Is an Evil Genius Worse Than an Evil Moron? Plus More on the Trump Admin
Your Daily #InstrumIntel for Thursday, 3.5.26
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Trump's War on Iran • Politics • The Trump Administration • Climate & Environment • AI & Tech • Culture & Media • Education • What the Right is Reading • Strays
Trump's War on Iran
Quietly, calmly and forensically, BBC just dismantled the Trump communications shitshow on Iran. No hyperbole, just laying out an unprecedented military, diplomatic and reputational shambles. Worth a watch. (🎥 BBC News/BBC Verify)
— News Eye (@newseye.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 3:46 AM
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Headline: Thousands in Iran Attend Burial of Children Killed in Bombing of School
What?
On March 3, 2026, The New York Times reported that thousands gathered in Minab, Iran, for the funeral of victims killed in a March 1 airstrike on the Shajarah Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school, which left at least 175 dead, many of them children. The school, adjacent to a naval base of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, was destroyed during the ongoing United States and Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began with the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
So What?
The strike, one of the deadliest in the conflict, raises the risk of further escalation and scrutiny over potential war crimes, as international law prohibits attacks on civilian structures like schools. The lack of direct acknowledgment from the United States and Israeli governments heightens concerns about accountability and civilian protection in armed conflict.
Now What?
International organizations and legal bodies may investigate the strike for violations of the Geneva Conventions and other international humanitarian law. Watch for statements or actions from the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and potential war crimes inquiries in the coming weeks.
Headline: Iranian girls reportedly killed by ‘double-tap’ strikes on Minab school
What?
On Saturday, March 2026, apparent United States and Israeli airstrikes hit the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Minab, Iran, killing 165 people—mostly girls aged seven to 12—according to local officials and first responders cited by Middle East Eye. The attack involved two strikes, with the second missile killing survivors who had taken shelter, and occurred amid a broader US-Israeli bombing campaign across Iran that has killed at least 1,097 civilians, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.
So What?
The use of “double-tap” strikes, which target first responders and survivors, raises the risk of war crimes investigations and intensifies scrutiny of United States and Israeli military conduct. The attack has prompted calls for accountability from United Nations officials and Iranian diplomats, and has deepened outrage over civilian targeting in the ongoing conflict.
WTF?
Rescue workers described finding bodies so badly burned and dismembered that some children could only be identified by their school bags or gold bracelets, with dozens of severed limbs scattered around the school grounds.
Now What?
The United Nations panel of experts has demanded an investigation into the school attack, and both the United States and Israel say they are conducting their own inquiries. DNA testing is underway to identify 69 of the victims, and further international legal or diplomatic action may follow as evidence is gathered and reviewed.
What?
On June 11, 2024, Intelligencer published an interview with Robert Pape, professor of political science at the University of Chicago, discussing the aftermath of joint United States and Israeli air strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and several possible successors. Despite these attacks, the Iranian regime continues to operate, escalate regional conflict, and maintain its nuclear enrichment program.
So What?
The strikes have failed to destabilize the Iranian regime or halt its nuclear ambitions, instead risking further regional escalation and the potential proliferation of enriched uranium. The situation exposes the limits of air power for regime change and raises the risk of a failed state with unsecured nuclear material.
WTF?
Despite the deaths of top Iranian leaders, the regime persists, and there are credible fears that enriched uranium could end up on drone nose cones targeting regional capitals.
Now What?
Watch for developments regarding Iran’s nuclear program, including any International Atomic Energy Agency inspections or new diplomatic efforts, as well as possible further military escalation in the region. The fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the risk of nuclear proliferation remain unresolved.
Headline: Trump is Struggling to Sell a War of Choice
What?
On March 4, 2026, Semafor reported that President Donald Trump’s administration is facing skepticism over Operation Epic Fury, a military campaign framed as ending a “forever war” with Iran. Democratic and Republican leaders, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Representative Valerie Foushee, and Third Way President Jonathan Cowan, are navigating shifting positions on U.S. military intervention and aid to Israel.
So What?
Support for foreign military action has fractured traditional party lines, with Democrats increasingly opposing U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and distancing themselves from military aid to Israel. The political risk of backing war now outweighs the risk of opposing it, reshaping campaign strategies and internal party debates ahead of the 2028 election cycle.
WTF?
Tulsi Gabbard, who campaigned in 2020 to prevent a war with Iran, now serves as Director of National Intelligence during a U.S. military campaign against Iran and is focused on investigating the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia.
Now What?
Watch for legislative moves to restrict military aid to Israel and further debate over the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal as the 2028 presidential primary approaches. Upcoming midterm elections and party conferences, such as those organized by Third Way, will likely clarify party positions on war powers and foreign intervention.
Headline: Operation Epic Fury Expands Spills Over Into Asia
What?
