Liberal Reporting for 2026-04-19
Today’s news coverage from liberal media sources.
Mullin faces criticism on both sides less than a month into tenure
Democrats and immigration hardliners are already dissatisfied with some of the DHS chief's decisions.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - politico.com
Poll: Trump’s immigration message changed. Voters' opinions have not.
A new POLITICO poll finds half of Americans — including one quarter of Trump’s 2024 voters — said his mass deportations campaign is too aggressive.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - politico.com
Eric Swalwell Thought He Was Untouchable — Until He Wasn’t
The allegations that ended Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid fit a longstanding pattern of behavior.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - politico.com
‘Big sigh of relief’: Republicans finally get some good news. Can it last?
The trick now, Republicans say, is keeping the distractions to a minimum.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - politico.com
Forced out of the military — and into the redistricting wars
Bree Fram's long-shot campaign may hinge on Virginia's redistricting referendum, which could decide whether the trans veteran rocket scientist booted out of the military under Trump stands any chance ...
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - politico.com
How Americans really feel about immigration
Construction crews install panels of the border wall near La Casita-Garciasville, Texas, on November 26, 2024. | Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images Immigration enforcement was once one of President Donal...
Vox
Apr 18, 2026 - vox.com
Grindr’s CEO Has a Favorite in the California Governor’s Race
In a new interview, George Arison talks AI, California politics and where he disagrees with LGBTQ advocates.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - politico.com
How Trump’s pursuit of Powell is warping prosecutorial power
The danger is not just what happens to one Fed chair but the precedent set when a criminal investigation is kept alive because it creates politically useful pressure. The post How Trump’s pursuit of P...
MS NOW
Apr 18, 2026 - ms.now
Jamie Raskin’s 25th Amendment push is a distraction. But there’s a better solution.
The 25th Amendment is no substitute for impeachment. A proposed panel of doctors and ex-politicians can’t replace Congress doing its job. The post Jamie Raskin’s 25th Amendment push is a distraction. ...
MS NOW
Apr 18, 2026 - ms.now
Joe Rogan’s down on Trump and MAGA — but he’s still hardcore MAHA
The influential podcaster continues to spread RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine gospel — and a new poll shows more Americans are growing comfortable with having measles back. The post Joe Rogan’s down on Trump a...
MS NOW
Apr 18, 2026 - ms.now
Jan. 6 mastermind John Eastman has rightly been disbarred
Eastman engaged in the type of conduct that threatens not only the integrity of the legal profession, but also the rule of law itself. The post Jan. 6 mastermind John Eastman has rightly been disbarr...
MS NOW
Apr 18, 2026 - ms.now
ICE deported 174 Daca recipients through most of last year, agency head says in letter
So-called Dreamers – undocumented immigrants who arrived as children – were allowed to stay in US under Obama-era programFrom January through September 2025, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (IC...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again over U.S. blockade and fires on ships
Iran’s joint military command warned it would continue to block transits while the U.S. blockade remained in effect. The post Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again over U.S. blockade and fires on ships a...
MS NOW
Apr 18, 2026 - ms.now
‘A trend that can’t be ignored’: Dems have made up ground in nearly every election since Trump took office
POLITICO’s analysis shows a clear trend in red and blue districts alike.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - politico.com
Regime change in Iran remains as necessary as ever
As long as the current regime remains in power, Iran will continue pursuing the same policies it has for decades and remain a threat to the United States. The post Regime change in Iran remains as nec...
MS NOW
Apr 18, 2026 - ms.now
U.S. reverses course, extends Russian oil sanctions waiver
Just days earlier, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. would not be “renewing the general license on Russian oil.” The post U.S. reverses course, extends Russian oil sanctions waiver appear...
MS NOW
Apr 18, 2026 - ms.now
Exposing a Global Surveillance Empire
In June, a sharp-suited Austrian executive from a global surveillance company told a prospective client that he could “go to prison” for organizing the deal they were discussing. But the conversation ...
