Liberal Reporting for 2026-04-21
Today’s news coverage from liberal media sources.
Escape route from Iran energy shock leads to China, U.S. allies find
Countries are navigating between the desire to speed up the green transition and worries over Beijing’s clean-tech dominance.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - politico.com
Big-city politicians are starting to worry about the World Cup
A long-planned spectacle collides with the messy domestic politics and global instability of the present.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - politico.com
These Middle Eastern News Sites Are Actually U.S. Government Propaganda Operations
Al-Fassel and Pishtaz News publish pro-U.S. coverage about the war on Iran and the Trump administration’s plan to redevelop Gaza. The post These Middle Eastern News Sites Are Actually U.S. Government ...
The Intercept
Apr 20, 2026 - theintercept.com
LAPD Deployed Drones to Spy on No Kings Protest
Flight records show that Los Angeles police dispatched drones 32 times over last month’s No Kings rally. The post LAPD Deployed Drones to Spy on No Kings Protest appeared first on The Intercept.
The Intercept
Apr 20, 2026 - theintercept.com
Israel’s critics are winning the battle for the Democratic Party
Sen Bernie Sanders (I-VT) put forth a resolution to block a military sale to Israel that won support from 40 of 47 Senate Democrats Wednesday. | Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images The politics of Israel h...
Vox
Apr 20, 2026 - vox.com
Set on ousting Cassidy, MAHA faces first midterms test
Movement leaders' efforts to sway the midterms, starting with defeating Sen. Bill Cassidy, will help determine whether MAHA outlasts Trump
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - politico.com
The Clock Is Ticking to Secure the Midterms — Here’s What the Experts Say
7 practical ways to keep the November elections free and fair.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - politico.com
Republicans stare down a growing, neverending FISA crisis
Continued disagreements over the extension of a key government spy authority are threatening other facets of the GOP agenda.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - politico.com
The Supreme Court will decide when the police can use your phone to track you
Vice President JD Vance holds a highly sophisticated tracking device that the government can use to monitor his every move. | Jonathan Ernst-Pool/Getty Images Check your pocket. You’re probably carr...
Vox
Apr 20, 2026 - vox.com
ICE’s hiring spree led to recruits of ‘questionable qualifications,’ adding to pattern
The entirety of the Trump presidency has been a grand experiment in what happens when an administration embraces amateurism and deprofessionalization. The post ICE’s hiring spree led to recruits of ‘...
MS NOW
Apr 20, 2026 - ms.now
The “Messy” Plaintiffs Behind So Many Anti-Abortion Lawsuits
Jerry Rodriguez appeared to be a deeply aggrieved man—the victim of a scheme orchestrated by his girlfriend’s domineering ex-partner to “murder” not one, but two, of his “unborn children.” In a lawsui...
Mother Jones
Apr 20, 2026 - motherjones.com
The Tea, Spilled by Morning Joe: ‘Good tactics and bad strategy is the slowest way to lose a war’
In today’s newsletter: The latest on the Iran War, Virginians head to redistricting vote and more. The post The Tea, Spilled by Morning Joe: ‘Good tactics and bad strategy is the slowest way to lose a...
MS NOW
Apr 20, 2026 - ms.now
Beyond the UK and US manosphere lies a deeper, darker global problem
In this week’s newsletter: the rise of misogyny around the world; the Sudan war enters its fourth year; and a key vote on slave trade reparationsI finally got round to watching Louis Theroux’s Inside ...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
U.S. military officials take steps to address climate crisis, even as they avoid the term
Political figures have the luxury of ignorance. Military leaders, however, tend to focus on solving problems, not scratching ideological itches. The post U.S. military officials take steps to address ...
MS NOW
Apr 20, 2026 - ms.now
California treasurer Fiona Ma tied to Chinese school cited in scathing audit
Ma told students during a 2023 visit to the school that she could help provide internships and job opportunities in California, according to a post on the school's website.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - politico.com
Trump’s “Petro-Imperialism” Is Pushing the US and Iran to the Brink
Petro-imperialism is back in a big way. On Monday, Iran’s military vowed to execute “necessary action” against US forces after it fired at and seized an Iranian-flagged ship the day before—destroying ...
Mother Jones
Apr 20, 2026 - motherjones.com
DOJ sends an unsubtle signal to prosecutors about Trump’s retaliatory expectations
A veteran prosecutor was removed from a closely watched case under controversial circumstances. Her successor’s name might sound familiar. The post DOJ sends an unsubtle signal to prosecutors about Tr...
MS NOW
Apr 20, 2026 - ms.now
Team Trump reverses its reversal, gives Russia another break on oil sanctions
“Enough is enough,” key Senate Democrats said. “President Trump needs to stop letting Putin play him for a fool.” The post Team Trump reverses its reversal, gives Russia another break on oil sanctions...