On March 4, 2026, a United States military submarine struck and sank the IRIS Dena, Iran’s most modern Moudge-class frigate, about 40 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s southern coast, as part of Operation Epic Fury. United States Central Command reported that 17 Iranian warships had been neutralized, and Iranian retaliatory strikes have hit targets across 10 Middle East and North Africa countries, with a ballistic missile intercepted over Turkey and a United Kingdom military base on Cyprus struck by an Iranian-made drone.
So What?
The conflict has expanded beyond the Middle East, drawing in South Asia, the eastern Mediterranean, and NATO’s eastern flank, raising the risk of regional escalation and spillover into new theaters. Iran’s loss of naval assets and the targeting of previously uninvolved countries signal a breakdown of geographic limits and increase the risk of humanitarian and diplomatic crises near Afghanistan and Pakistan.
WTF?
The United States sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, and on the same day, NATO intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey—marking the first time the conflict has reached both South Asia and NATO territory in a single 24-hour period.
Now What?
Watch for possible Iranian command dispersal to eastern provinces near Afghanistan and Pakistan, which could shift the operational geography and complicate future military and humanitarian responses. Monitor for further NATO engagement and any formal responses from Turkey or other regional actors as the conflict’s boundaries continue to expand.
Headline: Maersk introduces emergency freight increase amid Strait of Hormuz disruption - Container News
What?
On March 2, 2026, A.P. Moller–Maersk announced an emergency freight increase for shipments to and from ports in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Oman, following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to rising security risks. The surcharge will raise rates by $1,800 per 20-foot dry container, $3,000 per 40- and 45-foot dry container, and $3,800 per refrigerated and special equipment unit, applying to bookings not yet shipped and cargo already en route but not yet discharged or loaded in affected ports.
So What?
The emergency surcharge will increase shipping costs across key Middle East trade corridors, disrupt supply chains, and may drive up prices for goods moving through the region. Maersk’s invocation of Clause 20 of its Bill of Lading signals the use of exceptional contractual powers in response to regional instability.
Now What?
Maersk will continue to monitor the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz and may update or extend surcharges as conditions evolve. Watch for further announcements from major carriers and regional authorities regarding shipping routes and security measures in the coming weeks.
Headline: Iran's armed Kurdish groups a "recipe for civil war"
What?
On March 5, 2026, The National reported that Kurdish-Iranian dissident groups in northern Iraq are preparing for possible operations inside Iran, with the United States reportedly asking Iraqi Kurds to assist. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that Washington’s strategy does not center on supporting or arming any particular force, while Kurdish officials and regional leaders, including Masoud Barzani of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, have discussed developments with U.S. President Donald Trump.
So What?
Mobilizing Kurdish armed groups risks escalating ethnic conflict and instability within Iran, potentially deepening internal divisions and undermining broader opposition efforts against the Iranian regime. Reports of U.S. involvement or support for Kurdish factions could alarm other Iranian groups and shift the balance of opposition power.
Now What?
Watch for further confirmation of U.S. or Israeli support for Kurdish operations, as well as any official announcements from the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan or the Kurdistan Regional Government. Monitor for legislative or executive actions in the United States regarding military engagement or support in the region, and for any new security measures or responses from the Iranian government.
Headline: Dubai Ex-Pats Fleeing, Dumping Pets "to Die"
What?
On April 18, 2024, LBC reported that British and other expatriate pet owners in Dubai are abandoning cats and dogs as they flee the city following Iranian drone and missile strikes over the weekend. Volunteers such as Claire Hopkins and Anso Stander, along with veterinary practices, have seen a surge in requests to euthanize pets and rescue abandoned animals, with some pets being left tied up, shot, or dumped at shelters and clinics.
So What?
The spike in pet abandonment strains already overwhelmed animal rescue organizations and veterinary clinics, raising concerns about animal welfare and public health. The crisis exposes gaps in emergency planning for expatriates and highlights the lack of infrastructure to protect animals during regional conflict and mass evacuations.
WTF?
Volunteers reported finding a Saluki dog tied so tightly to a lamppost that its collar cut into its neck, and others described dogs being shot in the desert between the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Now What?
Commercial flights in the region are resuming after airspace closures, which could lead to further pet abandonments as more expatriates leave. The United Kingdom Foreign Office has rescheduled a charter flight for stranded Britons to depart from Oman on Thursday, April 18, 2024, after technical delays. Watch for updates on evacuation logistics and any emergency animal welfare measures from United Arab Emirates authorities.
Headline: Defense Contractors Huddle at White House to Discuss Munitions Shortage
What?
