News of the Week for March 15th, 2026
- 2026 Election
- Abortion
- Gun Rights
- Hide the Decline
- Socialized Medicine
- War & Terror
- National News
- Economy & Taxes
- International News
- Opinion
2026 Election
Nebraska Legal Marijuana NOW Party to Have Contested U.S. Senate Primary
The Nebraska Legal Marijuana NOW Party will have a contested primary for the state’s U.S. Senate seat later this year after two candidates filed to seek its nomination. The party will also have a candidate in Nebraska’s third congressional district.
Abortion
Court Cases & Legislation
A Mississippi bill will ban abortion pill prescriptions or sales
A House bill is one step away from making it illegal for doctors to prescribe abortion-inducing medication to Mississippians. People who violate the provision could face up to 10 years in prison.
Gun Rights
Democrats Blame Gun Owners for Islamist Terrorism and Their Own Bad Decisions
You’re going to want to read this one all the way to the end, because in the last two weeks, we’ve had four separate Islamist terrorist attacks or attempted attacks against Americans on U.S. soil. None of the perpetrators snuck into the country illegally; they were welcomed in and, in some cases, given U.S. citizenship. And most egregiously, you’re seeing Democratic elected lawmakers try to blame American gun owners for the awful decisions made by the U.S. government.
Hide the Decline
Environment &“Green Energy”
Nevada Gov. Lombardo critical of California plan that pressures refineries, pushes gas prices higher
Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo is calling out proposed changes to a California policy that could put the squeeze on gasoline supplies for the West.
Socialized Medicine
Government in Healthcare
Euthanasia of the Mentally Ill Increasing in the Netherlands
As the West lunges toward propagating a right to be made dead, the deleterious societal impacts of being legally “MAIDed” (killed by “medical assistance in dying”) are becoming increasingly clear. A recent professional analysis published in the Psychiatric Times illustrates the lethal influence on mentally ill suicidal people — including youth — in the Netherlands.
A Different Energiewende for the EU?
In 1990, about 30 percent of the EU’s electricity was generated by nuclear power, a share that has fallen by about half since then.
War & Terror
The War with Iran Is Starting to Hit Americans’ Wallets
And now, the war gets complicated. The oil tankers in the Persian Gulf have almost entirely stopped, other than the ones heading to China. Here in the United States, gas prices are surging and the markets are nervous. Desalinization plants along the Persian Gulf are now among the targets of Iranian drones. And the White House press secretary, when asked about reinstating the draft, offers the standard boilerplate about no option being ruled out.
No, Trump Cannot Unilaterally Reinstitute the Draft
It was maddening, but not surprising, for White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to say President Trump was not “removing options off of the table” when Fox News’s Maria Bartiromo asked whether compulsory military service might be reinstituted.
VP Doing the Most To Sell Trump’s Iran War? Pence, Not Vance
The vice president is suddenly everywhere as he makes the case for war with Iran.
Trump’s Muddled Messaging on the Iran War
One thing that we can be absolutely certain of in this ongoing U.S. war with Iran is that the remaining leaders in the Iranian regime have no idea what the U.S. objectives or victory conditions are, or whether the U.S. military has just begun the fight or whether the commander in chief believes the war is just about over. We know the Iranians must be confused because the messages from the president himself are contradictory and erratic. Take that, mullahs! Meanwhile, despite an astonishing 5,000 targets struck by the U.S. and its allies in the first ten days, the Iranians are still launching at least a handful of drones and missiles; ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are few and far between; and while as of this writing, oil prices are down a bit from their peak on Monday, gasoline prices are still going up.
Feds Issue an Alert About Communications to Potential Iranian Sleeper Agents
I would have figured, if you’re the Iranian regime, and you have sleeper agents or sleeper cells on U.S. soil, and you find yourself in an all-out war with the United States, you would activate those sleeper cells and agents as quickly as possible. After all, each day you wait is one more day that the FBI or the currently unpaid agents of the Department of Homeland Security can catch them. I certainly would have figured that if Iran had sleeper agents or sleeper cells on U.S. soil, they would want to activate them within the first ten days of a military conflict.
Russia told Trump it has not shared intelligence with Iran during war, Witkoff says
Russian leaders denied in a call with President Donald Trump on Monday allegations that they are sharing intelligence with Iran during the war, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told CNBC. “We can take them at their word,” Witkoff said. “Let’s hope that they’re not sharing.” Trump spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Monday. Trump lashed out at a Fox News reporter last week who asked about Russia sharing intelligence with Iran.
Blew Billion$ on Fruit Baskets, Lobster
Pete Hegseth’s Defense Department blew through tens of billions in one month … including huge splurges on steak, lobster, crab, fruit baskets, and furniture.
Iran’s Stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz
The war against Iran brings a new danger and another complication, as U.S. government sources tell CNN that the Iranian military has begun to mine the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, three more vessels off Iran’s coast have been struck by projectiles, and the U.S. Navy has told shipping companies that it isn’t able to provide escorts through the Persian Gulf yet. And a new report reveals that Iran has sent at least 11.7 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait since the war began, all of which were headed to China. And finally, a debate on the true meaning of “Big Beautiful Jet.”
