School
The Fremont Union High School Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary through its annual Spring for Education fundraiser on March 21. Held at the Quinlan Community Center in Cupertino, all donations from the fundraiser went directly toward FUHSD schools. An online auction from Feb. 8 to March 21 sold items like gift cards and vacation tickets. Other festivities included student performances and showcases. The event also honored former FUHSF board member Hung Wei, who served from 2004 to 2023, as well as Principal Maria Jackson and Homestead High School music teacher John Burn, both of whom are retiring this year.
Community
On Feb. 25, the Franklin-McKinley School District board in East San José voted to close three of its 16 schools by next school year due to budget deficits, funding issues and declining enrollment, including the loss of nearly 40% of their students in the last 14 years. While both parents and students rallied to keep the schools open, the risk of state takeover of the district forced the closures. Los Arboles Literacy & Technology Academy, McKinley Elementary School and Ramblewood Elementary School will all be shutting down after the 3-2 vote. Other schools in the district, such as Lairon College Preparatory Academy and Shirakawa Sr. Elementary School will be adjusted to serve K-8 through the vote.
National
A series of deadly wildfires have spread through Oklahoma in recent days. More than 400 homes have been destroyed since the fires began on March 14, with at least four people confirmed dead as of March 19 from causes ranging from fires and smoke to high winds and low visibility. More than 130 fires were fought across 44 counties. While the fire continues, there is a significant risk of critical weather conditions in southeastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. Since winds in the area have been moving at 50 to 70 miles per hour, fires can easily spread across the area. Citizens have been advised to evacuate, with Gov. Kevin Stitt declaring a state of emergency in 12 counties.
International
Syrian government forces clashed with loyalists of former President Bashar Assad on March 6. Nearly 200 people were killed in a massive ambush on the coastal region of Latakia, one of Assad’s former strongholds, marking the worst violence Syria has seen since Assad’s government was overthrown in 2024. Since then, fighting in the country has continued, causing the deaths of around 1,000 people. Former Assad security officer Miqdad Fatiha is thought to be the leader of the new movement. The threat of the Assad regime’s reinstatement has frightened the country, with President Ahmed Al-Sharaa vowing to bring the Assad forces to justice.