On March 3, 2026, the Trump administration called executives from major United States defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon parent RTX, to the White House to discuss speeding up weapons production after recent U.S. military strikes on Iran and other operations depleted munitions stockpiles. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg is leading Pentagon efforts on a potential $50 billion supplemental budget request to replace weapons used in the Middle East and other conflicts.
So What?
The meeting signals heightened pressure on defense contractors to prioritize weapons output over shareholder payouts, with the administration moving to identify and potentially penalize underperforming contractors. Rapid drawdowns of U.S. munitions for conflicts in Iran, Ukraine, and Gaza risk straining military readiness and raise questions about oversight and accountability in defense procurement.
WTF?
President Donald Trump claimed on social media that the United States has a "virtually unlimited supply" of munitions and that "wars can be fought 'forever,' and very successfully, using just these supplies."
Now What?
The Pentagon may release its $50 billion supplemental budget request as soon as Friday, with a list of underperforming contractors expected to follow. Watch for further executive actions or legislative scrutiny on defense contracting and production priorities.
Politics
Headline: Top Military Brass Warns China is Developing Secret Subs
What?
On March 3, 2026, The Wall Street Journal reported that senior United States Navy officials, including Vice Adm. Richard Seif and Rear Adm. Mike Brookes, warned Congress that China is accelerating production of advanced nuclear-powered submarines equipped with longer-range ballistic missiles. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission heard testimony that China’s new Type 096 submarines and related undersea technologies will allow Beijing to target much of the U.S. mainland from waters near its own coast by 2040.
So What?
China’s rapid expansion of its submarine fleet and undersea capabilities threatens to erode the United States’ longstanding maritime dominance in the Pacific and increases the risk of escalation in contested regions such as the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. The shift could alter the strategic balance, complicate U.S. military planning, and heighten the stakes of U.S.-China competition over regional security and global naval power.
Now What?
Congress and the Pentagon will continue to review and respond to China’s naval buildup, with ongoing oversight through the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission and annual Pentagon reports on Chinese military power. The Aukus pact between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia will remain a focal point for allied undersea technology cooperation and countermeasures.
Headline: Father of Apalachee High School Shooter Convicted of Murder
What?
On March 3, 2026, a Barrow County jury in Georgia convicted Colin Gray on 29 counts, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter, for failing to secure the rifle his son used in a 2024 school shooting at Apalachee High School. Prosecutors, led by Barrow County Assistant District Attorney Patricia Brooks, argued Gray ignored warning signs about his son's mental health and left the weapon unsecured, resulting in the deaths of two teachers and two students.
So What?
This conviction marks the first time in the United States that prosecutors have secured a murder conviction against the parent of an alleged school shooter, setting a new legal precedent for parental accountability in gun violence cases. The outcome may prompt more aggressive criminal investigations and charges against parents in similar incidents nationwide.
WTF?
Colin Gray kept the rifle he bought for his son in the boy’s bedroom, without a gun lock, even after the Federal Bureau of Investigation questioned the teen for allegedly posting online about committing a school shooting.
Now What?
Sentencing for Colin Gray has not been scheduled. Prosecutors in other states, including Wisconsin and Texas, have begun filing felony charges against parents of accused school shooters, signaling a potential trend in criminal liability for gun access and parental oversight. Watch for upcoming trial dates and legislative responses to this legal precedent.
Headline: Ken Paxton Is the Face of a Sea Change in the Republican Party
What?
On March 5, 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Senator John Cornyn advanced to a runoff in the Texas Republican primary for U.S. Senate after neither secured over 50 percent of the vote. Paxton, known for legal scandals and hard-line positions, has led lawsuits against major asset managers like Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street over environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, and championed Texas Senate Bill 13, which bans state investment with financial institutions deemed to be “boycotting” fossil fuels.
So What?
Paxton’s actions mark a sharp break from decades of Republican free-market orthodoxy, signaling a shift toward state intervention to restrict renewable energy and ESG investing. This approach risks undermining investor choice and could reshape the party’s stance on corporate regulation and environmental policy.
WTF?
Paxton spent $2.3 million in campaign funds on private lawyers for his impeachment trial and was sued by his own deputies for allegedly firing them after they reported him to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for abuse of office.
Now What?
The runoff between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn is set for May 2024, with ongoing litigation against BlackRock and State Street over ESG practices. Watch for further judicial rulings on Texas Senate Bill 13, which a federal judge recently found unconstitutional, and for continued scrutiny of state-led anti-ESG efforts.
Headline: Florida House approves measure to designate domestic terrorist groups
What?
On March 4, 2026, the Florida House passed House Bill 1471, which gives the state’s chief of domestic security, with approval from the governor and Cabinet, the authority to designate groups as domestic terrorist organizations if they engage in terrorist activity as defined by state law. The bill, sponsored by Republican Representative Hillary Cassel, passed on an 81-26 vote and includes provisions for criminal penalties, restrictions on state scholarship funds, and disciplinary actions at public colleges and universities.