Trump Prepares His Iran Off-Ramp
The time to prepare the public for the sacrifices of warfare is before launching a war, not after you’ve started shooting.
What’s Gone Right in the Iran War?
Some perspective is in order.
Despite the Pounding, the Iranian Regime Is Still Hanging On to Power
I know you want to hear good news. I’d rather report good news. But fighting a major war aiming for regime change against a longtime American enemy entirely through air and naval power is complicated and messy and has setbacks. The Iranians managed to hit three more ships in the Persian Gulf and a port in Oman; ships don’t want to sail through the Strait of Hormuz even if they’re insured; a preliminary review suggests that the girls’ school in Minab, Iran, was hit by a U.S. Tomahawk missile and was likely the result of outdated intelligence; and the Pentagon is reportedly using Anthropic’s artificial intelligence in its process of selecting targets for its bombing runs. Yes, the Iranian military is taking an absolute pounding. But the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ objective is to keep their grip on power, and so far, they’re managing to do that.
Nato forces shoot down THIRD ballistic missile fired towards Turkey from Iran after Tehran ‘tries to strike key base’
NATO forces have shot down a third ballistic missile over Turkey after Iran reportedly targeted one of the defence pact’s most important military bases.
Pentagon Is Moving Additional Marines, Warships to the Middle East
The Pentagon is moving additional Marines and warships to the Middle East as Iran steps up its attacks on the Strait of Hormuz, according to three U.S. officials. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved a request from U.S. Central Command, responsible for American forces in the Middle East, for an element of an amphibious ready group and attached Marine expeditionary unit, typically consisting of several warships and 5,000 Marines, the officials said.
France and Italy to Iran: Hey, Let’s Make a Deal!
President Trump habitually publicly describes our European allies with thinly veiled contempt. (“Most European, nations, uh, they’re decaying. They’re decaying. . . . They’re destroying their countries. . . . I think they don’t know what to do. Europe doesn’t know what to do. They don’t know what to do on trade either.”) While there’s a time and place for tough love, the regular outburst of sneering disdain is a bad habit; it offers nearly no upside and complicates cooperation on key issues.
Ukraine Is Getting Its Revenge on Iran
Iran sent drones to Russia. Now Ukraine is helping America fight Iranian drones.
CNN’s Strait of Hormuz Allegation Makes No Sense
“I’m dumbfounded,” said one unnamed “former U.S. official” who provided CNN with color commentary for its report alleging that Trump administration officials were shocked by Iran’s efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. “Planning around preventing this exact scenario — impossible as it has long seemed — has been a bedrock principle of US national security policy for decades,” the official added.
Trump’s exit routes from Iran war — the options explained
The possibility of a quick resolution to the conflict is looking less likely for the president, but every way out will come at a cost
The Arms Rush
Whether it is because of the need to replace equipment used in the Iran conflict, or the increasingly dangerous geopolitical situation, or European plans to build up defense capabilities less reliant on the U.S., the armaments sector seems set to rapidly expand for quite some time (at least — and this is a not insignificant at least — if stretched budgets can find room for it).
Trump rejected Putin offer to move Iran’s uranium to Russia
In a phone call with President Trump this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed moving Iran’s enriched uranium to Russia as part of a deal to end the war.
US Sends Intercept Drones Used in Ukraine to Blunt Iran Strikes
The US Army has sent 10,000 interceptor drones developed in Ukraine to the Middle East as it looks to repel Iranian attacks without using up high-cost missile defenses, according to US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
Dire Strait
The CNN report the other day that the administration didn’t properly plan for a closure of the Strait of Hormuz has come in for heavy criticism. My guess has been that both sides in the debate over the piece have been talking past to each other — yes, the administration obviously knew that the Iranians could close the strait, but it didn’t necessarily think they would close the strait.
National
California Progressives Insist on Quota Politics
Even in deep-blue territory, voters might decide that they have had enough.
Conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler Will Not Seek Reelection
Another conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice, Annette Ziegler, has announced she will not seek reelection in 2027, giving the Left an opportunity to secure an overwhelming majority on the Dairy State’s highest court.
Whistleblower claims ex-DOGE member says he took Social Security data to new job
The Social Security inspector general’s office is investigating allegations that the former DOGE engineer took sensitive data on a thumb drive in a major potential security breach, said people familiar with the process.
DHS Weighs Nixing Luxury Jet Acquisition amid Widening Fallout from Noem Tenure
Discussions are underway at the Department of Homeland Security about reevaluating plans to buy a Boeing 737 MAX luxury jet that had been used by Kristi Noem prior to her ouster as DHS secretary, National Review has learned.
Trump Abandons the Field on DEI
The Department of Education is not appealing court rulings against a crucial “Dear Colleague” letter. Why not?
Van drives through barricade near White House
A van drove through a barricade near the White House early Wednesday morning, authorities said.
