Reading archive 2025-03-31

The Truth About Trump’s Greenland Campaign: When the president talks about security in the Arctic, he’s talking about climate change. - "As polar ice melts away, superpowers are vying for newly open shipping routes in the Arctic Ocean and largely unexplored mineral and fossil-fuel reserves. Arctic warming could pose a direct threat to America's security interests too: Alaska could have new vulnerabilities to both China and Russia; changes in ocean salinity and temperature might interfere with submarine detection systems; the extremes of climate change, including permafrost thaw in Russia, could drive economic instability, social unrest, and territorial claims."

Why DOGE Could Actually Increase the Deficit: Some of Musk’s haphazard cuts will produce tiny savings in terms of salary while forfeiting much larger ones down the road, costing the government money.

Pete Hegseth says U.S. is making Japan a 'war-fighting' base to deter China: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also stressed the need for the U.S. and Japan to accelerate the strengthening of their military capability as the region faces a more assertive Beijing.

Two Republican senators wrestle with how to handle DOGE cuts: Both of Alaska’s Republican senators have pushed to rescind cuts they argue would hurt the state. But they have split over how to persuade Trump to change his mind.

Something worse could be coming for the economy than a recession: Trump’s tariffs are making stagflation a real risk for the United States for the first time since the 1970s.

How to use your voice to reduce your stress and feel calmer: Vocal and breathing exercises can be powerful tools for soothing oneself or others

Trump’s threat of towering tariffs on European booze is sobering: Wine and spirits can be markers of national and regional identity — which could make a coming trade fight between the U.S. and Europe much more emotional.

Why I and thousands of my fellow Gazans say Hamas’s tyranny must end: We Gazans are risking our lives to rid ourselves of Hamas’s oppression. This may be our only chance.

AP photojournalist steals the show at court hearing on Trump exclusion: Staffer Evan Vucci put an exclamation point on the argument for access to the White House press pool.

ICE detains Harvard researcher from Russia who protested Ukraine war: Kseniia Petrova’s visa was revoked as she returned to Boston last month. She fears deportation to Russia because of her opposition to its invasion of Ukraine. - "According to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Petrova 'was lawfully detained after lying to federal officers about carrying biological substances into the country. A subsequent K-9 inspection uncovered undeclared petri dishes, containers of unknown substances, and loose vials of embryonic frog cells, all without proper permits. Messages found on her phone revealed she planned to smuggle the materials through customs.'"

What the science says about multivitamins, magnesium and 7 other supplements: Spoiler alert: Many claims about the benefits of supplements aren’t backed by strong data.

White House Weighs Helping Farmers as Trump Escalates Trade War: The Trump administration has discussed providing financial aid for farmers who may be subject to retaliation by America’s trading partners. - "The Commodity Credit Corporation is a key U.S.D.A funding vehicle: It supplies the money for federal programs to support farm incomes, stabilize commodity prices and respond to natural disasters. While its finances are complicated, the entity may borrow up to $30 billion from the Treasury Department."