Martin Pengelly

Dave Zirin’s biography The People’s Historian examines Howard Zinn’s life as a working-class historian, union organizer, antiwar activist and influential chronicler of history from the perspective of ordinary people. Zinn’s experiences as a wartime bombardier, civil-rights participant, Vietnam War opponent and controversial academic shaped his scholarship and activism. The book also explores his friendship with Matt Damon, his influence on popular culture and the continuing political battle over A People’s History of the United States. Zirin presents Zinn as both a major progressive public intellectual and a flawed individual whose activism placed significant strains on his family.

The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed its vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general after Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis demanded written assurances that the Justice Department would abandon a proposed $1.776bn fund benefiting Trump supporters involved in the January 6 attack and clarify limits on IRS protections for Trump and his family. The live coverage also reported Trump’s threats of renewed, heavy strikes on Iran, discussions with Benjamin Netanyahu about diplomacy, economic pressure and military action, and US-Saudi strikes against Iran-backed forces in Iraq. Other major developments included Barack Obama’s endorsement of Iowa Democrat Josh Turek, the Senate’s symbolic opposition to a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, James Comey’s allegations of politically motivated surveillance and prosecution, the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates at 3.5%–3.75%, and Trump’s planned $22bn redevelopment of Washington Dulles airport.

The US Senate voted 86–12 to advance the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, despite Democratic concerns that its revised provisions would give Donald Trump broad authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% and waive sanctions with limited oversight. Senator Jon Ossoff and other Democrats said they supported Ukraine but opposed the tariff provisions, while Peter Welch planned an amendment to narrow the definition of countries facilitating sanctions evasion. The Senate also confirmed Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence by 51–47, despite criticism over his lack of intelligence experience and refusal to acknowledge Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. During meetings in Washington, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Trump had agreed to license Ukraine to produce Patriot missile interceptors, while Zelenskyy met with Lockheed Martin to discuss possible co-production. The US military reported intercepting Iranian missiles and conducting joint strikes with Saudi Arabia against Iran-linked forces in Iraq. The live coverage also reported on Trump’s pressure on Robert F. Kennedy Jr to pursue deeper vaccine cuts, a planned reduction in Medicare drug-plan subsidies, criticism of Palantir’s immigration-enforcement work, and Trump’s meetings with Zelenskyy and Benjamin Netanyahu before delivering Lindsey Graham’s funeral eulogy.

Funeral ceremonies for South Carolina Republican senator Lindsey Graham are scheduled to begin at the US Capitol before continuing at Washington National Cathedral and in his home state. Benjamin Netanyahu and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to attend while also holding separate White House meetings with Donald Trump. Graham is remembered as a longtime foreign-policy hawk who supported Israel and advocated tougher action against Iran and Lebanon. Newly released footage shows him enthusiastically endorsing US-Israeli strikes on Iran and predicting rapid gains that have not materialized; the attacks reportedly killed at least 175 people in Minab. The ceremonies will conclude with a public service in Columbia and a private burial in Pickens County.

Anthony Fauci’s released Covid-era diaries reveal growing disillusionment with Donald Trump, whom Fauci accused of downplaying the pandemic, prioritizing media attention and pursuing premature reopening for electoral reasons. The entries also describe Fauci’s concern about Trump’s conduct after the 2020 election, his exchanges with journalist Bob Woodward and his fears of political attacks and threats. Republican senator Rand Paul released the diaries as part of his long-running criticism of Fauci’s pandemic policies and claims about the virus’s origins; the two are due to confront each other at a Senate hearing.

Historian Kim Phillips-Fein’s Country of Lords traces American opposition to egalitarianism from John Adams and pro-slavery theorists through Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford and William Shockley to Peter Thiel and Elon Musk. The book argues that contemporary tech elites’ hostility to liberal institutions and enthusiasm for disruption, monopoly and meritocratic hierarchy have deep roots in older conservative, racist and anti-democratic ideas. Carnegie’s philanthropy is presented as an ambivalent attempt to manage the dangers of concentrated wealth rather than address inequality directly, while the civil rights movement helped expose how claims of merit obscured the legal and political foundations of racial economic disparities.

Lindsey Graham’s political evolution is illustrated through a series of quotes highlighting his shift from a vocal Trump critic to an enthusiastic supporter, including on issues such as impeachment, foreign policy and the Iran conflict. His comments reflect recurring reversals on figures like Donald Trump and Mohammed bin Salman, enduring loyalty to John McCain, and fluctuating positions on key political events such as January 6 and Supreme Court confirmations. The collection underscores his role in shaping Republican politics and his influence on US foreign policy debates.

Multiple Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders, intensified pressure on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw after new allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. The Maine Democratic Party prepared for a potential replacement, with figures such as Troy Jackson and Shenna Bellows discussed as possible candidates ahead of state deadlines. The live coverage also detailed Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland, developments in the NATO summit, a federal appeals court striking down parts of Florida’s Stop Woke Act, and ongoing turmoil surrounding Mitch McConnell’s hospitalization. Additional political updates included heated exchanges in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary debate and broader challenges Democrats face in their narrow pursuit of a Senate majority.