The untold reason Kristi Noem’s alleged lover Corey Lewandowski did ‘whatever the f–k I want’ at DHS
Embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s top aide and alleged lover Corey Lewandowski bragged that he could do “whatever” he wanted as a powerful federal official because he believed President Trump would pardon him, The Post has learned.
Trump Officials Catch Flack for Preserving Their Own Safety
The New York Times devoted all of twelve paragraphs to the revelation that Attorney General Pam Bondi has “quietly relocated” to a U.S. military base in the Washington, D.C., area in response to “threats relayed by investigators.”
Old Dominion University shooting ended as gunman is killed by ROTC cadets
The shooter entered an ROTC classroom before opening fire, an attack that is now being investigated as a potential act of terrorism.
West Virginia Can Ban Taxpayer Funded ‘Sex Change Surgeries,’ Court Rules
4th Circuit Court of Appeals panel protects the right of states to not pay for scientifically dubious procedures.
DOJ struggles as White House presses on voter fraud
Efforts to prosecute noncitizen voters have been slowed by lack of evidence, officials say, while Trump aides push for a broader crackdown.
The Brain Trust Fueling Vance and Rubio’s Vision for the GOP
The two men best positioned to lead the party post-Trump share ties to a new right think tank that’s heavily influenced their policy views.
Jihad in America: The Michigan Attack
This isn’t just about opposition to Israel.
University of Florida disbands College Republican chapter, citing antisemitic activity
The University of Florida deactivated its College Republicans chapter after a photo showed a student leader performing a Nazi salute. The club’s deactivation was requested by the Florida Federation of College Republicans, though the UF chapter claims no affiliation with that group. The university stated it is willing to reinstate the club once new leadership is installed.
Economy & Taxes
California Republicans suggest Trump could step in amid state’s oil crisis
California Republicans are calling for Donald Trump to take control of the state’s spiraling oil crisis amid concerns it impacts national security. State senators want the president to intervene over fears that if it gets worse it will impact the Golden State’s huge military build up due to its reliance on fuel.
Turns out gloomy Americans were right about the economy
The pace of economic change has accelerated beyond citizens’ ability to keep up.
US to Ease Shipping Rule in Bid to Tame Spiraling Fuel Prices
The Trump administration plans to waive a century-old maritime law that requires American ships be used to transport goods between US ports as it seeks to blunt surging oil and gasoline prices, according to people familiar with the matter.
Veteran fund manager George Noble warns that a private credit crisis may be unfolding in real time
Veteran investor George Noble sees big problems taking shape in private credit. He thinks the booming corner of the debt market has shades of the last financial crisis. He said large firms halting redemptions in some private credit funds is a major warning sign.
U.S. economic outlook cut by Goldman over the Iran war — and the fear goes beyond oil
Every 10% rise in oil increases inflation by two-tenths, Goldman calculates
Fourth-quarter GDP revised down to just 0.7% growth; January core inflation was 3.1%
GDP rose at a seasonally and inflation-adjusted annual rate of just 0.7% in the fourth quarter, according to a Commerce Department revision Friday. The first revision of the GDP reading was a sharp step down from the previous estimate of 1.4% and well below the Dow Jones consensus forecast for 1.5%. The core PCE inflation rose 0.4% in January and 3.1% on a 12-month basis. The ex-food and energy reading was 0.1 percentage point higher than December.
US economy expanded at sluggish 0.7% in fourth quarter, government says, downgrading first estimate
The U.S. economy, hobbled by last fall’s 43-day government shutdown, advanced at an unexpectedly sluggish 0.7% annual rate from October through December, the Commerce Department reported Friday in a big downgrade of its initial estimate.
International
Thiel brings his Antichrist lectures to the Vatican’s doorstep, and Catholic institutions back away
One of the hottest tickets in the Vatican’s backyard these days is for a four-lecture series on the Antichrist being given by Silicon Valley tech billionaire Peter Thiel.
Opinion
DHS: The Island of Misfit Toys
I would just throw into the mix my oft-repeated curmudgeonly point that the job from which Noem’s ouster was overdue should not exist. Her department should not exist.
No, Unconditional Surrender Is Not a Green Light for Rape
But even if the unconditional-surrender bombast is real, there is nothing in the laws of war that forbid it. Much less is it, as Tucker Carlson contends, a green light to ignore the international and domestic legal prohibitions on rape, to say nothing of other atrocities against civilians and the mistreatment of enemy combatants.
The Anthropic Conundrum
The Trump administration’s fight with AI company Anthropic will have far-reaching consequences
The Activist Right is Great at Dying on Hills
We have a lot of ground to cover, but I want to start with the SAVE Act this morning. Also, congratulations to Clay Fuller in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, who will go into a runoff against a Democrat in a few weeks for that seat, which is one of the most Republican congressional seats in Congress.
Americanism as an Immigration Policy
If you believe that America is an idea more than a people, it doesn’t follow that we should open our borders to people who don’t share that idea.
Was a New Jersey special election the canary in the coal mine for Democrats?
Republican councilman in a do-over election in Bergen County dropped from 50% in November to 29% in March
Thomas’s Confusion of Terms
Justice Thomas’s dissent in the recent tariff case is wrong about Founding era views of trade.