So What?
The measure centralizes significant power in the executive branch to label organizations as terrorist groups, raising concerns about due process and checks on government authority. The law also expands the scope of criminal liability and restricts access to state resources for organizations and individuals associated with designated groups.
WTF?
The bill specifically bars Florida courts from enforcing Sharia law, and an amendment to remove this reference over concerns about singling out a religion was rejected.
Now What?
The bill now moves to the Florida Senate for consideration, where further debate and possible amendments could occur. Watch for Senate hearings and any legal challenges if the measure becomes law.
Headline: Prairieland ICE shooting trial jury gets closer look at 'antifa' materials defendants owned
What?
On March 4, 2026, a federal jury in Fort Worth reviewed homemade booklets, pamphlets, and other materials labeled as "antifa" evidence by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the trial of nine people accused of a coordinated attack on the Prairieland Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. The U.S. Department of Justice, represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Smith, alleges the defendants' anti-fascist beliefs motivated the July 4 incident, while defense attorneys argue that owning such literature or weapons is not illegal.
So What?
This case could set a precedent as the first federal terrorism trial linked to "antifa," raising questions about the boundaries of First Amendment protections and the use of political beliefs as evidence in terrorism prosecutions. The outcome may influence how law enforcement and prosecutors approach cases involving political activism and alleged domestic terrorism, especially in the absence of a federal statute for domestic terrorism.
Now What?
The jury is expected to hear testimony from defendants who pleaded guilty on Wednesday, which could shape the remaining proceedings and verdicts. Watch for further judicial developments as the trial continues and for any legislative movement on domestic terrorism statutes following former President Donald Trump's declaration of "antifa" as a domestic terrorist organization.
Headline: Americans see thwarting nuclear weapons as top US priority
What?
On March 5, 2026, Semafor reported that a new Gallup poll found eight in 10 Americans consider preventing the spread of nuclear weapons a “very important” United States foreign policy goal, second only to stopping international terrorism. The poll, conducted before recent United States strikes on Iran, also showed rising support for a greater United States commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as President Donald Trump’s administration reduces engagement.
So What?
Strong public concern about nuclear proliferation could bolster political support for aggressive action against Iran’s nuclear program, even as other polls show disapproval of recent strikes and a preference for diplomacy. Shifting attitudes toward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) may pressure the Trump administration to reconsider its approach to alliances and collective security.
Now What?
Watch for upcoming congressional hearings or legislative proposals addressing United States policy on Iran and nuclear nonproliferation. Monitor changes in the Trump administration’s stance on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and any related funding or treaty commitments.
Headline: Record Numbers of Workers Are Raiding Their 401(k) Savings | WSJ
What?
On March 4, 2026, The Wall Street Journal’s Anne Tergesen reported that a record 6% of workers in 401(k) plans administered by Vanguard Group took hardship withdrawals in 2025, up from 4.8% in 2024 and a pre-pandemic average of about 2%. Congress made it easier to take hardship distributions in 2018 and expanded allowable reasons under a 2022 law, while the median withdrawal last year was $1,900.
So What?
Rising hardship withdrawals signal growing financial stress for a segment of workers, even as average 401(k) balances and savings rates reach record highs. Looser rules and automatic enrollment have made retirement accounts a more common emergency resource, raising concerns about long-term retirement security and the adequacy of the social safety net.
Now What?
Watch for further legislative changes to hardship withdrawal rules and potential regulatory scrutiny of automatic enrollment practices. Monitor implementation of the 2022 law’s provisions, including penalty-free emergency withdrawals and expanded qualifying events, as employers adjust plan policies in coming years.
Headline: Major blackout hits Cuba's western region as oil crisis continues | AP News
What?
On March 4, 2026, a blackout left millions without power in Havana and western Cuba after a shutdown at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, according to the Associated Press. The Cuban government, including Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, reported that the outage stretched from Pinar del Rio to Camaguey and could take at least 72 hours to resolve.
So What?
The blackout disrupted daily life, halted public transportation, and forced the government to prioritize power for critical infrastructure such as hospitals. The outage highlights the vulnerability of Cuba’s aging electric grid, compounded by dwindling oil reserves and U.S. sanctions that limit access to new equipment and fuel.
Now What?
Crews are working to restore power, with the government warning that full restoration could take at least 72 hours. Watch for updates on repairs to the Antonio Guiteras plant and further government measures to address fuel shortages and grid failures.
Headline: ‘Nazi heaven’: Inside Miami campus Republicans’ racist group chat
What?
