What to know about the scope of damage from Hawaii flooding | AP News (Thanks to Graydon for this one)
Mr. Giorgi's 2025-2026 Blog
A class guide
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Saudi Prince Is Said to Push Trump to Continue Iran War in Recent Calls
Saudi Prince Is Said to Push Trump to Continue Iran War in Recent Calls - The New York Times (Thanks to Haadi for this one)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman sees a “historic opportunity” to remake the region, according to people briefed by U.S. officials on the conversations.
Trump wants the SAVE Act, but he just voted by mail; Tells GOP not to make a deal on DHS Funding until SAVE is passed
Trump, Who Calls Mail-in Voting ‘Cheating,’ Just Voted by Mail - The New York Times
President Trump has long fixated on mail-in voting to bolster his baseless claims of widespread voter fraud. But he recently used the method in a Florida special election.
What’s in Trump’s SAVE Act, the Voter ID Bill Republicans Are Pushing? - The New York Times
The legislation would require voters to prove their citizenship in person upon registration, ban IDs without a photo at polling places and criminalize failures to enforce such requirements. Experts estimate that about 9% of U.S. citizens would not be able to vote due to lack of documentation.
TSA wait times, ICE agents deployed as flyers face worsening lines | CNN
‘Please do something’: Concerns raised about LaGuardia safety before fatal runway collision | CNN
Markwayne Mullin confirmed as Department of Homeland Security head
Trump Delays Threat to Iran, but War Negotiations Are in Early Stage; Iran disagrees
Trump Delays Threat to Iran, but War Negotiations Are in Early Stage - The New York Times
President Trump postponed his threat to strike power plants in Iran, citing “productive conversations” with the Iranians. But officials said the talks were in an early stage and not substantive.
Trump Faces Blowback on Easing Iran Oil Sanctions - The New York Times
President Trump once assailed the Obama administration for making cash payments to Iran. Now he supports sanctions relief that could give the country a $14 billion windfall.
Investors Question Whether Quick Peace in Iran Is Possible - The New York Times
Oil Prices Rise a Day After 10% Plunge - The New York Times
He delivered a lengthy speech at his country’s rubber-stamp Parliament, declaring that his nuclear power will shield his country from American hostility.
![]() |
| Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, in Tehran last year. He is said to have conveyed to the U.S. that Iran would need sanctions relief and guarantees against future attacks.Credit... |
Former FBI director Robert Mueller dies at 81, a look at his legacy and the reaction of President Trump
Ex-FBI chief Robert Mueller, who probed Russia-Trump campaign ties, dies | AP News
Robert Mueller, special counsel who probed but did not charge Trump, dies at 81
A Look at Robert Mueller's Legacy | FRONTLINE | PBS | Official Site | Documentary Series
A Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, Mueller built a decades-long career in law enforcement and national security. He worked as a federal prosecutor and later served as U.S. attorney in San Francisco before taking on senior roles at the Justice Department.
Mueller led the FBI from 2001 to 2013. He was appointed FBI director in 2001, just one week before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and went on to lead the bureau through a major shift toward counterterrorism. Mueller remained in the role for 12 years after being asked by President Barack Obama to stay beyond the traditional 10-year term.
He later served as special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, a probe that shadowed much of Trump’s presidency. He brought charges against multiple Trump associates during the Russia investigation, including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former national security adviser Michael Flynn. His final report detailed extensive contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia but did not establish a criminal conspiracy. Mueller declined to make a traditional prosecutorial decision on whether Trump obstructed justice, citing longstanding Justice Department policy against indicting a sitting president.
Former FBI director Robert Mueller dies at 81, Trump reacts
"Robert Mueller just died," Trump posted on Truth Social."Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!" Trump added.
Monday, March 23, 2026
The American rare earths company seeking to topple China's dominance
The American rare earths company seeking to topple China's dominance
Trump's push to make the U.S. independent of China
Trump Sets Up ‘Pax Silica’ Fund to Reduce Global Dependencies
Trump Sets Up ‘Pax Silica’ Fund to Reduce Global Dependencies
Trump officials said on Monday that the war in Iran had emphasized the need to reduce vulnerabilities for energy and technology.
