10 Story Ideas for March, 2026
Dave Davis, director of the ASB Workshop, advised a high school newsmagazine for 34 years at Hillcrest HS, and is now in his first year of creating a new broadcast program at Greenwood Laboratory School. He will post the “pitch meeting” the first of each month, September - May.
War Stories: The U.S./Israeli attacks on Iran are putting the military front and center. There are service men and women, and families all over the country watching this unfold. This is a great time to localize an international news event. Big stories are often told with small stories. The family with a son or daughter on board a ship in the region. The veteran on the corner who was part of Desert Storm, another military action in the Middle East. Of course reaction from citizens of all ages. Be aware of outspoken support and opposition. Present both sides.
Checking Out: The class of 2026 is nearing spring break, and the fourth quarter of high school. Time for “Senioritis” and all that it entails. You could report on the common signs…academic burnout, anxiety about leaving, or a feeling that high school is already finished after college applications are submitted. Here is an article about this common, yearly affliction: https://www.educationworld.com/edmd-symptoms-and-treatment-senioritis
A League of Their Own: It’s been over 70 years since there was a professional baseball league for women. Players have been drafted and a schedule has been put together. What does this mean for colleges and high schools? Will female baseball teams start up soon at all levels? Check here for details: https://www.mlb.com/news/womens-pro-baseball-league-to-debut
I Just Want to Direct: Summer camps of all kinds are out there, and that includes a number of “Film Camps” for teens who want to make movies. There is not time like the present to get an early start. Check out this list: https://www.lumiere-education.com/post/11-summer-film-programs-for-high-school-students Maybe find a college student in your area who attended a film camp as a teen, or find a teen planning to attend one this summer. This actually might surprise some members of your core audience who do not know these opportunities exist.
About Interracial Marriage: This website reports findings from a recent survey that among other things makes it clear marriage, and families blending two races is more common and more accepted than ever: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/we-asked-americans-how-they-felt-about-their-interracial-interactions-the-answers-may-surprise-you/#:~:text=Americans%20overwhelmingly%20reject%20racial%20bias%20in%20personal,centers%20of%20interracial%20interaction:%20At%20least%2080%25
It will take some digging to understand all of the data shared in the report, but it could spark a number of interesting stories and angles.
Those Dangerous Apps: An article about the 12 most dangerous apps for kids might inspire teens to roll their eyes, but it’s a great topic for those with younger siblings, or for parents who watch your show and are in the dark about apps. Here’s a good place to start: https://www.randolphcountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3683/12-Most-Dangerous-Apps-for-Kids-A-Guide-for-Parents---updated-2024 It will not be hard to get teens to sound off about this topic.
Singers Face the Music: Springtime is often the season of vocal music competitions in states across the country. Many times, the top honor is a 1 rating from judges. How do you get the top honors? How are vocal music students and teachers prepping for these competitions? What are the categories? Who judges them? What a great story, with awesome sound baked in, plus students who are passionate about their music.
You Bet: So gambling has become common among adolescent boys, with more than a third of boys gambling before they turn 18. How? Where? Why? There is a ton of information here which can assist with this topic: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/2026-betting-on-boys-report_final-for-web.pdf
Nine is the New 12: Girls are growing up faster than ever. Early onset puberty is common, with the average age for females to start between 8 and 9 years old. However, the body changes can get way ahead of emotional maturity. What are the causes? Here is an audio presentation with some excellent information for background: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsHOO0BXLSs&t=13s
Everybody Walks: High school graduation rates in the U.S. jumped 7% from 2002 to 2022. Are schools making it too easy to get a diploma these days? Are credit recovery classes and lower standards making high school graduation way too easy? There is always pressure from district administrators to get graduation rates up. But how do potential employers look at high school degrees these days?
