Interestingly US-based newsrooms are still geo-blocking EU users. Not even bothering to ask for cookies.

It's the easiest way to not have to deal with Article 27.

Briefly, if Article 3 applies to a site outside the EU Article 27 requires that site to designate a representative in the Union that people can contact over GDPR issues.

There is an exception in Article 27 if the site use by people covered by GDPR is just occasional, doesn't involve particularly sensitive data, and is unlikely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of any natural person.

A big factor in determining whether or not Article 3 covers your site is intent. If there is evidence you envisaged serving people in the Union that makes it more likely Article 3 will apply. If you did not that makes it more likely that it does not.

Blocking EU visitors should be evidence that you are not trying to serve EU users, making it less likely Article 3 applies, and less likely you will need an Article 27 representative.