Iran Regime Change 3-1-26

As of March 1, 2026, the situation regarding regime change in Iran is in an extremely volatile, fast-moving, and critical state following a massive joint U.S.-Israeli military operation.  Facebook +1 

Key Developments (as of March 1, 2026):

Death of Supreme Leader: Iranian state media has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following a U.S.-Israeli strike on his residence in Tehran. A 40-day period of national mourning has been announced.

Decapitation Strategy: The operation, titled "Operation Epic Fury" aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities and topple the Islamic Republic. Reports indicate other top security officials, including Revolutionary Guard commanders, were also killed.

Regime Response: Despite the leadership vacuum, the Iranian regime is attempting to maintain control, with foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stating that regime change is an "impossible mission" and that a new leader could be chosen within days. An interim Leadership Council is reportedly being established.

Widespread Conflict: In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at Israel and US-aligned Gulf states (Bahrain, Qatar, UAE).

Protest Situation: Dissent remains high following a brutal January 2026 crackdown that killed thousands of protestors. While some Iranians express hope for change, experts caution that the lack of a unified opposition, combined with the entrenched power of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), makes a swift, peaceful transition difficult.  Atlantic Council +7

Outlook for Regime Change:
While the regime is described as severely weakened, its "survival" is now being reframed by analysts as a desperate, violent effort to retain power. The U.S. has expressed support for a change in government, but observers warn that the situation could lead to a messy, protracted power struggle rather than an immediate, stable transition to a new government. Foundation for Defense of Democracies +2

On March 1, 2026, the status of the Iranian regime is in a state of extreme crisis and transition following a massive military escalation. While the supreme leadership has been decapitated, the formal "regime change" into a new system of government has not yet been realized. 

Current Leadership Status

Supreme Leader Killed: State media has officially confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, during "Operation Epic Fury," a massive joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike targeting his residence in Tehran.

Interim Governance: A transitional leadership council has been formed to maintain control. It is led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei, and Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi.

Military Casualties: High-ranking officials, including the commander of the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and the Defense Minister, were also reported killed in the strikes.  Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB +5

Domestic and Regional Situation

Popular Unrest: Large-scale celebrations and protests have broken out in Tehran and other cities following news of the Supreme Leader's death. This follows a brutal crackdown in January 2026 that reportedly left thousands of protesters dead.

Active Warfare: Iran has retaliated by launching ballistic missiles at Israel and several Gulf nations, including the UAE and Bahrain. The U.S. and Israel are continuing a second day of strikes as of March 1.

Economic Collapse: In its final hours under Khamenei, the regime closed the Strait of Hormuz, blocking 20% of the world's oil supply, further crippling an already devastated domestic economy.   CNN +7

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+status+of+iran+regime+change+on+3-1-26+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Shutdown Update 2-28-26

Based on search results for a partial government shutdown that began on February 14, 2026, and continued through February 28, 2026, the shutdown is limited primarily to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The News Journal +1

Approximately 270,000 to 380,000 employees within DHS and its related components are affected, with about 90% classified as "essential" (excepted) and required to work without pay.  The News Journal +1

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Staff managing non-disaster-related responses.

U.S. Secret Service (USSS): Agents and staff.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Key Federal Employees Affected:

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Officers and staff are required to work without pay.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Agents and officers are required to work without pay.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Personnel working on immigration enforcement.

U.S. Coast Guard: Active-duty personnel Personnel.

Other Agencies: Some 10,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers and staff in parts of the Department of State may be affected. Homeland Security (.gov) +4

Impact on Pay:

"Excepted" Employees: Roughly 90% of DHS employees are working without pay, but are guaranteed to receive back pay once funding is restored.

Furloughed Employees: Non-essential employees are on unpaid leave, but typically receive back pay after the shutdown ends.

Impact Timing: Many DHS employees began missing paychecks or receiving reduced pay starting in late February, with full paycheck disruptions anticipated in early March. Georgia Department of Labor (.gov) +4

Note: Other areas of the federal government, such as the Department of Defense, were funded for the remainder of FY2026, meaning the impact is not as widespread as a total government shutdown. 