On March 4, 2026, the Miami Herald reported that a WhatsApp group chat started by Miami-Dade County Republican Party secretary Abel Carvajal for conservative students at Florida International University quickly filled with racist slurs, violent threats against Black people, antisemitic and homophobic language, and references to Nazi ideology. The chat included leaders from the county Republican Party, the Florida International University chapter of Turning Point USA, and the College Republicans, and is now part of an ongoing criminal investigation by the university.
So What?
The exposure of explicit racism and extremism among top campus Republican leaders in Miami highlights deepening divisions within the Republican Party and raises concerns about the normalization of white supremacist rhetoric in Florida’s political institutions. The incident also underscores the risks of emboldened far-right activity on campuses, especially as state legislation like the 2022 Stop WOKE Act restricts discussions of race and racism in public universities.
WTF?
Group chat members used the n-word more than 400 times, discussed dozens of ways to violently kill Black people, and renamed the chat after “Agartha,” a mythical Nazi “white homeland,” with one member describing it as “Nazi heaven sort of.”
Now What?
The Florida International University police department is conducting a criminal investigation into the group chat, and the university has stated the alleged conduct is under review according to its policies and applicable law. Watch for potential disciplinary actions, further legal developments, and any changes to the status of the Turning Point USA chapter on campus.
The Trump Administration
What?
On March 3, 2026, The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States Department of Justice withheld 47,635 files related to Jeffrey Epstein, including Federal Bureau of Investigation notes documenting a woman’s unverified allegations of sexual misconduct against President Donald Trump and Epstein in the 1980s. The Justice Department said the files were offline for review and would be ready for re-production by the end of the week, as required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
So What?
The withholding of these files raises questions about transparency and compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, especially since similar unverified witness statements were previously released. The Justice Department’s actions could fuel further scrutiny from Congress and intensify debate over the handling of sensitive information involving public figures.
WTF?
The Justice Department said some withheld files contain nudity, while others include untrue and sensationalist claims submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation right before the 2020 election.
Now What?
Democrats in Congress have announced plans to investigate the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files. The department has stated it will release all responsive documents after proper redactions, with a deadline for re-production by the end of the week. Watch for further congressional oversight and potential legal challenges regarding compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Headline: Epstein files: House committee subpoenas Attorney General Pam Bondi
What?
On March 4, 2026, the House Oversight Committee voted 24-19 to subpoena United States Attorney General Pam Bondi for a deposition on the Department of Justice's handling of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and compliance with the Epstein Transparency Act. The Department of Justice, required by the Epstein Transparency Act to release all files related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, has withheld more than 2.5 million documents and removed tens of thousands of previously public files from view.
So What?
The subpoena escalates congressional scrutiny of the Department of Justice's transparency and compliance with federal law, raising risks of further political fallout and legal challenges. Withholding documents tied to high-profile allegations and the removal of public records could undermine public trust in the Department of Justice and fuel ongoing claims of institutional cover-up.
WTF?
The Department of Justice took down more than 47,000 files, totaling about 65,500 pages, from public view after initially releasing over 3 million documents.
Now What?
Pam Bondi is expected to appear for a deposition before the House Oversight Committee, with further hearings or legal action possible if the Department of Justice continues to withhold documents. Watch for additional subpoenas or court orders as Congress presses for full compliance with the Epstein Transparency Act.
Headline: RFK Jr’s Pick For Surgeon General Cashed In Promoting Companies With a History of Unsafe Products
What?
On February 25, 2025, Dr. Casey Means, nominee for United States Surgeon General under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., faced Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee scrutiny after a Rolling Stone review found at least five sponsors of her Good Energy Living newsletter had sold products alleged to contain hazardous ingredients, unsafe levels of lead and cadmium, or traces of the forever chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Means received thousands of dollars from companies including Daily Harvest, Pique, and EnergyBits, some of which faced lawsuits, recalls, or regulatory action for product safety issues.
So What?
The findings raise questions about Means’ judgment, transparency, and potential conflicts of interest as she seeks a role as the nation’s chief medical communicator, with senators from both parties challenging her past endorsements and lack of full disclosure. The controversy could affect her confirmation and highlights broader concerns about the regulation of wellness products and the ethical standards for public health officials.
WTF?
Daily Harvest’s French Lentil & Leek Crumbles, promoted by Means, sent more than 130 people to the hospital in 2022, with 39 requiring gall bladder removal due to an ingredient not recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Now What?
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee is expected to vote on Means’ confirmation as Surgeon General later in February 2025, with unresolved questions about her financial disclosures and product endorsements likely to shape the outcome. Watch for further regulatory or legislative scrutiny of wellness product marketing and affiliate disclosure practices.
Headline: Are We Headed for a World Cup Boycott?
What?