John Leganski, former aide to Kevin McCarthy, warns that Democrats may soon face internal ideological pressures similar to those that destabilized Republican leadership, pointing to recent wins by democratic socialist candidates. Reflecting on McCarthy’s downfall and the rise of factional politics, he argues that tight margins in Congress now resemble a parliamentary-style struggle for governing majorities. Leganski’s new book details the turmoil that led to McCarthy’s removal and portrays Matt Gaetz as a central antagonist while describing Mike Johnson as an ambitious but more measured successor operating under continued factional strain.

The US men’s and women’s rugby teams prepare for challenging Fourth of July fixtures, the men facing Portugal in Denver and the women meeting South Africa at Ellis Park. Players and coaches emphasize national pride, team development, and the significance of competing on the holiday, with Kate Zackary set to earn her 50th cap. The men reflect on team diversity and seek momentum following recent setbacks, while Portugal’s rise and the evolving landscape of Major League Rugby pose competitive tests. Europe‑based US players add experience as both teams aim to build foundations for future success.

A new book by Denise Kiernan highlights overlooked women who played vital roles in the American Revolution, drawing on fragmentary historical records to reconstruct their experiences. Figures such as Margaret Corbin, Elizabeth Drinker, Nanye’hi, Elizabeth Freeman, Deborah Sampson and others are presented with nuance, emphasizing the complexity of loyalties and the challenges faced by women, Indigenous people and the enslaved. The book also arrives amid contemporary disputes over historical interpretation, contrasting inclusive efforts like those at Valley Forge with politically motivated attempts to erase narratives about slavery and marginalized groups.

Reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan describe the extreme difficulty of uncovering information inside Donald Trump’s highly secretive second administration while writing their book Regime Change. They recount restricted access to details about Trump’s health, tight control around foreign-policy decisions including the Iran conflict, and a small inner circle making consequential decisions without broader government involvement. Their reporting reveals internal chaos, secrecy, and Trump’s impulsive leadership style, while highlighting the significant effort required to verify material amid ongoing political fractures and controversy.

Allegations in an upcoming book claim US treasury secretary Scott Bessent urged Donald Trump not to meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy, using derogatory language about the Ukrainian president and pushing for a minerals deal before any White House visit. The eventual February 2025 meeting reportedly deteriorated as Trump and JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for perceived ingratitude and his attire. Additional reported clashes included a heated negotiation in Kyiv and internal disputes over the deal’s wording. The book also cites Bessent comparing Trump to George Soros, adding further embarrassment for the administration.

Ollie Devoto prepares to end his rugby career as the undefeated Chicago Hounds pursue their first Major League Rugby title against the California Legion. After injuries ended his Premiership trajectory, a move to Chicago revitalized his playing experience and allowed him to mentor young American talent. Devoto praises the Hounds’ professional environment, coaching staff, and ownership while highlighting the broader challenges facing rugby’s growth in the United States. With the league undergoing structural shifts and the US set to host upcoming World Cups, he sees potential for expansion but acknowledges the sport has yet to fully capture the American market. Following the championship, Devoto plans to return to Britain and explore new career opportunities beyond rugby.

A forthcoming book by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan reports that Donald Trump assured Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk he would not go to war with Iran during an early 2025 Oval Office meeting. Despite this private commitment, the US launched an attack on Iran in February 2026 before a ceasefire was reached. The book details internal discussions about Iran, Trump’s concern over political consequences of a broader conflict, and his fascination with injuries caused by Israel’s 2024 exploding‑pager attack on Hezbollah. Additional excerpts describe erratic behavior within the Oval Office and other episodes involving immigration crackdowns and the Epstein scandal.

Ben Rhodes explores how 15 significant speeches shaped American identity, drawing from figures such as Frederick Douglass, Lincoln, Roosevelt, King, and Obama, while examining tensions between progressive aspirations and reactionary responses. He highlights overlooked voices, including Anna Dickinson and Mary Elizabeth Lease, and reflects on evolving attitudes toward race, gender, and national identity. The book concludes with the modern political backlash represented by Donald Trump, emphasizing the continuing struggle over America’s multiracial democratic ideals.

Andrew Weissmann argues for legislation to hold politicians accountable for election-related lies, contending that harmful political deceit threatens democratic institutions. Citing international examples and existing U.S. laws, he proposes a Truth in Elections Act to impose consequences for knowingly false statements that undermine democracy. He describes institutional damage caused by Trump’s retaliatory actions and emphasizes the continued integrity of U.S. district courts as venues where truth and due process prevail. Weissmann’s new book, Liar’s Kingdom, outlines these reforms and warns that fear of political retribution continues to silence institutions and individuals.