As of February 28, 2026, the ongoing partial government shutdown exclusively affects the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While most other federal agencies were fully funded through the end of the fiscal year by a package passed on February 3, funding for DHS lapsed on February 14. 

Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget +5

Affected DHS Employees

Approximately 90% of DHS's 260,000+ employees are classified as "essential" or "excepted" personnel. They are required to continue working during the shutdown but will not receive pay until funding is restored. Key affected groups include:  Georgia Department of Labor (.gov) +2

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): TSA officers and air traffic controllers are working without pay, which has begun to impact paychecks as of late February.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP): While border agents are essential, certain services like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck have seen temporary suspensions or disruptions due to resource conservation.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Disaster relief operations continue, but non-disaster responses and some programs like the National Flood Insurance Program have been suspended.

U.S. Coast Guard: Active-duty members and essential workers are continuing operations.

Other DHS Agencies: This includes employees of the U.S. Secret Service, CISA, ICE, and USCIS.  UNC Research +9

Agencies NOT Affected

Because they received full-year funding in early February, employees in the following departments are not affected by the current shutdown: 

National Association of Counties +2

Defense (Military & Civilian)

State Department (Passports and visas are still being processed)

Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development

Treasury (including the IRS)

Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Justice 

Congresswoman Dina Titus (.gov) +5

Note on Pay: Under federal law, all furloughed and essential employees are guaranteed back pay once the shutdown ends. However, federal contractors generally do not receive back pay for lost work time. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget +2

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+federal+employees+are+affected+by+the+shutdown+on+2-28-26+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Drug Dealers 2-27-26

There is no exact, real-time count of drug dealers in the United States for 2026, as illegal drug markets are covert, but data indicates it is a widespread, high-volume criminal activity that continues to grow in 2026. Fortune +3 

Based on 2024-2026 data, here is the context regarding the scale of drug distribution:

Annual Drug Arrests: Approximately 1.16 million Americans are arrested annually for the sale, manufacture, or possession of illegal substances.

Federal Trafficking Convictions: In fiscal year 2024, there were over 18,000 federal cases involving drug trafficking, with 80% of those convicted being U.S. citizens.

Active Traffickers: While the number of convicted individuals is in the tens of thousands, the total number of people involved in selling, transporting, and distributing drugs (from low-level street dealers to cartel members) is estimated to be significantly higher, with illegal drug sales in the U.S. reaching hundreds of billions of dollars annually.

2026 Landscape: As of early 2026, despite increased enforcement and record seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine, illegal narcotics are more available than ever. 

United States Sentencing Commission (.gov) +5

The market is heavily dominated by transnational criminal organizations, specifically Mexican cartels, which continue to drive the supply of fentanyl and methamphetamine into the U.S. in 2026. Northeastern Global News +1

There is no official government count for the total number of drug dealers in the U.S. for 2026, as the nature of illicit markets makes exact figures impossible to track. However, law enforcement and sentencing data provide a window into the scale of the illegal drug trade:

Federal Trafficking Cases: In fiscal year 2024, there were 18,029 federal cases involving drug trafficking reported to the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

Arrest Statistics: Nationally, approximately 1.16 million people are arrested annually for the sale, manufacture, or possession of illegal substances.

Demographics of Convicted Traffickers:

84.4% are men.

80.4% are U.S. citizens.

The average age is 38 years old.

Market Scale: The illicit drug industry in the U.S. is estimated to be worth between $200 billion and $750 billion annually.

Digital Trends: Darknet markets continue to be a major hub for distribution, with crypto inflows to drug vendors and darknet markets estimated at over $2.5 billion in 2025. 

United States Sentencing Commission (.gov) +5

Primary Drug Types in Trafficking (FY 2024)

Recent data shows that seven drug types account for 98.3% of all federal drug trafficking offenses: 

United States Sentencing Commission (.gov)

Methamphetamine: 49.3%

Fentanyl: 24.1% (an increase of over 248% since 2020)

Cocaine: 13.9% (Powder) and 3.9% (Crack)

Heroin: 3.3%

Marijuana: 2.7%

Oxycodone: 1.0% 

United States Sentencing Commission (.gov) +1

For 2026, the U.S. government is focusing on new sentencing amendments specifically targeting fentanyl and methamphetamine traffickers to address the ongoing overdose crisis. 