Mother Jones
Apr 18, 2026 - motherjones.com
Trump administration cleared to continue construction of White House ballroom, court rules
Construction was stopped after suit challenged president’s authority to raze East Wing without congressional approvalThe Trump administration can continue building a $400m White House ballroom at the ...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
An iron worker takes on one of Trump’s most loyal followers in Congress
Brian Poindexter, a five-term local councilman and apprentice instructor at Ironworkers Local 17, is seeking the Democratic nomination for an Ohio House seatWhen Max Miller ran for Congress in 2022, t...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
America’s Next Moon Mission Depends on Elon Musk, for Better or Worse
Elon Musk has long been in an on-again, off-again relationship with the moon. Though just last year he called it “a distraction”—saying his focus was shifting exclusively to Mars—he now seems to be re...
Mother Jones
Apr 18, 2026 - motherjones.com
FBI chief Kash Patel threatens to sue The Atlantic over report on heavy drinking
But Atlantic reporter who wrote the explosive story defended her reporting, telling MS NOW, “I stand by every word.” The post FBI chief Kash Patel threatens to sue The Atlantic over report on heavy dr...
MS NOW
Apr 18, 2026 - ms.now
Trump’s antipathy for Pope may have roots in childhood Protestant church
Manhattan church led by Norman Vincent Peale was known for opposing presidency of JFK – and Catholics in generalDonald Trump’s attacks this week on Pope Leo, for his criticism of the US attack on Iran...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
The simple question that could change your career
Job seekers attend a career fair in Harlem hosted by Assemblymember Jordan Wright on December 10, 2025, in New York City. | Spencer Platt/Getty Images Devon Fritz had his midlife crisis a little ear...
Vox
Apr 18, 2026 - vox.com
Trump signs executive order on psychedelic drugs — with Joe Rogan by his side
“I got a call from a number of people, including the great Joe Rogan, and he said, ‘We have to do something about this. And I looked into it.” The post Trump signs executive order on psychedelic drugs...
MS NOW
Apr 18, 2026 - ms.now
For Iran, Flexing Control Over Waterway Is New Deterrent
Iran’s government could emerge from the conflict with a blueprint to keep adversaries at bay, regardless of any restrictions on its nuclear program.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - nytimes.com
New York’s Anti-Rich Current Reaches Crescendo With Second-Home Tax Plan
With a new tax proposal, the threat of a building workers’ strike and Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s shunning of the Met Gala, the city’s wealth gap was on full display.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - nytimes.com
Mamdani to Meet With Obama at Bronx Child-Care Center
It will be the leaders’ first public appearance together since Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s meteoric rise. Former President Barack Obama called Mr. Mamdani in November shortly before his victory.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - nytimes.com
Can a new biopic change your mind about Michael Jackson?
In life, the singer’s image was shaken by abuse allegations. In death, he is a billion-dollar businessIn December 1993, Michael Jackson’s genitals were photographed by the Santa Barbara county sheriff...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Two weeks that pushed Trump to the edge. Is his presidency unravelling?
The president has opened fissures in his base by starting a war he couldn’t finish with Iran, stoking inflation and offending Christians. Barred from running again, he may feel he has nothing to loseL...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Middle East crisis live: ships report attacks as Iran closes strait of Hormuz; Trump says deal still possible
Iran claims US blockade of ports violates ceasefire, but Trump says: ‘We’re talking to them … they can’t blackmail us’Separate to the Pakistani army chief’s trip to Iran (see post at 07:53), the Pakis...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Traders placed over $1bn in perfectly timed bets on the Iran war. What is going on?