On March 5, 2026, Reuters reported that the United States Department of Homeland Security has not distributed $625 million in security funding to local authorities for the FIFA World Cup, despite a planned deadline of January 30. Representative Nellie Pou, Democrat of New Jersey and member of the House Homeland Security Committee, accused the administration of President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem of withholding the funds for political reasons, while Noem blamed a government shutdown for the delay.
So What?
The delay in releasing federal security funds threatens the ability of host cities, including East Rutherford, New Jersey, Miami, and Kansas City, Missouri, to prepare for World Cup events, raising risks to public safety and event coordination. The dispute underscores how partisan gridlock and administrative decisions can directly impact local preparedness for major international events.
Now What?
Local officials have identified the next 30 days as a critical window to receive funding, with Miami host committee Chief Operating Officer Raymond Martinez warning of catastrophic planning failures if grants do not arrive. Watch for Congressional or administrative action to resolve the funding impasse before the July 19 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
Headline: Is An Evil Moron Worse Than an Evil Genius? Or Vice Versa?
What?
On March 4, 2026, Arthur Snell described how former President Donald Trump, after his second inauguration, engaged the United States in wars with Iran and Venezuela without clear objectives or planning, bypassing experienced officials in favor of politically loyal but inexperienced negotiators such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Snell detailed how Trump’s administration ignored expert advice from the United States Department of State and failed to establish a legal or strategic framework for military actions, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House seven times to push for action against Iran.
So What?
The lack of coherent planning and disregard for expert input in U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump increases the risk of uncontrolled military escalation, destabilizes international alliances, and undermines established legal norms for war. The “moron risk premium” now attaches to U.S. global leadership, raising the threat of broader conflict and eroding trust in American decision-making.
WTF?
Paul Bremer, former Coalition Provisional Authority administrator in Iraq whose tenure was marked by chaos and suffering, is now a ski instructor in Vermont.
Now What?
Watch for Congressional oversight hearings on the legal basis and objectives of U.S. military actions in Iran and Venezuela, as well as potential investigations into the exclusion of career diplomats from critical negotiations. Monitor for new legislative proposals to reassert Congressional war powers or require expert review of foreign policy decisions.
Headline: The "meritocracy" exposed: Internal emails reveal how the Trump administration hires legal interns
What?
On October 7, 2025, Liberty University Law School emailed students about Department of Labor legal internships in Washington, D.C., explicitly encouraging only those who support President Donald Trump to apply, regardless of academic performance. Internal emails reveal that interviewers, including Department of Labor staff and a White House Liaison Office representative, plan to ask direct political questions such as “Did you vote for President Trump?”
So What?
This hiring process risks violating federal law, including the Hatch Act, by conditioning government internships on political loyalty, undermining merit-based public service and threatening civil service protections. The Department of Labor’s approach echoes past scandals where political ideology improperly influenced federal hiring, raising concerns about politicization of government agencies.
WTF?
The Department of Labor’s internship interviews reportedly include direct questions about whether applicants voted for President Trump, and encourage students with poor grades to apply if they are politically aligned.
Now What?
Watch for potential investigations or legal challenges regarding the Department of Labor’s internship hiring practices, especially if complaints are filed or if the Office of Inspector General initiates a review. Judicial or congressional scrutiny could follow if evidence of Hatch Act violations emerges.
Climate & Environment
Headline: The Supreme Court Case That Could End Local Climate Suits
What?
On June 10, 2025, Atmos reported that the Supreme Court of the United States agreed to hear an appeal by Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil challenging Boulder, Colorado’s authority to sue fossil fuel companies for climate damages, following a May ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court that allowed the case to proceed. The decision to grant certiorari could halt or delegitimize dozens of similar lawsuits brought by states, cities, and tribal governments against oil and gas companies, including pending cases in Honolulu, Hawai’i, and Massachusetts.
So What?
A Supreme Court ruling in favor of Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil could block state and local governments from holding fossil fuel companies accountable for climate impacts, shifting power away from local jurisdictions and undermining ongoing efforts to seek damages or regulatory changes through the courts. The move would also weaken a key legal avenue for climate accountability as federal agencies have recently rolled back climate regulations.
WTF?
Justice Samuel Alito, who holds significant personal investments in oil and gas, has refused to recuse himself from the case, despite having done so in past fossil fuel-related cases.
Now What?
The Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments in October 2025 and could rule before the end of the year, with other climate lawsuits likely paused pending the outcome. Legislative efforts to bar state climate lawsuits and federal proposals for liability shields or funding restrictions remain in play as the legal landscape shifts.
Headline: AG Investigations and Copycat Anti-ESG Legislation Proliferate Despite Losses in Court
What?