Hundreds of N.Y.U. Professors Begin Strike Over Pay and Job Protections
Hundreds of N.Y.U. Professors Begin Strike Over Pay and Job Protections
About 950 full-time faculty members who are not on the tenure track walked out. The university told students that classes would continue.
In Canada’s Frozen North, With Canada’s Frozen Soldiers
In Canada’s Frozen North, With Canada’s Frozen Soldiers
Canadian soldiers transported M777 howitzers to the High Arctic to show their ability to fight in an increasingly contested part of the world. It did not go as planned.
![]() |
| Members of an artillery unit preparing the ground to install a howitzer. |
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Saturday, March 21, 2026
TSA workers face reality of working without pay as passengers unaware of the shutdown see long lines
Friday, March 20, 2026
A.I. Is Writing Fiction. Publishers Are Unprepared; Horror Novel ‘Shy Girl’ Canceled Over Suspected A.I. Use
A.I. Is Writing Fiction. Publishers Are Unprepared. - The New York Times
Book publishing has few safeguards in place to prevent the unwitting publication of a novel heavily generated by artificial intelligence.
Horror Novel ‘Shy Girl’ Canceled Over Suspected A.I. Use - The New York Times
Its publisher, Hachette, will not release the novel in the United States and will discontinue its U.K. edition, citing its commitment to “original creative expression and storytelling.”
Trump’s Planned White House Screening Center Is Too Big, Arts Panel Says
Trump’s Planned White House Screening Center Is Too Big, Arts Panel Says - The New York Times
The Commission of Fine Arts delayed a vote on the facility, a new, 33,000-square-foot security screening center for White House visitors, because of concerns over the design.
Judge Rules That R.F.K. Jr. Overstepped on Transgender Care
Judge Rules That R.F.K. Jr. Overstepped on Transgender Care - The New York Times
The ruling provides temporary relief for 21 states seeking to stop the Trump administration from ending federal funding to hospitals that provide gender-transition care.
How High Will Oil Climb? Russian Tanker is headed to Cuba, Testing U.S. Blockade; Sanctions lifted on Belarus
How High Will Oil Climb? Markets Brace for More Bad News. - The New York Times
Energy experts forecast more pain for consumers and businesses as the war in the Middle East shows no signs of easing.
Is Russian Fuel Headed for Cuba, Testing the U.S. Blockade? - The New York Times
A Russian oil tanker is being closely tracked to see if it will challenge the Trump administration’s blockade on Cuba.
U.S. Lifts Fertilizer Sanctions on Belarus as Iran War Causes Price Surge - The New York Times
The Trump administration made the move in exchange for Belarus’s freeing of 250 political prisoners, part of a rapprochement between the two countries.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
China Is Embracing OpenClaw, a New A.I. Agent, and the Government Is Wary
China Is Embracing OpenClaw, a New A.I. Agent, and the Government Is Wary
Excitement about A.I. assistant tools is running into growing concerns about the security risks of software that operates autonomously on user’s devices.
How a Melting Glacier in Antarctica Could Affect Tens of Millions Around the Globe
A collapse of the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica would sharply accelerate sea-level rise in coastal cities.
How TrumpRx Drug Prices Compare With Those in Other Countries; If You Hate Trump’s Economy, I Have News for You
How TrumpRx Drug Prices Compare With Those in Other Countries - The New York Times
The TrumpRx website claims to offer the best prices for medications. Here’s where Americans still pay more — and much more.
Opinion | If You Hate Trump’s Economy, I Have News for You - The New York Times
If you wanted to tell an anti-Trump story, you could focus on the fact that food prices rose more quickly in 2025 than they did a year before. If you wanted to tell a pro-Trump story, you could emphasize that mortgage rates are lower today than they were at the end of 2024.
Iran expert says Trump's 'war of choice' has morphed into a 'war of necessity'; Did the U.S. underestimate Iran’s drone threat?
Iran expert says Trump's 'war of choice' has morphed into a 'war of necessity' : NPR
Did the U.S. underestimate Iran’s drone threat? : NPR
Cheap drones are reshaping modern warfare — and catching the U.S. off guard
Iran War Underscores the Diverging Aims of U.S. and Israel - The New York Times
The United States views Iran through a prism of global responsibilities and strategic goals. Israel has a more regional approach. After nearly three weeks of war, their paths are diverging.
