Saudis Bypass Hormuz As Oil Exports From Yanbu Surge Toward 5 Million Target

 Recent geopolitical tensions have prompted Saudi Arabia to adapt its oil export strategies effectively. With the threat of supply disruption in the Strait of Hormuz due to Iranian actions, Saudi Arabia has successfully increased its oil exports.

• Emerging Challenges: Fears of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz led to an initial spike in Brent oil prices to $120 per barrel.

• Export Strategy: Saudi Arabia has significantly enhanced oil exports by utilizing the East-West pipeline to ship crude from Yanbu, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

• Current Achievements: Saudi Arabia aims to raise export shipments from Red Sea ports to 5 million barrels daily, approaching its target with recent exports averaging 4.4 million barrels a day.

• Pipeline Capacity: The East-West pipeline can handle up to 7 million barrels daily, but some of this capacity is needed for domestic refineries and power generation.

• Export Trends: Tankers have piled up around Yanbu, waiting to load crude, with exports primarily directed towards Asia (China, India, South Korea, Pakistan, Thailand).

• Current Supply Status: Approximately 56 million barrels of Saudi crude remain in tankers, stranded in the Gulf unable to transit Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia's quick adaptation in redirecting oil exports has alleviated some potential supply crises, although current exports still fall short of pre-war levels by about 2 million barrels per day. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/saudis-bypass-hormuz-oil-exports-yanbu-surge-toward-5-million-target

Americans’ Miserable Airline Experience is Absolutely Because of Democrats

 The consequences of a government shutdown on the airline industry and public perception, particularly regarding the Democrats and their strategies.

1. Elon Musk’s Altruism:

Elon Musk has reportedly offered to cover the salaries of TSA employees affected by the government shutdown, which is disrupting the Department of Homeland Security. The article acknowledges that many TSA workers, who earn less than the national average, are particularly vulnerable during such disruptions.

2. Democrats and the Shutdown:

The article attributes the difficulties during the shutdown to deliberate actions by Democrats. It suggests they want Americans to suffer to associate that suffering with former President Trump and the Republican Party. The contention is that Democrats would shift blame for the government's failures onto the Republicans.

3. Historical Context of Government Shutdowns:

It references a previous shutdown led by Ted Cruz in 2013, where Republicans aimed to defund Obamacare. The Democrats at that time criticized Republicans for putting the government at risk to achieve their political goals, and today’s situation has similar undertones.

4. Public Perception and Approval Ratings:

The article notes that ICE, a target for Democrat criticism lately, has a low public approval rating of 38%. In contrast, Democrats themselves are less popular, with an approval rating of 30%. This suggests that the strategy to blame Republicans might not work as effectively this time.

5. Support from ICE and Musk's Offer:

As a response to the TSA disruptions, ICE agents are being deployed to assist TSA employees. Musk’s offer and the deployment of ICE are framed as attempts to alleviate the negative impact of the shutdown on travelers.

The article argues that the Democrats’ strategy to use government shutdowns as leverage may backfire, with growing public awareness of their role in the crisis. The situation remains fluid, and the effectiveness of these tactics, as seen in past scenarios, is uncertain. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/03/americans_miserable_airline_experience_is_absolutely_because_of_democrats.html

Converting Texas to Islam

 The perceived influence of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) on Texas education, specifically regarding curriculum changes in social studies. It raises questions about the appropriateness of allowing CAIR to advocate for educational revisions.

• CAIR's Involvement in Education: At a Texas State Board of Education meeting, CAIR’s representative advocated for changes to the social studies curriculum to reflect Islamic perspectives, prompting concerns about the organization’s intentions, given its designation as a foreign terrorist organization by Texas Governor Abbott.

• First Amendment Rights: Legal counsel for the SBOE stated that under the First Amendment, terrorist organizations can participate in public hearings. This led to questioning whether such participation was intended by the Founding Fathers.

• Allegations Against CAIR: Critics argue that CAIR aims to alter Texas history by diminishing Christian influences and emphasizing Islamic narratives, including false claims about the influence of Muslims in key historical events.

• Teaching Preferences in Schools: Reports indicate that Muslim students receive preferential treatment for religious practices in schools, while Christian students face restrictions. This perceived bias raises concerns about equality in religious expression in Texas schools.

• Textbook Content and Criticism: There is a criticism that textbooks promote a positive view of Islam while omitting darker aspects of its history, such as violence against non-Muslims and women's oppression under Shari’ah.