On March 4, 2026, the Columbia Law School Climate Law Blog reported that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton settled with Vanguard in Texas v. BlackRock, the first federal antitrust case targeting climate collaborations by financial institutions. Despite recent court defeats—including the February 2026 injunction against Texas Senate Bill 13, which restricted state investments in firms allegedly boycotting fossil-fuel companies—state attorneys general and legislatures continue to advance and replicate anti-environmental, social, and governance (ESG) laws and investigations across the United States.
So What?
Federal courts have found key anti-ESG laws, such as Texas Senate Bill 13 and Senate Bill 2337, likely violate First and Fourteenth Amendment protections, undermining their enforceability and casting doubt on similar statutes nationwide. Nonetheless, state officials persist in launching investigations and introducing copycat bills, escalating legal uncertainty for financial institutions and corporations engaged in climate risk mitigation or ESG practices.
Now What?
The Fifth Circuit will review Texas’s appeal of the SB 13 injunction, while a bench trial is expected in Glass Lewis v. Paxton to determine the constitutionality of SB 2337. Additional state and federal court challenges to similar anti-ESG laws and ongoing attorney general investigations could set new precedents in the coming months.
What?
On June 12, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and State of Washington announced a proposed $668 million settlement with more than 100 responsible parties to fund the cleanup of hazardous substances in the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund site in Seattle. The Lower Duwamish Waterway Group, which includes the Boeing Company, the City of Seattle, and King County, will lead the cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and Washington State’s Model Toxics Control Act.
So What?
The settlement secures funding and accountability for a decade-long cleanup of toxic industrial pollution, reducing risks to public health and the environment while ensuring that responsible parties, not taxpayers, bear the cost. The agreement also sets a precedent for multi-party cost-sharing in large-scale environmental remediation projects.
Now What?
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington will review the proposed consent decree following a 30-day public comment period. Watch for court approval and updates on implementation milestones as the cleanup progresses.
AI & Tech
Headline: The Future of War Is Drones Bombing Data Centers
What?
On March 2, 2026, John Herrman at Intelligencer reported that Iranian drone strikes hit Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers in the United Arab Emirates and near facilities in Bahrain, causing outages that disrupted banks, payment companies, and tech firms in the region and beyond. Amazon Web Services, which serves clients including the United States government and military, confirmed that two facilities in the United Arab Emirates were directly struck, while a nearby strike in Bahrain caused further infrastructure impacts.
So What?
Drone attacks on multinational cloud infrastructure mark a new escalation in modern warfare, exposing the vulnerability of critical digital assets and threatening global economic and security stability. As militaries adopt cheap drone technology, data centers—often unprotected—become high-value targets, raising the stakes for both private companies and governments managing essential services.
WTF?
Cheap, remote-controlled drones that cost less than a new car disabled multibillion-dollar data centers, causing cascading internet outages across continents.
Now What?
Governments and technology companies are considering new security measures for data centers, including classifying them as critical infrastructure or relocating them underground, underwater, or into space. Watch for regulatory proposals and international agreements on data center protection as the data-center boom continues in conflict-prone regions.
Headline: Trump and AI leaders tout his ‘build your own power plant’ pledge
What?
On March 4, 2026, President Donald Trump hosted executives from Amazon, Google, OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, and xAI at the White House to sign a voluntary “ratepayer protection pledge,” promising that tech companies will build or provide their own electricity supplies for data centers and pay for related infrastructure. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senator Jon Husted also attended, while Anthropic, which plans to spend $50 billion on AI infrastructure, was absent due to a dispute with the administration.
So What?
The voluntary pledge aims to address public backlash over rising electricity prices linked to AI data center expansion, but energy experts warn it leaves key cost drivers—such as increased competition for natural gas and infrastructure components—unaddressed. The agreement shifts responsibility for cost allocation to state officials and utilities, raising questions about accountability and the effectiveness of federal efforts to control consumer energy bills.
Now What?
Watch for state regulatory responses and negotiations between tech companies, utilities, and grid regulators on rate structures and infrastructure costs. The November 2026 midterm elections may further shape federal and state approaches to energy affordability and AI infrastructure oversight.
Headline: Bettors wagered $54 million on Khamenei’s death. Now they’re not getting paid.
What?
On March 4, 2026, The Washington Post reported that prediction-market site Kalshi froze $54 million in trades after bettors wagered on Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being “out as Supreme Leader” by April 1, following his reported death. Kalshi, led by chief executive Tarek Mansour, cited long-standing rules against profiting from death, sparking outrage among users and scrutiny from U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat-Connecticut, who is drafting legislation to ban certain prediction-market trades.
So What?
The controversy exposes regulatory gaps and ethical risks in prediction markets, including the potential for insider trading and incentives for violence. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission bans bets involving terrorism, assassination, or war, but the rapid growth of platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket has outpaced clear oversight, raising concerns about corruption and the commodification of real-world crises.
WTF?