MS NOW
Apr 20, 2026 - ms.now
Democrats urged to link clean energy to affordability as Iran war hikes up prices
Climate leaders say Democrats need to extol clean energy as a way to cut costs for Americans as war roils oil marketsDemocrats should get louder in championing clean energy’s affordability and resilie...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Trump Pardoned a Nursing Home Owner Who Owed Almost $19 Million to a Grieving Family
The post Trump Pardoned a Nursing Home Owner Who Owed Almost $19 Million to a Grieving Family appeared first on ProPublica.
ProPublica
Apr 20, 2026 - propublica.org
Pete Hegseth’s spiritual leader explains his radical faith
“I don’t hear anything from him that contradicts what we teach, and I believe that he’s a consistent Christian gentleman,” Pastor Doug Wilson said about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the Today, Ex...
Vox
Apr 20, 2026 - vox.com
Monday’s Campaign Round-Up, 4.20.26: Obama makes one last pitch ahead of Virginia race
Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country. The post Monday’s Campaign Round-Up, 4.20.26: Obama makes one last pitch ahead of Virginia race appeared first on MS NOW.
MS NOW
Apr 20, 2026 - ms.now
The Town That Reveals All of Trump’s Bad Economic Ideas
The jobs are coming back, despite President Trump’s tariffs and harsh immigration enforcement.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - nytimes.com
Elaine Luria, January 6 panel member seeking political comeback, says ‘the wind is on our back’ as Democrats try to flip House
Luria, who lost her seat to a Republican after standing up to Trump, has secured key endorsements in Virginia raceElaine Luria – once a member of the congressional committee that investigated the Janu...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Palantir Wants To Bring Back the Draft
On Sunday afternoon, Palantir, the defense-tech company that sells software to clients like ICE, the US military, and the Israeli military, decided to give us all a piece of their mind. The company’s ...
Mother Jones
Apr 20, 2026 - motherjones.com
The Iran War’s Wild Spike in Diesel Prices Is Eating Into Your Earnings
This story was originally published by Grist and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. The first thing drivers probably check when they go to the gas station is the cost of gas...
Mother Jones
Apr 20, 2026 - motherjones.com
Progressive Group Founded by Bernie Sanders Endorses Billionaire for California Governor
Our Revolution is hoping to rally Democrats to Tom Steyer to prevent a Republican from taking the governor's mansion. The post Progressive Group Founded by Bernie Sanders Endorses Billionaire for Cali...
The Intercept
Apr 20, 2026 - theintercept.com
How to make unemployment suck a little less
When I was laid off from my role as an editor for a magazine in late 2024, logically, I knew what I was supposed to think: Don’t tie your self-worth to a job. After all, it’s just a job. While I did...
Vox
Apr 20, 2026 - vox.com
The White House’s personal, financial and diplomatic lines keep blurring
The story of how powerful Syrians convinced U.S. officials to end sanctions is a case study in how much Team Trump has changed policymaking. The post The White House’s personal, financial and diplomat...
MS NOW
Apr 20, 2026 - ms.now
Supreme Court takes up another clash between religious and LGBTQ+ rights
The justices agreed to decide whether Colorado’s universal pre-K program must fund Catholic preschools that won’t accept kids with same-sex parents.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - politico.com
Trump Administration Takes Steps to Refund $166 Billion in Tariffs
The government debuted a system to repay importers two months after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs at the heart of the president’s trade policy.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - nytimes.com
How the Lebanon Ceasefire Could Make It Harder to End the War on Iran
The deal is a welcome reprieve from Israel’s bombing — but separating Lebanon from the ceasefire with Iran sets a dangerous precedent. The post How the Lebanon Ceasefire Could Make It Harder to End th...
The Intercept
Apr 20, 2026 - theintercept.com
WI GOP Gov Candidate Mocks Dem Over Her Factual Observations on Climate Crisis
Hailstorms cause millions of dollars in property damage yearly in Wisconsin, mostly to the state's farmland.
Truthout
Apr 20, 2026 - truthout.org
Justice Jackson keeps calling out what she sees as needless Supreme Court interventions
The Biden appointee said she “cannot fathom” why her colleagues felt the need to summarily reverse a lower court in a Fourth Amendment case. The post Justice Jackson keeps calling out what she sees a...
