USDA announced the completion of a major land exchange for the Resolution Copper Project in Arizona today.
The administration is framing this as a key step toward "mineral independence" and domestic energy dominance.
3. Legal and Regulatory Battles
Voice of America Ruling: A federal judge ruled against the administration today, invalidating attempts to dismantle the Voice of America (VOA) and legally voiding the termination of hundreds of employees.
Fed Investigation Blocked: A District Judge blocked DOJ subpoenas aimed at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, characterizing the investigation as an attempt to pressure the Fed to lower interest rates.
California Air Quality: New reports today highlight California’s attempt to bypass the Trump administration's revocation of the state's clean air authority by proposing new "indirect source" rules for warehouses and ports.
4. Trade & Immigration
Tariff Expansion: The administration is moving forward with a sweeping trade investigation into 60 economies (including China, the EU, and the UK) over goods made with forced labor, a move seen as a resurrection of broader tariff strategies.
TPS Status: The Supreme Court is currently weighing an administration request to remove protected status for Haitian and Syrian nationals, with key legal deadlines occurring today.