Suspicious wagers on the US-Israel war in Iran are creating huge windfalls and raising concerns among lawmakersSixteen bets made $100,000 accurately predicting the timing of the US airstrikes against ...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Venezuela’s Machado to hold Madrid rally as opposition frozen out after Maduro capture
Exiled leader to revive push for change amid US backing of Delcy Rodríguez and delays to democratic transitionVenezuela’s opposition leader, María Corina Machado, will seek to revive her push for poli...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Trump announces reforms to accelerate access to psychedelic drug treatments
President signed executive order directing FDA to expedite review of psychedelic drugs including ibogaineDonald Trump on Saturday announced reforms intended to speed up access to medical research and ...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
How a fiery attack on Sam Altman’s home unfolded
Molotov cocktail attack on OpenAI CEO’s home comes amid growing discontent against artificial intelligenceIn the early hours of 10 April, a man approached the gate of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s house in ...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Who’d have thought a fossil-fuel shill like Trump would be the one to spark a green revolution? | George Monbiot
The US attack on Iran has made the need for renewable energy inarguable. Environmentalists are now being seen for the pragmatists that they areDonald Trump has done more to accelerate the energy trans...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Péter Magyar’s real coup was winning over loyal Orbán voters – not preaching to the converted
He is no progressive but unlike the old opposition, the Tisza leader listened to Orbán’s rural baseThe international audience observing the Hungarian election result is likely to settle on a view that...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Hungary’s incoming PM seeks Polish help to renew EU relations
Péter Magyar hopes building stronger relations with Poland will help restore ties with bloc after Orbán’s ruleThe Hungarian election winner, Péter Magyar, is eyeing a special relationship with Poland’...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Young Bulgarians hold out for change in eighth election in five years
Voters broadly split along generational lines as pro-Russian former president leads in pollsAnna Bodakova’s days tend to be rather hectic at the moment. Hopping between meeting voters on the street, p...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Iron will: Australia’s richest person counts the cost as court orders she share mining millions with rival family
Gina Rinehart, who’s been called Australia’s ‘female Donald Trump’, has long fought claims from the family of her father’s business partner – as well as her own childrenFull Story podcast: How Gina Ri...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
What people in power think the impact of the Iran war will be
Faisal Islam talks to some of the world's most powerful people about the conflict and the economy.
BBC News
Apr 18, 2026 - bbc.com
Crypto Critic Maxine Waters’s New Primary Foe Got Over Two-Thirds of Money From Crypto
Maxine Waters, the scourge of crypto, could become Financial Services Committee chair if Democrats win the House in midterm elections. The post Crypto Critic Maxine Waters’s New Primary Foe Got Over T...
The Intercept
Apr 18, 2026 - theintercept.com
‘Turning Point Was Charlie Kirk’: Why This Student Group Moved On
Students at the University of Arkansas disagreed with Turning Point’s direction, pointing to challenges ahead for the conservative group.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - nytimes.com
Father of man who inspired Super Mario was also named Luigi, researcher finds
Elisabeth Zetland, a senior researcher at MyHeritage, found that the actual Luigi had immigrated to US from ItalyGaming enthusiasts have known for years that Nintendo named its mustachioed, superhero ...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Is Meghan Markle really the most trolled person in the world? | Arwa Mahdawi
I have a lot of sympathy for Meghan but, at times, I do think that the Duchess of Sussex could do with putting her trials and tribulations in perspectiveIran may have reopened the strait of Hormuz, bu...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
War isn’t a ‘moral’ issue – at least not for the Trump administration | Dave Schilling
The US president’s grudge match with the pope underlines how religion really functions in American politicsI’m not a particularly religious person, even though everyone tells me how cool believing in ...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
‘Ignorance and cruelty’: former USAID official details devastation inflicted by Doge cuts
Nicholas Enrich was an eyewitness to the dismantling of the US foreign aid organization by the Trump administrationSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxNicholas...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
As Meloni’s hold over Italy weakens, a progressive challenger gathers momentum
Silvia Salis, the leftwing mayor of Genoa and former Olympian, is described as ‘a breath of fresh air’ and potential unifierIt has been a turbulent month in Italian politics.A failed referendum on a j...
The Guardian
Apr 18, 2026 - theguardian.com
Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again, as ceasefire nears its end
Iran's military said on Saturday the Strait of Hormuz has "returned to its previous state." The announcement came after President Trump had said the blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Apr 18, 2026 - npr.org
Trump signs order to hasten review of psychedelics
Ibogaine and other psychedelics remain banned under the federal government's most restrictive category for illegal, high-risk drugs. But the administration is taking steps to ease restrictions and spu...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 18, 2026 - pbs.org
Iran's military closes Strait of Hormuz again, citing U.S. blockade
Revolutionary Guard gunboats on Saturday opened fire on a tanker transiting the strait and an unknown projectile hit a container vessel, damaging some of the containers, the British military's United ...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 18, 2026 - pbs.org
The President and the Pope
Panelists joined to discuss Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV for his comments about the war in Iran.