Iran Executes 3 Men, Including Teenage Wrestler Saleh Mohammadi - The New York Times
The Iranian authorities accused the men of killing two police officers during anti-government protests in January. Human rights groups had raised concerns about the cases against them.
Trump’s Friendship With Japan’s Leader Faces Test Over Iran
Trump’s Friendship With Japan’s Leader Faces Test Over Iran (Thanks to Matte for this one)
In Washington on Thursday, President Trump is expected to press Sanae Takaichi for military help in the Strait of Hormuz. But she faces constraints on what she can offer.
Using Charm and Restraint, Japan’s Leader Mostly Avoids Trump’s Wrath - The New York Times
How Japan Reacted to Trump’s Pearl Harbor Joke - The New York Times
‘It Doesn’t Need to Be Here’: The Right Vilifies a Muslim School in Alabama
‘It Doesn’t Need to Be Here’: The Right Vilifies a Muslim School in Alabama (Thanks to Haadi for this one)
A local campaign against the small school reflects growing Islamophobia in conservative enclaves in America and among G.O.P. officials.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Dozens Killed, Possibly Many More, in Pakistani Airstrike on Kabul
Dozens Killed, Possibly Many More, in Pakistani Airstrike on Kabul
The attack hit a drug rehabilitation facility, and Afghanistan vowed to retaliate, risking an escalation of the conflict between the two countries.
Joe Kent, a Top U.S. Counterterrorism Official, Resigns Over the Iran War
Joe Kent, a Top U.S. Counterterrorism Official, Resigns Over the Iran War
Mr. Kent is the highest-ranking Trump administration official to quit in opposition to the conflict. He is also known for his support of conspiracy theories.
Read Joe Kent's Resignation Letter
Nations Rebuff Trump’s Call to Send Warships to Strait of Hormuz
Nations Rebuff Trump’s Call to Send Warships to Strait of Hormuz (Thanks to Graydon for this one)
President Trump has urged China, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea to send warships to help reopen the waterway, even though they are not involved in the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran.
![]() |
| President Trump in the White House on Thursday. Photo by Doug Mills/NYT |
United Arab Emirates briefly closes airspace as Israel strikes Lebanon and Tehran
United Arab Emirates briefly closes airspace as Israel strikes Lebanon and Tehran (Thanks to Sam for this)
| Fire and plumes of smoke rises after a drone struck a fuel tank forcing the temporary suspension of flights. near Dubai International Airport, in United Arab Emirates, early Monday, March 16, 2026 (AP) |
Protesters in Cuba attack Communist Party office in rare riot over blackouts
Protesters in Cuba attack Communist Party office in rare riot over blackouts (Thanks to Sara for this one)
Related:
Trump’s Next Target: ‘Taking Cuba’
Still at war with Iran and in control in Venezuela, President Trump is signaling that he is about to intervene in another country.
Miami Cubans Fear Trump Won’t Go Far Enough: ‘The Castros Have to Go’
Many Cubans in Florida have sought regime change for decades. They fear that President Trump’s talks with Cuba will not lead to wholesale political transformation.
Antarctica has a strange gravity hole and scientists finally know why
Antarctica has a strange gravity hole and scientists finally know why | ScienceDaily (Thanks to Joe for this one)
Friday, March 13, 2026
The US Navy decommissioned Middle East minesweepers last year. Here’s what they did.
The US Navy decommissioned Middle East minesweepers last year. Here’s what they did. (Thanks to Graydon for this one)
“The [littoral combat ship] MCM mission package is a sophisticated suite of manned and unmanned systems designed to locate, identify, and neutralize sea mines, at a safer distance from minefields than the Avenger-class MCMs,” a Navy official told Military Times on the condition of anonymity.
Unlike the minesweepers, which have a long history of being battle-tested, the LCS with the MCM package has never been deployed in combat.
The fundamental difference between the two is that the LCS operates outside the mine threat zone and deploys counter-mine devices, while the minesweepers can operate near or directly inside the mine-threat zone.






