United States Sentencing Commission +1

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+drug+dealers+are+there+in+the+us+in+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Deportation Orders 2-27-26

As of early 2026, there are approximately 1.6 million individuals in the United States with outstanding or final deportation orders, according to testimony from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. Facebook +1

Key details regarding deportation orders and enforcement in early 2026:

Total Backlog: Out of the 1.6 million with final orders, approximately 800,000 have criminal convictions.

Active Cases: As of the end of December 2025, there was an active backlog of 3,377,998 cases pending before the Immigration Court.

2026 Activity: In December 2025 alone, immigration judges issued 38,215 new removal orders.

"Self-Deportations": The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that, in addition to formal removals, over 1.9 million people "self-deported" or left voluntarily between January 2025 and January 2026.

Removal Numbers: DHS reported that more than 675,000 people were deported between Jan. 20, 2025, and Jan. 20, 2026. Homeland Security (.gov) +4

These figures represent a significant, ongoing backlog in the US immigration system as the administration pursues a high-volume enforcement strategy. 

As of early 2026, there are approximately 1.6 million outstanding final orders of removal in the United States. Of these individuals, roughly 800,000 have criminal convictions. Facebook

Other key figures related to deportation and the immigration court backlog as of January 2026 include:

Immigration Court Backlog: There are approximately 3.4 million active cases pending before the Immigration Court.

Recent Deportation Orders: In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (October through December 2025), immigration judges issued 149,706 deportation orders.

Total Removals: Since the beginning of the current administration in January 2025, over 713,000 individuals have been formally deported.

Self-Deportations: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates that an additional 2.2 million people have left the U.S. voluntarily (self-deportation) during the same period.

Detention and Monitoring: As of early February 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holds 68,289 people in physical detention and monitors 179,991 individuals through Alternatives to Detention (ATD) programs. tracreports.org +6

You can track the latest updates on these figures through TRAC Immigration or official DHS News releases. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+deportation+orders+are+outstanding+in+january+2026+google+ai

Comments

Increasing Deportations frees up jobs for US Citizens in “low earner” categories. This reduces the “affordability problem”.

The February Jobs Report will be released March 6, 2026.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Mining Job Openings 2-26-26

As of February 2026, the intersection of US mining, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science is experiencing rapid growth, with high demand for professionals who can bridge traditional mining engineering with digital technologies. 

Here is a breakdown of the job openings, trends, and key players based on search results:

Top Mining & AI Job Trends (2026)

Data Mining Scientists/Engineers: Significant hiring for roles focusing on analyzing large datasets to optimize mining processes, with 60+ positions in Silicon Valley alone.

AI/ML in Exploration & Production: Companies are looking for Machine Learning Engineers to work on predictive maintenance, automated equipment, and AI-driven mineral exploration.

Sustainability & AI: There is high demand for professionals who can use AI to make mining more sustainable and safe, especially for "critical minerals". Rangefront Mining Services +5

Key Employers and Roles

Google: Actively hiring for roles related to data mining, including "Research Scientist, Earth AI," "Senior Research Scientist, Quantum AI," and positions within Google DeepMind.

X (The Moonshot Factory): Hiring for "Research Engineer, Applied AI/ML" and "Machine Learning Engineer, AI for Chemistry".

Waymo: Seeking "Machine Learning Engineer, Prediction & Planning".

Mining Services & Consulting: Companies like Stantec and HDR are recruiting for "Senior Mining Consultants" and "Area Mining Leads".

Specialized AI Firms: Companies like Applied Intuition are hiring for AI-driven machine adoption. Google DeepMind +4

Salary and Location Insights

High Salaries: Mining engineering and AI-related positions in 2026 are high-paying, with roles ranging from $102k to over $300k depending on experience.

Key Locations: San Francisco Bay Area, CA; Sunnyvale, CA; Phoenix, AZ; and Remote opportunities.

Work-from-Home: There is a high volume of "Data Mining Work From Home" jobs available. 

ZipRecruiter +5

In-Demand Skills for 2026

Technical: Deep learning, Python, SQL, NLP (Natural Language Processing), and familiarity with AI frameworks.

