Liberal Reporting for 2026-06-21
Today’s news coverage from liberal media sources. Today's edition includes 60 articles from 14 sites. We chose these from 602 articles found on 17 sites.
Today's featured sites are:
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories, The Intercept, MS NOW, Mother Jones, Vox, The Guardian, Truthout, NYT > Top Stories, News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and Analysis, NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories, World & Nation, BBC News, The Atlantic, National.
Tom Cotton, the Senate’s foremost Iran hawk, is in a Trump-induced jam
A decade after blasting a remarkably similar Iran deal, the Intelligence chair is now treading carefully.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jun 20, 2026 - politico.com
A small conservative group rises in influence under Trump 2.0
Republicans are increasingly turning to the Capital Research Center’s work in their investigations into nonprofits.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jun 20, 2026 - politico.com
FBI Tried to Flip Anti-ICE Protesters Into Informants
“They were asking me to inform,” said a protester, one of dozens contacted by the feds, who was arrested while playing the cello. The post FBI Tried to Flip Anti-ICE Protesters Into Informants appeare...
The Intercept
Jun 20, 2026 - theintercept.com
Trump Is Tired of Arming Allies. This Country Is Stepping Up.
The U.S. retreat from the global stage is an opportunity for South Korea.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jun 20, 2026 - politico.com
The Quiet Unraveling of America’s Food Safety Net
Maine had a plan to feed its hungry. Then came Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jun 20, 2026 - politico.com
The Surprising Reaction Inside Iran to Its War Victory
Despite extracting extraordinary concessions, the reaction in Iran isn’t entirely jubilant. Past betrayals are too recent to forget. The post The Surprising Reaction Inside Iran to Its War Victory app...
The Intercept
Jun 20, 2026 - theintercept.com
Elon Musk’s right-wing cheerleaders are deeply offended by criticism of his trillionaire status
Musk’s superfans cape for the ultra-powerful and insult the working class, while posing as “anti-elites.” The post Elon Musk’s right-wing cheerleaders are deeply offended by criticism of his trilliona...
MS NOW
Jun 20, 2026 - ms.now
The Reflecting Pool Mess Is Right Out of Trump’s Destructive Playbook
President Donald Trump is blaming “Vandalism” by “Radical Left Lunatics” for some of the struggles of his beloved Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool remodeling project. “Just like three days ago, they d...
Mother Jones
Jun 20, 2026 - motherjones.com
10 reasons why the World Cup is the greatest sporting event on Earth
Vozinha of Cabo Verde celebrates after the World Cup match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026. | Marvin Ibo Guengoer/GES Sportfoto/Getty Images Most major sporting even...
Vox
Jun 20, 2026 - vox.com
Trump loyalist Jim Jordan linked to group that received ‘dark money’ from ICE detention contractor
Report finds close ties between the Trump administration and Geo Group, which profits from anti-immigration crackdownJim Jordan is among the most famous names in this stretch of Ohio.The congressman a...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
ICE Halts Efforts to Open Several Immigration Jails
While the news is an important victory, the immigrant rights movement must continue to grow.
Truthout
Jun 20, 2026 - truthout.org
A big new test of Zohran Mamdani’s influence
State Rep. Alex Bores, a Democratic House candidate in New York, during a "Get Out the Vote" rally on the first day of early voting in New York on June 13, 2026. | Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Im...
Vox
Jun 20, 2026 - vox.com
Jay-Z sees yet another Black boycott as a chance for him to make money
The hip-hop legend and media mogul is partnering with Target to push out a new collector’s item: a 30th-anniversary edition of “Reasonable Doubt” on vinyl. The post Jay-Z sees yet another Black boycot...
MS NOW
Jun 20, 2026 - ms.now
Iran announces plans to close the Strait of Hormuz, alleging ‘violations of the ceasefire’
It was unclear as of Saturday afternoon whether the strait was closed.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jun 20, 2026 - politico.com
'On the sidelines': Community bankers fear they are missing out on their moment
The Independent Community Bankers of America, a historically powerful lobbying group, faces member unrest as it navigates Trump's deregulatory agenda.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jun 20, 2026 - politico.com
Trump Takes Two Steps Back in Ending His Iran War
On Saturday, Iran’s military announced it had closed shipping along the Strait of Hormuz, saying the US violated its deal to end the war by allowing Israel to continue to bomb Lebanon. Iran had just s...