• Cultural Infiltration: The article suggests that the gradual introduction of Islamic principles in various institutions, including education, is a tactic to normalize and eventually establish an Islamic state in America.

• Call to Action for Texans: The piece concludes with a strong call for Texans to resist changes to their educational system and protect their history and way of life from what it describes as the encroachment of Islamic ideologies.

The article highlights a controversial viewpoint on the influence of CAIR in Texas education and provides arguments advocating for the protection of traditional American values in the face of perceived shifts towards Islamic teachings in public schools. The author encourages vigilance among Texans to maintain their cultural heritage. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/03/converting_texas_to_islam.html

Jack Smith And His Lawfare Team ‘Must Be Held Accountable’

 Margot Cleveland, a senior legal correspondent for The Federalist, provided testimony during a Senate hearing on March 24, 2026. Her testimony focused on perceived constitutional violations stemming from the Arctic Frost investigation into former President Donald Trump.

1. Unconstitutional Appointment: Cleveland argues that Jack Smith was unconstitutionally appointed as Special Counsel, claiming it violated the Appointments Clause.

2. Investigative Bias: She criticizes the motives behind the Arctic Frost investigation, suggesting it was initiated by factional efforts within the FBI to undermine Trump after the 2020 election. She labeled Smith as a "hyper-aggressive prosecutor" whose actions reflected partisan bias.

3. Legal Issues with Subpoenas: Cleveland highlights problems with subpoenas issued during the investigation:

• Violation of Speech or Debate Clause: She asserts that subpoenas for Congressional toll records violated this clause, which protects the legislative process from interference.

• Excessive and Unjustified: She describes the subpoenas as unprecedented in their scope, extending beyond legitimate legal boundaries to target Republican members of Congress and Trump’s associates, which she believes infringes on First Amendment rights.

4. Constitutional Rights Affected: Cleveland details various constitutional rights she claims were violated by Smith's actions, including:

• First Amendment: Targeting individuals and organizations with subpoenas that indirectly infringed upon their rights to free association.

• Sixth Amendment: Interference with Trump's right to legal counsel due to overreach in contacting Trump’s attorneys.

• Fourth Amendment: Issues related to the invasiveness of the subpoenas and the lack of probable cause.

• Due Process: Concerns raised regarding how information was handled and hidden from defendants, potentially violating their rights to fair trial procedures.

5. Demand for Accountability: Cleveland concludes that Smith’s and his team’s actions must be addressed, and accountability is necessary for what she describes as systematic violations of constitutional principles.

Cleveland’s testimony presents a critical perspective on the Arctic Frost investigation, emphasizing perceived unfairness and constitutional breaches by investigators. Her argument posits that accountability is essential for the actions taken by Jack Smith and his team during this inquiry. She welcomes questions from the committee members, indicating a readiness to engage further on these matters. 

https://thefederalist.com/2026/03/24/cleveland-jack-smith-and-his-lawfare-team-must-be-held-accountable/

U.S. intercepted Ukraine government messages discussing plot to route money to Biden re-election

Recently, unclassified U. S. intelligence reports revealed that Ukrainian officials allegedly discussed plans to divert U. S. tax dollars intended for clean energy towards President Biden's 2024 re-election campaign. This summary outlines the key points from the report and the surrounding context.

1. Intercepted Communications: U. S. intelligence intercepted communications where Ukrainian officials allegedly plotted to reroute hundreds of millions of U. S. taxpayer dollars from clean energy projects back to Biden's campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

2. Director of National Intelligence Action: Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, learned about these communications and has requested the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to investigate whether this plot was acted upon and if it warrants a criminal referral to the FBI.

3. Lack of Investigation: Although the intercepted communications were significant, there appears to have been minimal investigation into these allegations during Biden's time in office, and they are not linked to Russian disinformation.

4. Funding Mechanism: The intercepted data indicated that Ukrainian officials, along with personnel from USAID, might have planned to develop seemingly legitimate infrastructure projects as a cover to redirect about 90% of the U. S. funds to Biden's campaign, using American subcontractors to obscure the funds' final destination.

5. Internal Affairs in Ukraine: Amid these allegations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has faced scrutiny over corruption within his administration, highlighted by the resignation of Andriy Yermak, a close ally, following a corruption investigation within the country.

6. Ongoing Allegations of Corruption: Corruption allegations have been a persistent issue for Zelenskyy, even as he engages in peace negotiations with the U. S. and other nations to address the ongoing conflict with Russia.