MS NOW
Apr 20, 2026 - ms.now
Trump administration begins refunding more than $166bn in tariffs
Claims system launches months after supreme court ruled Trump had no legal authority to impose tariffsSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe Trump administrat...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Supreme court to hear Catholic preschool case over funding and LGBTQ+ rights
Schools say Colorado violated their rights by excluding them from state-funded program over admission policiesSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe supreme c...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Iran war energy crisis: how bad could it get? – The Latest
Oil and gas prices have jumped again as shipping through the strait of Hormuz came to a virtual standstill after Iran closed the waterway over the US blockade and Donald Trump announced an Iranian car...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
The Guardian view on the EU and Israel: moving beyond mere exhortation | Editorial
Benjamin Netanyahu has brushed aside European concerns over Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. A tougher approach from Brussels is overdueIn recent months, European expressions of concern over the actio...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Migrants rush to apply under Spain's new mass legalization program
Spain has launched a mass legalization measure for migrants, allowing them to apply in-person for legal status. It contrasts with other European countries that are tightening immigration controls.
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 20, 2026 - pbs.org
Top Biden Official Supports Trump Iran Attack, Says Biden May Have Done The Same
Hochstein said Democratic officials simulated attacks on Iran “because that may have had to happen under our watch.”
Truthout
Apr 20, 2026 - truthout.org
Trump’s presidency is what evil looks like: absurd, frightening, cruel | Nesrine Malik
Commentators have said that the US president’s clownishness and lack of ideology somehow make him less dangerous. They’re wrongOver the past few weeks, a random kaleidoscope of images has been flashin...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
US spending on ‘reckless’ Iran war could have saved 87m lives, says UN
Head of UN’s humanitarian agency frustrated that $2bn weekly cost of conflict comes amid big cuts to aid budgets The $2bn (£1.5bn) a week that Donald Trump was spending on his reckless war in Iran cou...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Carney says Canada’s strong economic ties to US are ‘weakness’ to be corrected
Prime minister details efforts to attract investment and sign trade deals with other countries in 10-minute video addressCanada’s strong economic ties to the United States were once a strength but are...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Will RFK Jr’s podcast actually address Americans’ public health concerns?
Secretary Kennedy Podcast so far seems designed to promote Trump administration talking points over any specific public health messageRobert F Kennedy Jr’s new Secretary Kennedy Podcast is a show that...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Who owns presidential records? Trump's Justice Department says it's him
The Trump administration asserts that a nearly 50-year-old law requiring the preservation of presidential records is unconstitutional. Historians warn important papers could be destroyed.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - npr.org
Trump tells PBS News that 'lots of bombs start going off' if Iran ceasefire expires
The statement came during a phone call with White House correspondent Liz Landers focused on the Iran war, as a U.S. delegation is preparing for more peace talks.
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 20, 2026 - pbs.org
DOJ’s First ‘Weaponization’ Report Is a Bust
The document purports to show bias under the Biden administration—and fails spectacularly.
The Atlantic
Apr 20, 2026 - theatlantic.com
As Fuel Protests Sweep Ireland, the Left Points to Imperialism as the Culprit
Activists in Ireland are refusing the co-optation of fuel protests by the far right and demanding government action.
Truthout
Apr 20, 2026 - truthout.org
Confronting ugly allegations, FBI Director Kash Patel files new $250 million lawsuit
The Atlantic reported that FBI personnel have expressed concerns about the director’s unexplained absences and excessive drinking. He sued a few days later. The post Confronting ugly allegations, FBI ...
MS NOW
Apr 20, 2026 - ms.now
The Iran War Sent Shock Waves Through Asia That Are Likely to Spread
The Asia-Pacific was hit hard and quick by the war in Iran and its energy bottlenecks. Scenes of crisis there indicate that problems are multiplying and spreading.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - nytimes.com
Vance Heads to New Talks With Iran. At Stake: Peace and His Own Standing.
The vice president is again center stage, after abruptly leaving the first round of high-level Iranian peace talks without an agreement.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - nytimes.com
Kevin Warsh, Trump’s Fed Pick, to Defend Bank’s Ability to Set Rates Independently
Kevin M. Warsh is set to testify at the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday even as a criminal investigation into the central bank risks delaying his ascension to become the next chair.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - nytimes.com
Why a Democratic Senate, Once Unthinkable, Is a Real Possibility
Helped by a favorable national environment and strong candidate recruitment, Democrats are tied or ahead in four Republican-held seats, polls show.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - nytimes.com
The Trump Administration Is Coming After Birth Control Access in a Terrifying New Way
The new Title X guidance from the Trump administration mentions contraception only once.
NYT > Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - nytimes.com
Kash Patel sues the Atlantic over article alleging excessive drinking
Magazine has stood behind the story, which was written by veteran national security reporter Sarah FitzpatrickKash Patel has followed through on a threat to sue the Atlantic and the author of a story ...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
‘We’re Catholic first’: Sunday mass attenders weigh in on Trump’s feud with Pope Leo
Catholics around Atlanta share mixed feelings on faith and politics as Trump engages in rhetorical war with popeAlex Sullivan tended to his five children on the lawn after a traditional Latin mass at ...