Mother Jones
Jun 20, 2026 - motherjones.com
Iran says Strait of Hormuz is closed, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon
The U.S. military contradicted that, while conflicting statements by Israel and Hezbollah further complicated the looming talks between the U.S. and Iran. The post Iran says Strait of Hormuz is closed...
MS NOW
Jun 20, 2026 - ms.now
I’m an openly gay sportswriter. Allowing athletes to protest Pride has a big silver lining.
Don’t be mad that athletes are shunning Pride celebrations. Be glad they’re showing us their true colors. The post I’m an openly gay sportswriter. Allowing athletes to protest Pride has a big silver l...
MS NOW
Jun 20, 2026 - ms.now
Barack and Michelle Obama hope ‘America will see itself’ in newly opened presidential center
“Regardless of whether you voted for us, or like us or have nasty things to say about us,” the former first lady told MS NOW. “You will feel seen here.” The post Barack and Michelle Obama hope ‘Ameri...
MS NOW
Jun 20, 2026 - ms.now
Democratic Socialists Took City Hall. Now They’re Aiming at Congress.
After propelling Zohran Mamdani to become mayor of New York City, the Democratic Socialists of America are trying to take down incumbents in the House and the State Legislature.
NYT > Top Stories
Jun 20, 2026 - nytimes.com
‘It’s not science, it’s coercion’: health experts decry RFK Jr order on hantavirus quarantine
Kennedy overrides CDC order saying an American who came into contact with hantavirus can self-quarantine The Trump administration is employing “authoritarian” and “unconstitutional” quarantine measure...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
‘They have all the power’: investigation finds that 93% of ICE arrests targeted Latinos
430 ICE street arrests filed over a five-month period were clustered in predominantly Latino communities across New Jersey and New YorkFederal agents have arrested hundreds of immigrants off New York ...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
DC’s ‘renovated’ pool reflects the Trump administration’s dangerous hubris
When asked what his takeaways from the Iran war were, Trump said he believed there were no limits to his powerIt’s been a busy week for the US’s birthday boy. First, there was the cage fight on the Wh...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Trump blames ‘radical left lunatics’ and an ABC reporter for reflecting pool issues
The president said law enforcement is investigating and that the algae is “75% gone” as crews pump green water out of the pool after its $14 million renovation. The post Trump blames ‘radical left lun...
MS NOW
Jun 20, 2026 - ms.now
Trump tried to stage a celebration. America found someone else to cheer for.
First comes the clumsy effort to glorify the president. Then comes the public reaction that elevates the very people and values he is trying to diminish. The post Trump tried to stage a celebration. A...
MS NOW
Jun 20, 2026 - ms.now
How the Trump Administration Pushed Judges to Deport Children
The D.O.J. has fast-tracked immigration cases for unaccompanied minors and fired judges who appear not to comply.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and Analysis
Jun 20, 2026 - newyorker.com
Disability Groups Fear RFK Jr.’s New Special Education Role
Alienated by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims about autism, advocates for disabled students are sounding the alarm about the Trump administration's shifting special education programs to his d...