The Atlantic
Apr 18, 2026 - theatlantic.com
The Bombs Have Slowed, But Israel Controls Every Aspect of Our Lives in Gaza
We still find small moments of joy amid the restrictions, proving that we can endure and resist.
Truthout
Apr 18, 2026 - truthout.org
J. D. Vance’s Bumpy Ride
It wasn’t the first time that Trump had debased someone who serves him. It wasn’t even the first time that Vance had had to downplay a blasphemy-themed A.I. image.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and Analysis
Apr 18, 2026 - newyorker.com
Clarence Thomas’ Radical Remarks Might Not Be What They Seemed
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas should be feeling optimistic. He’s a member of the 6-3 Republican-appointed majority on the highest court that is rapidly reshaping American law in a way Thomas h...
Mother Jones
Apr 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Anthropic and Trump: Is a truce near?
Two months ago, the president denounced the AI startup as a "woke" company run by "leftwing nut jobs." But the sides are talking again after Anthropic's new cyber tool sparked fears across the governm...
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 17, 2026 - politico.com
GOP senators urge Trump to find Iran exit plan as energy prices rise: ‘The clock is ticking’
“I think our members are going to be very interested in what next steps are,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 17, 2026 - politico.com
Republicans Exploit an Obscure Law to Open This Pristine Minnesota Wilderness to Mining
This story was originally published by the Grist and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Minnesota’s Boundary Waters comprise a vast stretch of wilderness bordering Canada, w...
Mother Jones
Apr 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Meta Threw a Party for a Right-Wing Influencer Who Wants to “Save the West”
Last week, conservative influencer Isabel Brown celebrated 100 episodes of her podcast, where she sings the praises of motherhood, frets about the dangers of open borders, and asks rhetorical question...
Mother Jones
Apr 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Trump keeps claiming victory in Iran. Our new poll shows voters aren’t buying it.
A majority say the war is not in the national interest, and many lack confidence in the president’s goals — including some 2024 supporters.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 17, 2026 - politico.com
This Isn’t Just Trump’s War on Iran. Both Parties Paved the Way for Disaster.
We must recognize Democrats share responsibility with the GOP for creating the climate that made such a war possible.
Truthout
Apr 17, 2026 - truthout.org
Why Pete Hegseth’s Tarantino Blunder Wasn’t the Least Bit Surprising
On Wednesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth introduced a religious service at the Pentagon by offering a prayer, which he said he had learned from military leaders. “They they call it CSAR 25:17,”...
Mother Jones
Apr 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Is the Strait of Hormuz really open?
President Donald Trump walks over to speak to the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on April 16, 2026. | Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images This story appeared in The L...
Vox
Apr 17, 2026 - vox.com
How Trump's recent actions are affecting his support among young voters
President Trump is on the road this week, speaking at a Turning Point USA rally Friday night in Phoenix. White House correspondent Liz Landers on how the administration's recent actions are affecting ...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 17, 2026 - pbs.org
Brooks and Capehart on Trump and Vance clashing with Pope Leo
David Brooks of The Atlantic and Jonathan Capehart of MS NOW join Amna Nawaz to discuss the week in politics, including President Trump claiming Iran has "agreed to everything" in talks with the U.S. ...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 17, 2026 - pbs.org
Maine Said No to New Data Centers. Other States Are Racing to Follow.
The AI infrastructure reckoning has until recently stayed local, its battles fought in the relatively puny arenas of town council and zoning commission meetings. But the pushback to hyperscale data ce...
Mother Jones
Apr 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Two Congressmen Resigned After Accusations of Misconduct Against Women. Another Remains.
At the start of this week, there were three men in Congress whose reputations had imploded after being accused of misconduct against women: Reps. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), and Eric...
Mother Jones
Apr 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
The GOP Just Passed a Resolution to Open Minnesota Wilderness Up for Mining
The Forest Service has warned that mines like the one under consideration could cause “serious and irreplaceable harm.”