Kalshi users joked about “riding off on a unicorn to kiss [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu on a cheek” as a possible alternative to death for Khamenei’s exit, highlighting the surreal nature of betting on world leaders’ fates.
Now What?
Senator Chris Murphy is preparing legislation to broadly ban prediction-market trades tied to government actions, with six Democratic senators already voicing concern to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Watch for regulatory updates and potential Congressional hearings on the legality and ethics of event contracts involving political and military outcomes.
Culture & Media
Headline: News Corp, Meta in AI Content Licensing Deal Worth Up to $50 Million a Year
What?
On March 3, 2026, Meta Platforms signed a multiyear artificial intelligence content licensing deal with News Corporation, agreeing to pay up to $50 million a year for access to U.S. and U.K. content. The agreement, announced by News Corporation Chief Executive Robert Thomson, allows Meta to use News Corporation’s content to train artificial intelligence models and provide real-time information to users.
So What?
This deal signals a shift in leverage toward news organizations as technology companies recognize the value of licensed content for artificial intelligence development. It also sets a high benchmark for future negotiations, as media companies pursue both partnerships and litigation to protect intellectual property rights in the artificial intelligence era.
Now What?
Watch for additional content licensing deals as News Corporation pursues further negotiations, and monitor ongoing copyright lawsuits involving artificial intelligence, including cases brought by News Corporation subsidiaries against Perplexity and by the New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft. Outcomes of these cases and future deals could shape the legal and financial landscape for artificial intelligence content use.
Education
What the Right is Reading
Headline: The Asymmetric Advantages of Environmentalist Zealotry | California Policy Center
What?
On December 2025, Edward Ring of the California Policy Center detailed how a small group of environmental litigators and activist judges have used laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and National Forest Management Act to block or delay forest management and industrial projects across the United States. The report cites organizations including the Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, and individuals like Denise Boggs, as well as funding from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, which has invested over $800 million in U.S. climate change initiatives and litigation.
So What?
Litigation and judicial rulings have led to costly delays and cancellations of forest management projects, contributing to catastrophic wildfires and imposing billions in regulatory costs on industries and consumers. The concentration of power among a few litigators and judges has shifted regulatory outcomes and economic burdens, while raising concerns about accountability and the influence of foreign and special interests on U.S. policy.
Now What?
Watch for further litigation and regulatory changes affecting the use of nationwide injunctions by federal judges, especially following the June 2025 Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. CASA, Inc. Monitor ongoing investigations into foreign funding of U.S. climate litigation, including actions by the U.S. Department of Justice and state attorneys general.
Headline: Fight Over Climate Chapter Exposes Tensions Between Judicial Neutrality And Activist Lawfare
What?
On Friday, June 7, 2024, Senator Ron Wyden and other Senate Democrats sent a letter urging the Federal Judicial Center (FJC) to restore a climate science chapter recently removed from the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, a key guide for federal judges. The chapter’s removal followed objections from state attorneys general who argued it adopted contested climate attribution methods and liability theories currently at issue in active lawsuits against energy companies.
So What?
The dispute raises questions about the neutrality of federal judicial training materials and the risk of official resources lending credibility to one side in ongoing, high-stakes climate litigation. The controversy also highlights potential conflicts of interest, as Senator Wyden has received approximately $11,000 in campaign contributions from Roger Worthington, an attorney involved in climate liability cases whose conduct has drawn judicial rebuke for lack of transparency.
WTF?
Judge Benjamin Souede publicly rebuked an attorney for submitting expert testimony based on a scientific article that the attorney himself helped fund, without disclosing this to the court.
Now What?
Watch for the Federal Judicial Center’s response to Senate Democrats’ letter and any decision to reinstate or further revise the climate science chapter in the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence. Ongoing litigation and further scrutiny of judicial training materials could prompt additional congressional or judicial action.
Headline: Scrapping business class could halve aviation emissions – new study
What?
On June 10, 2024, researcher Stefan Gössling and colleagues published new findings in The Conversation showing that eliminating business and first class seating could cut global aviation emissions by up to 57%. The study analyzed 2023 operational data by airline, aircraft model, and route, revealing that cabin layout and seat occupancy have a major impact on emissions.
So What?
Airlines could reduce their climate impact dramatically in the short term by maximizing seat occupancy and switching to all-economy layouts, without waiting for new technology or fuels. The findings highlight how travel inequality and luxury seating drive a disproportionate share of aviation’s emissions, raising questions about regulatory or fiscal measures to incentivize efficiency.
Now What?
Watch for policy proposals linking airport charges or fuel taxes to emissions efficiency, as well as industry moves to phase out older aircraft in favor of more efficient models like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A321neo. International aviation regulators and national governments may face increased pressure to address travel class disparities in emissions as part of climate targets.
Strays
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