NYT > Top Stories
Jun 20, 2026 - nytimes.com
A Kennedy, a ‘nerd’, an ex-Republican and a tech target: New York races toward a House seat
In NY-12, four Democrats, including one Kennedy, are vying to replace Jerry Nadler – and potentially shake things upWhen news broke that a safely Democratic seat in New York’s wealthiest congressional...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Even in this age of what Mark Carney calls global rupture, do not despair: there is still hope for international law | Nathalie Tocci
Developments in Ukraine and Iran show that the military superpowers are not getting it all their own wayOur age of what Mark Carney called global rupture is also often described as following the “law ...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
US treasury chief urged Trump not to host ‘Mr Bean on crack’ Zelenskyy, book says
Suggestion that Scott Bessent so described a world leader included in Regime Change, by New York Times reportersScott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, advised Donald Trump not to host Volodymyr Zel...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy to Belarus – remove Russian relay stations or ‘we’ll do it’
Zelenskyy says a week should be enough time for Belarus to remove stations, calls for a stop to refined oil supplies to Russian army. What we know on day 1,578Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a week should be...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
A California man's case highlights gaps in care and oversight at DHS detention centers
Federal officers shot Ricardo Parias eight months ago during an ICE operation to detain him. His lawyer says he is still in pain, highlighting gaps in oversight and care in DHS facilities.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Jun 20, 2026 - npr.org
Chabria: Behested payments aren't illegal, but they are a problem. Especially for Newsom
Media and pundits pounced on millions in charity payments Gov. Gavin Newsom has solicited for nonprofits, including ones his wife is involved in.
World & Nation
Jun 20, 2026 - latimes.com
Trump May Be Drawing Down Iran War, But He’s Demanding Billions More for Bombs
The GOP is souring on Trump’s $1.5 trillion military budget as the president pushes for yet another reconciliation bill.
Truthout
Jun 20, 2026 - truthout.org
Trump’s DC makeover frenzy bewilders locals and visitors: ‘It’s like we’re under occupation’
From East Wing demolition and ‘restoration’ of reflecting pool to bridge and fountain renovations, US capital is ‘a different city right now’On the edge of Lafayette Square, a landmark park near the W...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Iran says it is closing strait of Hormuz over Israeli strikes in Lebanon
Unclear if threat has been carried out or if move will jeopardise talks with US scheduled for SundayIran has said it is closing the strait of Hormuz after waves of Israeli strikes in Lebanon in a move...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Trump acknowledges ‘real problems’ at reflecting pool after $14m makeover, blaming ‘vandalism’
His vaunted renovation of the Washington attraction has resulted in an algae bloom and peeling paintDonald Trump has blamed “vandalism” for “real problems” at Washington’s reflecting pool after an alg...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Texas environmentalists lose bid to block Musk’s SpaceX from closing beach
Ruling means Boca Chica Beach, located near sprawling Starbase site, likely to close during future rocket launchesA Texas beach can be closed during rocket launches by Elon Musk’s SpaceX after the sta...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
The hill I will die on: Going to a gig is an endurance test | Sasha Mistlin
Muddy sound systems, pricey tickets and a strong chance of getting showered with someone’s stale beer – give me a nice sit-down in a cinema any timeA few years back I went to see one of my favourite r...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Key Trump allies and Musk on leaked list for secretive Peter Thiel retreat
Figures including Jared Kushner and Scott Bessent named in directory of Dialog participants that was exposed onlineA website leak has exposed participants in the secretive, Peter Thiel-founded Dialog ...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Can we electrify the world? Ambition moves from nerdish backwater to centre stage
Apart from effort to electrify, there were geopolitical tensions around climate science and the 1.5C goal at pre-Cop31 climate talksElectrifying the world – with electric vehicles, electric heating an...
The Guardian
Jun 20, 2026 - theguardian.com
Bolivian president declares state of emergency after weeks of protests
The move comes after weeks of anti-government protests that have caused a shortage of basic goods in Bolivia.
BBC News
Jun 20, 2026 - bbc.com
Trump’s Second Gamble on Iran
If the regime can’t be dislodged by force, maybe it can be bribed.
The Atlantic
Jun 20, 2026 - theatlantic.com
The Beautiful Game Is More Unaffordable Than Ever
The World Cup is here. For the first time, the tournament is happening in three countries at once: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It’s bigger than ever, with more teams, more games, more view...
Mother Jones
Jun 20, 2026 - motherjones.com
Sentencing of Palestine Action Defendants Marks a Dangerous Escalation
A committee representing them says “by taking direct action, they saved lives. That is not terrorism, it is a duty.”