The Guardian
Apr 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Peace talks are in doubt as the U.S. seizes an Iranian ship
President Trump said a U.S. delegation will head to Pakistan to resume talks to end the war with Iran, but Tehran expressed reluctance after the U.S. seized one of its cargo ships in the Strait of Hor...
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - npr.org
Data centers are expensive, unpopular — and could be a tipping point in the midterms
Anger over the data center boom has spilled into politics with voters unseating local politicians who support them. It's become an issue hard to ignore in the midterm elections.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - npr.org
Voters say they feel confused and misled on Virginia's redistricting vote
Contradictory election mailers, conflicting TV ads and vague wording on the ballot have Virginia voters saying that the campaigns on either side of the redistricting vote are muddying the waters.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - npr.org
A humanoid robot sprints past the human half-marathon world record in Beijing race
The winner from Honor, a Chinese smartphone maker, completed the race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, running faster than the human world record in a show of China's technological leaps.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Apr 20, 2026 - npr.org
US releases video of forces seizing Iranian ship
The US has intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf as part of its naval blockade, Donald Trump has said.
BBC News
Apr 20, 2026 - bbc.com
Oil prices rise after Trump says Iranian ship seized
Energy markets have seen wild swings since the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February.
BBC News
Apr 20, 2026 - bbc.com
Why and how is US blockading Iranian ports in Strait of Hormuz?
Donald Trump says that the US is blockading the Strait of Hormuz. What does this mean in practice?
BBC News
Apr 20, 2026 - bbc.com
Are insider traders making millions from Trump's announcements?
The BBC has found significant spikes in activity shortly before the US president made some announcements.
BBC News
Apr 20, 2026 - bbc.com
Trump tariff refunds begin but consumers likely to miss out
Businesses can apply online through a portal for refunds expected to total $160bn.
BBC News
Apr 20, 2026 - bbc.com
Supreme Court will hear from religious preschools challenging exclusion from taxpayer-funded program
The faith-based facilities argue it's unconstitutional to bar them from a taxpayer-funded free preschool program because of their admission restrictions on LGBTQ+ families and kids.
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 20, 2026 - pbs.org
Democracy Now! 2026-04-20 Monday
Headlines for April 20, 2026; “Gulf of Trust” Between Iran & U.S. as End of Ceasefire Nears, Peace Talks Uncertain; Who Is Breaking International Law in the Strait of Hormuz? It’s Not Iran, Says Schol...
Democracy Now! Audio
Apr 20, 2026 - democracynow.org
Ex-Kennedy Center curator says Trump’s takeover left him ‘mortified’
Josef Palermo sat down with MS NOW to discuss why he believes what happened behind closed doors at the center was “far worse than the public knows.” The post Ex-Kennedy Center curator says Trump’s tak...
MS NOW
Apr 20, 2026 - ms.now
Trump’s Approval Rating Sinks to Lowest Point of His Second Term
President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have dropped to their lowest level since the start of his second term. According to the NBC News Decision Desk Poll released on Sunday, only 37 percent of ad...
Mother Jones
Apr 19, 2026 - motherjones.com
Trump Threatens War Crimes in Iran Again
In a Truth Social tirade on Sunday morning, President Donald Trump claimed that Iran violated their ceasefire agreement with the US by firing shots at ships in the Strait of Hormuz and again threatene...
Mother Jones
Apr 19, 2026 - motherjones.com
Canada's prime minister says economic connection to the U.S. has shifted from a strength to a weakness
Prime Minister Mark Carney said tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump have impacted workers in such major industries as auto and steel and prompted businesses to hold back investments.
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 19, 2026 - pbs.org
Iranian American woman arrested in Los Angeles for alleged arms trafficking
Federal prosecutor says woman is suspected of dealing weapons to Africa on behalf of Iranian governmentA California woman was arrested at Los Angeles international airport after allegedly trafficking ...
The Guardian
Apr 19, 2026 - theguardian.com
Oil prices spike again following latest standoff in the Strait of Hormuz
The ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Iran prevented tankers from passing through. The price of U.S. crude oil increased 6.4% to $87.88 per barrel after trading resumed on the Chicago Mercantile Exch...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
Apr 19, 2026 - pbs.org
Israel Intensifies Destruction Across Southern Lebanon Despite Ceasefire
Israeli forces have destroyed over 1,000 homes daily since March 2, according to Lebanon’s scientific research council.