Domain Expertise: Knowledge of mining software, geology, and metallurgical processes.

AI Integration: Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) and deploying AI models to solve business, logistics, or engineering problems. Google +4

For the most up-to-date listings, searching on platforms like LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter for terms such as "AI Mining," "Data Scientist Mining," or "Machine Learning Engineer Mining Industry" is recommended. 

In 2026, the intersection of US mining and AI is driving a shift toward digital-first, sustainable practices, creating a high demand for specialized roles. Google continues to expand its engineering workforce, focusing on AI to advance these industrial transformations. Mashable +5

Key Mining & AI Roles for 2026

Data Mining Scientists: High demand in tech hubs like Sunnyvale and San Francisco for roles involving large-scale data analysis and quantum AI modeling.

AI Mining Specialists: Companies like Global AI Mining are hiring remote representatives to help integrate AI tools into sectors like healthcare and small business efficiency.

Mining Engineering Managers: Firms like Mariana Minerals and Stantec are seeking leads for project development and technical guidance in sustainable mining.

Machine Learning Engineers: Growing opportunities exist for ML engineers in the mining industry to build models for bottleneck discovery and workflow optimization. Indeed +5

Google AI Opportunities

Google DeepMind: Research Scientists and Engineers are actively being hired to build next-generation AI systems and mobile Gemini applications.

Google Cloud AI: Roles focused on data mining, NLP, and hardware performance are available for mid-to-senior levels.

2026 Internships: Google is recruiting Software Engineering Interns (PhD) for Summer 2026 across various US locations. Google DeepMind +6

Upcoming Career Fairs

THINK AI: Talent Edge Career Fair: A one-day hiring forum on March 6, 2026, in Aurora, IL, featuring AI recruiters and career labs.

Careers in Tech and Intelligence Fair: Exploration of national industry partners in tech and intelligence on March 6, 2026, in Honolulu, HI.

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+mining+job+openings+2026+google+ai

Comments

Determining where Rare Earth and other needed materials are abundant is the first step in expanding US access to minerals.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Lumberjack Job Openings 2-26-26

Based on 2026 job market data, opportunities in the lumber and logging industry are available, particularly for roles involving manual labor and equipment operation, despite a general decline in overall demand for traditional "lumberjack" roles.  

Current 2026 Lumber/Logging Job Opportunities

Sawmill & Production: Positions for Green Lumber Pullers and Saw Operators are available, with roles paying around $23/hour in locations like Morton, WA.

Material Handling: There is demand for material handlers to move timber and operate equipment in the lumber industry.

Key Locations: Openings are appearing in areas with high logging activity, such as Washington and Virginia.

Job Titles to Search: Beyond "lumberjack," search for: Logging Equipment Operator, Sawmill Worker, Green Chain Puller, and Timber Handler. Indeed Job Search +4

Industry Outlook & Trends

Declining Demand: Traditional lumberjack roles are not in high demand, with a projected decline of -4% from 2018 to 2028.

Wages: Lumberjack/logging jobs offer varied pay, with some roles ranging between $12-$27/hr depending on experience and specific location.

Safety: Logging remains one of the more dangerous occupations in the US, requiring high adherence to safety protocols.

AI Impact: While AI is affecting white-collar jobs, the physical nature of logging makes it less susceptible to immediate AI replacement, though technological advances in machinery are increasing efficiency and shifting skill requirements. Business Insider +4

For the most up-to-date listings in early 2026, targeting job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and specialized logging industry, company-specific sites is recommended. 

Finding job openings in 2026 for "lumberjack" roles or positions involving Google AI requires looking at two very different sectors of the U.S. economy. 

Lumberjack & Logging Jobs

The traditional "lumberjack" (logging worker) remains one of the most physically demanding and high-risk occupations in the U.S.. Business Insider +1

Current Openings: While the term "lumberjack" is less common in modern job titles, you will find active listings under "Logger," "Sawmill Operator," or "Material Handler" on platforms like Indeed and ZipRecruiter.

Outlook: Demand for these roles is projected to decline slightly (-4%) through the late 2020s due to increased mechanization in the forestry industry.