Truthout
Jun 20, 2026 - truthout.org
Cyclist arrested at Reflecting Pool is former Olympian who denies vandalism claims
David Hearn said he touched the Reflecting Pool’s detached liner but “didn’t destroy or break or peel anything.” Trump has accused vandals of sabotaging the refurbishment as paint was seen peeling and...
National
Jun 20, 2026 - washingtonpost.com
Meloni, Trump trade barbs in escalating spat over G7 photo
“She wants to be friends again,’ Trump wrote on social media. ‘No thanks!!!’
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jun 20, 2026 - politico.eu
Report: ICE Caused Humanitarian Crisis in Minnesota
The global NGO Human Rights Watch released a report Thursday alleging widespread human rights violations by the federal government during “Operation Metro Surge,” the massive ICE deployment in Minneso...
Mother Jones
Jun 19, 2026 - motherjones.com
RFK Jr. is now in charge of helping some of the students he has publicly insulted
The Education Department wants to shift key functions of the office overseeing special education to the Department of Health and Human Services. The post RFK Jr. is now in charge of helping some of th...
MS NOW
Jun 19, 2026 - ms.now
Trump DOJ refuses to kill ‘anti-weaponization’ fund in sworn court declaration
In a notice to a federal judge, the Trump administration says such a sworn declaration is “unnecessary” and a violation of separation of powers. The post Trump DOJ refuses to kill ‘anti-weaponization’...
MS NOW
Jun 19, 2026 - ms.now
Chud the Builder Fantasized About “Race War.” Now He’s Charged With Attempted Murder.
Dalton Eatherly streams his racist provocations online. It was only a matter of time before the violence rhetoric entered the real world. The post Chud the Builder Fantasized About “Race War.” Now He’...
The Intercept
Jun 19, 2026 - theintercept.com
The Tea, Spilled by Morning Joe: Friday edition
In today’s newsletter, Joe answers reader questions and catches you up on the best of “Morning Joe” from the week. The post The Tea, Spilled by Morning Joe: Friday edition appeared first on MS NOW.
MS NOW
Jun 19, 2026 - ms.now
Revolt in small Georgia town appears to ward off ICE detention center
Social Circle announces homeland security has canceled plans to convert warehouse to detain up to 10,000 peopleThe small town of Social Circle in rural Georgia has announced that the Department of Hom...
The Guardian
Jun 19, 2026 - theguardian.com
HHS Pushes Fetal Personhood in New Grant Guidelines
A recent funding notice from the Department of Health and Human Services seems to contain a message for the anti-abortion movement: the administration hasn’t entirely forgotten them. The announcement...
Mother Jones
Jun 19, 2026 - motherjones.com
Biden’s bid to block release of recordings made with ghostwriter fails
Judge finds public interest outweighs privacy rights in request made by staffer at Heritage FoundationA federal judge on Friday rejected Joe Biden’s attempt to block the Trump administration from rele...
The Guardian
Jun 19, 2026 - theguardian.com
Trump unveils new Air Force One, a converted Qatari 747
New craft, called VC-25B Bridge, had provoked protest since $400m jet wildly exceeds limit on unsolicited giftsDonald Trump unveiled the new, temporary Air Force One at a hangar at Joint Base Andrews ...
The Guardian
Jun 19, 2026 - theguardian.com
UN Expert Calls for Global Condemnation After 3 More Killed in Trump Boat Strike
The total death toll of the administration’s illegal boat bombing operation is now at least 211 people.
Truthout
Jun 19, 2026 - truthout.org
Trump Shifts Stance in South Carolina After Losses in Governor’s Races
On Friday the president made the unusual move of endorsing both candidates in the Republican runoff for South Carolina governor, after initially supporting one of them.
NYT > Top Stories
Jun 19, 2026 - nytimes.com
The week around the world in 20 pictures
Ukrainian strikes on a Moscow oil refinery, protests at the G7 summit, wildfires in Spain and Messi at the World Cup – the past seven days as captured by the world’s leading photojournalistsWarning: t...
The Guardian
Jun 19, 2026 - theguardian.com
Choice to Keep Coal Plants Open Will Cost Some Coloradans Their Lives
Across the nation, coal power has received a lifeline from the Trump administration and state officials.