Lerone Martin’s book Young King explores Martin Luther King Jr’s youth, highlighting formative experiences in Atlanta, college years, and summers in Connecticut where he confronted racism outside the Jim Crow South. Drawing on overlooked letters and historical research, the book reconstructs King’s early encounters with discrimination, his evolving worldview, and his relationships, including the beginnings of his partnership with Coretta Scott-King. Martin also reflects on King’s proximity to Malcolm X during their young adulthood and situates these experiences within broader patterns of policing and racial bias in the 1940s. The narrative presents King as an ordinary young man shaped by personal struggles and societal pressures rather than the iconic figure he later became.

Women’s Elite Rugby begins its second season with ambitions to accelerate the growth of women’s rugby in the United States ahead of the 2033 World Cup. League president Jessica Hammond-Graf highlights challenges such as securing suitable venues, expanding the talent pipeline, and fostering competitive balance. New investment, including support from Meghan Trainor, accompanies the league’s continued push toward professionalism despite controversy surrounding USA Rugby’s new rules on trans participation. With increased visibility through national team representation and plans for geographic expansion, league leaders aim to build a broader fan base and create viable professional pathways for young American players.

Steven J Ross’s new book explores undercover efforts by Jewish and civil rights organizations to infiltrate and disrupt Nazi and far-right groups in postwar America, tracing connections from mid‑20th‑century extremists to modern militias and Trump‑aligned movements. Through profiles of both forgotten Nazi leaders and the agents who opposed them, the narrative highlights the persistent threat of far‑right violence and fear, drawing parallels to contemporary political dynamics. Ross argues that these movements’ goals and ideologies remain fundamentally unchanged and urges civic engagement and public education as essential tools for countering rising extremism.

Kansas City Current co-owner Angie Long highlights the rapid rise of women’s rugby in the United States as her stadium hosts a USA–Australia Pacific Four Series matchup following record-setting crowds. Drawing from her own rugby background at Princeton, she emphasizes the importance of facilities, visibility and investment in elevating women’s sports. With growing attendance, strong athlete personalities and improved infrastructure, Long sees US women’s rugby approaching a breakthrough similar to the recent surge in women’s soccer.

Will Sherman, a 22-year-old lock for Anthem RC, is emerging as a key prospect for the United States ahead of the 2031 home Rugby World Cup. Rooted in a family rugby tradition and shaped by time in Utah, UCLA, and Australia’s Randwick club, he has developed into a hard-hitting forward with significant potential. Sherman’s pathway includes the US under‑23 tour to South Africa and coaching influences from Harry Bennett and Agustin Cavalieri, leading to his selection as the No 1 MLR draft pick. His strong Major League Rugby debut contributed to Anthem’s first-ever win, symbolizing a new phase for a franchise now focused on developing American talent. The article highlights Sherman’s growth, experience, and aspirations as part of a generation targeted to carry US rugby into a competitive future.

Adam Freier leads the newly merged California Legion as Major League Rugby enters a challenging season reduced to six teams after major franchise losses. Freier promotes a bold statewide strategy to engage California’s rugby communities while navigating lingering tensions among fans affected by the merger. Leadership changes, a new collective bargaining agreement and a renewed developmental focus aim to stabilize the league ahead of upcoming global events, including the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the US. Stakeholders emphasize the need for long‑term growth, expanded markets and stronger national team performance to secure rugby’s future in America.

A new three-part PBS documentary explores Henry David Thoreau’s life, work, and enduring relevance through narration by prominent actors including George Clooney and Jeff Goldblum. Directed by Erik and Christopher Loren Ewers and initiated through Don Henley’s long-standing preservation efforts at Walden Pond, the film expands from an early short project into a comprehensive portrait of Thoreau’s philosophies, activism, and environmental legacy. The production blends archival interpretation with modern environmental imagery to highlight connections between Thoreau’s concerns and contemporary climate challenges, supported by commentary from scholars, writers and activists. The documentary premieres on PBS on 30 March.

Sammy Sullivan reflects on her path from West Point to the US Eagles sevens squad, describing how rugby shaped both her athletic and military careers. She recounts playing through injury to help win bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics and praises the strong team culture and promising new players driving the program forward. As the squad prepares for the SVNS tournament in New York, she highlights the challenges of rebuilding after Olympic success. Sullivan also discusses using Lego building as a stress-relieving creative outlet and encourages others to embrace personal hobbies that support well‑being.

A new book by Matthew Pinsker portrays Abraham Lincoln as a strategic and independent political operator whose mastery of party politics shaped his leadership before and during the Civil War. Drawing on newly uncovered documents and digital research, Pinsker emphasizes Lincoln’s behind-the-scenes decision-making, his handling of political crises, and his efforts to maintain unity within a fractious Republican Party. The book challenges popular portrayals, including Spielberg’s Lincoln, by arguing that key moments such as the 13th amendment were less about coercion and more about long-term strategy. It also highlights overlooked figures like Anna Dickinson, whose support bolstered Lincoln at a critical moment. Pinsker connects Lincoln’s example to contemporary political issues, stressing his respect for democratic institutions and contrasting it with modern controversies.