Truthout
Apr 17, 2026 - truthout.org
News Wrap: Senate approves short-term renewal of FISA surveillance program
In our news wrap Friday, the Senate approved a short-term renewal of a controversial surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies, millions across the Midwest are facing the risk of severe storms an...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 17, 2026 - pbs.org
White House chief of staff to meet with Anthropic CEO over its new Mythos AI model
The meeting comes after tensions have run hot between the Trump administration and the safety-conscious Anthropic, which has sought to put guardrails on the development of AI to minimize any potential...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 17, 2026 - pbs.org
Minneapolis Woman Violently Dragged From Car by ICE Files Claim Against DHS
Aliya Rahman hopes to highlight tools that could “make mass acts of racial violence seem too expensive for these folks.”
Truthout
Apr 17, 2026 - truthout.org
House Judiciary Investigating Jared Kushner’s Investments From Saudi Arabia
Kushner serves as “Special Envoy for Peace” while soliciting investments from Gulf monarchies for his private business.
Truthout
Apr 17, 2026 - truthout.org
DOJ removes top prosecutor who questioned case against former CIA Director John Brennan
Maria Medetis Long told her superiors there was not sufficient basis to charge Brennan, who played a key role in the finding that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump win. The post DOJ...
MS NOW
Apr 17, 2026 - ms.now
Lewd messages linked to University of Michigan regent who led campaign against pro-Palestinian students
Jordan Acker, who pushed legal action against protesters, is running for re-election in race reflecting tensions on IsraelThe University of Michigan regent Jordan Acker, who helped lead the university...
The Guardian
Apr 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Federal judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit seeking personal details about Rhode Island voters
U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy sided with Rhode Island's top election officials and civil rights advocates, writing that federal law does not permit the U.S. Department of Justice "to conduct ...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 17, 2026 - pbs.org
OMB Head Russ Vought Refuses to Provide Financial Estimates on Iran War Costs
One policy expert estimates that costs will likely exceed $1 trillion by the end of the war.
Truthout
Apr 17, 2026 - truthout.org
New PEPFAR Data Show Worrying Declines in Testing and Treatment for H.I.V.
The numbers are the first to quantify the effect of the Trump administration’s shutdown and restarting of a program that has saved millions of lives worldwide.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Lead prosecutor on investigation into former CIA director no longer on case
Maria Medetis Long had expressed doubts over case of John Brennan, whose agency said Russia boosted Trump in 2016Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA federal ...
The Guardian
Apr 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
After weeks of fighting, ceasefire sparks cautious celebration in Lebanon
Iran declared that it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial sea traffic, which President Trump eagerly supported in a social media post. But Trump also declared that the U.S. blockade of Ira...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 17, 2026 - pbs.org
Judge sides with Arizona election official in ruling that could affect midterms voting
The top election official in Arizona's most populous county will get more authority in running elections after a judge sided with his office in a prolonged legal fight with the local board that shares...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 17, 2026 - pbs.org
Californians are pouring money into Democrats' Senate races in other states
California donors helped Democrats in key Senate races outraise their Republican opponents, according to latest campaign filings.
World & Nation
Apr 17, 2026 - latimes.com
RFK Jr. Refuses to Acknowledge He Called for “Re-Parenting” Black Kids in 2024
Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell responded to Kennedy's denial by saying, “I am absolutely not making this up.”
Truthout
Apr 17, 2026 - truthout.org
Trump Says He’s Still Blockading Iran After It Says It’s Opening Strait
Trump said that the US’s naval blockade will remain in effect until “OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE.”
Truthout
Apr 17, 2026 - truthout.org
Palestinian Prisoners Live on Hope. Israel’s Death Penalty Aims to Destroy It.
On Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, new death penalty law exacerbates a painful reality for those with imprisoned loved ones.
Truthout
Apr 17, 2026 - truthout.org
El retorno de la detención familiar
Durante el gobierno de Trump, miles de niños inmigrantes han sido detenidos y muchos han sufrido de negligencia médica.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and Analysis
Apr 17, 2026 - newyorker.com
The South Texas Democrat Who Will Sing at Your Quinceañera
Bobby Pulido, a Tejano musician who’s trying to unseat a Republican in Congress, has turned some of his district’s splashiest parties into campaign stops.