7. Relationship with Biden and Hunter Biden: The past controversies involving Hunter Biden's business relationships in Ukraine, specifically regarding Burisma, have resurfaced, particularly in the context of accusations from certain U. S. senators about the Biden family's dealings in Ukraine.

8. Hunter Biden’s Legal Troubles: Hunter Biden has faced legal issues related to taxes and gun charges, prompting discussions about potential presidential pardons.

9. Past Impeachment Proceedings: The topic of Burisma and the Biden family's involvement has previously been at the center of impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump, stemming from a 2019 phone call to President Zelenskyy about investigating Hunter Biden.

The latest intelligence reports have raised serious questions about the potential misuse of U. S. taxpayer dollars by foreign officials in favor of domestic political interests, particularly regarding President Biden's re-election efforts. These developments could impact both U. S.-Ukraine relations and Biden's political future as investigations may reveal deeper implications of foreign involvement in U. S. elections. The situation remains dynamic, reflecting the complex interplay of domestic politics, international diplomacy, and ongoing concerns about corruption. 

https://justthenews.com/government/security/nsa-intercepted-ukraine-government-messages-discussing-effort-route-money-2024 

News roundup:

 Man charged with making threatening calls to a Florida Air Force base

FBI investigates video taking responsibility for possible explosive device at AF base

USPS seeks temporary 8% charge on Priority Mail and other products

Pentagon prepares for massive “final blow” of Iran war

White House delays permanent CDC director pick

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Doubles Down on Defending Illegal Aliens

Passengers Feel Positive Impact of ICE Officers Helping TSA at Major Texas Airport

New Jersey Gov Sherrill signs law barring ICE agents from wearing face coverings to shield identities

Trump admin makes new criminal referrals to DOJ targeting New York AG Letitia James

Jimmy Kimmel’s dig at ‘plumber’ DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin ripped as ‘elite’ by online critics

DOJ settles with Michael Flynn over Russia probe after wrongful prosecution claim: ‘Historic injustice’

Church of England installs first-ever female archbishop at Canterbury

Iran rejects U.S. ceasefire plan

U.S. intercepted Ukraine government messages discussing plot to route money to Biden re-election

California school district spends over $900K on DEI programs

UCLA sued over records on anti-Israel activist

Trump expected to miss CPAC for first time in a decade

Hegseth orders military chaplains to wear insignia displaying religious affiliation instead of rank

Sheridan Gorman’s family calls out Chicago mayor and Illinois governor over student’s killing

Pennsylvania teens get probation after using AI to create fake nudes of classmates

RFK Jr. highlights rampant LA hospice fraud ‘run by Russian mobsters’

‘I just want to go home’: Despair settles over the Capitol as DHS deal hopes evaporate

Allies and Congress are about to lose a key window into US military plans

Traders Made Hundreds Of Millions In Suspiciously Timed Iran Bets

Loyola Student Paper Called Murder Suspect ‘Illegal’ — Then Apologized

California Gubernatorial Debate Canceled Because Candidates Were Too White

 A scheduled gubernatorial debate in California was canceled because all invited candidates were white, raising concerns about diversity among candidates. The event, which was set to take place on Tuesday night, was called off less than 24 hours before it was to occur.

• Diversity Requirements: The cancellation highlights increasing demands for diversity in political representation. The debate was called off because there were no candidates of color among the finalists, stirring controversy about the definition of a viable candidate.

• Methodology for Candidate Selection: Candidates were selected based on their polling numbers and fundraising. While this method indicates public support, it failed to satisfy critiques related to diversity, leading to the debate’s cancellation.

• Statements from USC: The University of Southern California, which was organizing the debate, mentioned they would seek other ways to educate voters, indicating a shift in focus rather than addressing diversity issues directly.

• Future Implications: There's concern that if diversity in candidate backgrounds isn’t met, there may be calls to displace candidates who do not fit diversity criteria altogether. This raises questions about how far society will go to ensure representation reflects a broad spectrum of identities.

• Comments and Reactions: The article includes various comments reflecting differing viewpoints on the situation, from critiques of the "diversity at all costs" mindset to concerns about the effect of such requirements on the political process.

The cancellation of the California gubernatorial debate exemplifies the complex and contentious discussions surrounding diversity in politics. As public discourse evolves, the implications of enforcing diversity in candidate selection will likely continue to be a significant issue, shaping the future of political debates and representation in California and beyond. 

https://www.frontpagemag.com/california-gubernatorial-debate-because-candidates-were-too-white/