Where to Apply: Specialist sites like JobMonkey focus on outdoor and seasonal logging opportunities. Indeed +4

Google AI & Tech Jobs

For those looking to work with Google’s AI technology, the market is expanding rapidly as AI becomes a central part of enterprise workflows. NewsNation

High-Demand Roles: Top positions for 2026 include AI Engineer, AI Consultant, and Machine Learning Engineer.

Google AI Training: Google has partnered with major employers like Walmart to provide AI Professional Certificates to over a million workers, focusing on AI fundamentals for both frontline and corporate staff.

Search for Roles: You can find current tech-focused openings at Google Careers or specialized subsidiaries like Intrinsic, which focuses on AI-enabled robotics. Fortune +4

Key Resources for 2026 Job Seekers

Official Data: Use O*NET OnLine for detailed descriptions of work requirements and characteristics for any U.S. occupation.

New Platforms: OpenAI is scheduled to launch an AI-powered jobs platform by mid-2026 to help match candidates with emerging tech roles.

Safety from Automation: Industries like Health Care, Education, and specialized Skilled Trades (like manual logging in difficult terrain) are considered among the safest from AI replacement in 2026. Campus Technology +4

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+lumberjack+job+openings+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Electrician Job Openings 2-26-26

Driven by the surge in AI data center construction, the US faces a critical shortage of electricians, creating high demand for skilled tradespeople in 2026. Google is investing over $10 million to train 100,000 new workers and apprentices by 2030, with roles paying $26–$60/hr. Yahoo Finance +4 

Key 2026 Electrician Job Trends

High-Demand Regions: Major hubs include Northern Virginia, Central Ohio, Phoenix, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Atlanta.

Key Roles: Industrial electricians,, data center technicians, and high-voltage installers are in high demand.

Training & Initiatives: Google and the IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Alliance are facilitating "learn-while-you-earn" programs to bridge the workforce gap.

Industry Impact: AI data centers are causing a 70% increase in the electrical trade size, as AI's power demand requires massive infrastructure upgrades. HPCwire +4

Where to Find Openings

ZipRecruiter lists openings often in the $26–$60/hr range.Indeed features industrial roles in cities like Imlay, NV.

Trade Unions & Local Associations: Look for programs partnered with NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) and the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). HPCwire +3

As of 2026, the demand for electricians in the U.S. is surging, driven primarily by the massive infrastructure needs of the AI industry. Google and other tech giants have launched significant initiatives to address a critical labor shortage in this sector. 

Google’s Electrician Training Initiative 

Goal: Google is funding the training of 100,000 electrical workers and 30,000 new apprentices in the U.S. to support the energy-intensive expansion of AI data centers.

Partnership: The program is delivered through a $10 million grant from Google.org to the Electrical Training ALLIANCE (etA), a joint effort of the IBEW and NECA.

AI Integration: Apprentices will have access to Google’s AI Essentials course and will learn to use AI tools for tasks like planning panel layouts and monitoring thermal readings to prevent equipment failure. blog.google +6

Market Outlook and Openings

Projected Shortage: The U.S. is expected to face a shortage of approximately 130,000 electricians by 2030, with AI data centers alone requiring tens of thousands of new workers for construction and maintenance.

High-Growth Locations: Key hubs for "AI-driven" electrician openings include:

Northern Virginia: Massive expansion by Google, AWS, and Microsoft in "Data Center Alley".

Central Ohio: Ongoing megaprojects from Meta, Google, and Intel.

Phoenix, Arizona: Rapid growth in hyperscale data center construction.

Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas: Focus on AI rack-dense power and cooling infrastructure.

Compensation: Electrician roles related to AI and data center infrastructure often feature competitive pay, with some specialized commissioning roles offering between $133,000 and $173,000 annually. Instagram +4

Job Search and Training Resources

Direct Roles at Google: Google typically hires Electrical Engineers with data center experience for its internal facilities teams.

Apprenticeships: Local IBEW/NECA training centers are the primary route for the Google-funded "earn-while-you-learn" programs.

Job Boards: Current openings for AI-related electrical work can be found on platforms like ZipRecruiter and Indeed. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+electrician+openings+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader