Liberal Reporting for 2026-07-18
Today’s news coverage from liberal media sources. Today's edition includes 86 articles from 14 sites. We chose these from 608 articles found on 17 sites.
Today's featured sites are:
The Intercept, Mother Jones, Vox, MS NOW, Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories, ProPublica, The Guardian, Truthout, NYT > Top Stories, BBC News, World & Nation, The Atlantic, Democracy Now! Audio, News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and Analysis.
Trump’s Formula for Forever Wars
Spencer Ackerman on Sen. Lindsey Graham’s warmongering legacy and next U.S. forever war in Iran. The post Trump’s Formula for Forever Wars appeared first on The Intercept.
The Intercept
Jul 17, 2026 - theintercept.com
Trump’s Primetime Speech Was a Dud. He Could Still Use it to Interfere in the Midterms.
Donald Trump promised “really big news” in his primetime address on election integrity on Thursday night but failed to deliver any. Instead, he recited a laundry list of disinformation and misinformat...
Mother Jones
Jul 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Francesca Hong might be the first-ever socialist governor. How would she govern?
Governor candidate Francesca Hong speaks on stage during Wisconsin Democrats 2026 Convention on June 14, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin. | Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for WisDem Update, July 17, 1 pm...
Vox
Jul 17, 2026 - vox.com
In the Wake of Fatal ICE Shootings, Democrats Drag Their Feet
“It feels like we're normalizing it,” said Rep. Delia Ramirez, who expressed disappointment with her colleagues’ lack of action on ICE. The post In the Wake of Fatal ICE Shootings, Democrats Drag Thei...
The Intercept
Jul 17, 2026 - theintercept.com
Blanche testimony has providers bracing for federal abortion crackdown
After Blanche committed to “the faithful enforcement” of a 19th century anti-abortion law, providers are preparing to shift their models of care. The post Blanche testimony has providers bracing for f...
MS NOW
Jul 17, 2026 - ms.now
Trump’s election fraud speech was a weirdly good sign for American democracy
US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump is expected to speak on election security. | Saul Loeb/Pool via Getty Im...
Vox
Jul 17, 2026 - vox.com
You asked, Joe answered
In today’s newsletter, Joe answers reader questions and catches you up on the best of “Morning Joe” from the week. The post You asked, Joe answered appeared first on MS NOW.
MS NOW
Jul 17, 2026 - ms.now
ICE and DHS’s Growing Record of Deception
Earlier this month, ICE agents in Houston shot and killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican man who had lived in the United States for 35 years. ICE claimed Salgado Araujo, who had been dr...
Mother Jones
Jul 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
House GOP releases bill to fund government until after the midterm elections
A vote on the House floor is expected next week, months ahead of the funding deadline.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - politico.com
Israel and its backers try to save its reputation in the U.S.
One challenge for pro-Israel activists is that both the U.S. and Israel have elections soon, complicating messaging strategies.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - politico.com
Two-Thirds of Shri Thanedar's Campaign Cash Came Through AIPAC as He Lost Over $600K
AIPAC bundlers have propped up the Michigan congressman, who has invested millions in campaign funds in crypto. The post Two-Thirds of Shri Thanedar’s Campaign Cash Came Through AIPAC as He Lost Over ...
The Intercept
Jul 17, 2026 - theintercept.com
A “Godzilla El Niño” next year could be a glimpse into the future
Scientists have started calling it the “Godzilla El Niño.” | Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images Scientists have started calling it the “Godzilla El Niño.” The nickname comes from actual climate resear...
Vox
Jul 17, 2026 - vox.com
DHS secretary vows fines — and even prison time — for election officials that don’t comply
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin at a Friday press conference said election officials that don’t make changes based on “information they need to secure their elections” will be held accountable.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - politico.com
California Dems seethe over Trump’s voter roll attack
The Department of Homeland Security's claim that it found hundreds of thousands of noncitizens on voter rolls in California and three other states immediately raised questions about what records DHS r...
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - politico.com
The average American is paying the price for Trump’s corruption
Americans are struggling to buy groceries and afford other basic expenses, but President Trump's personal fortune grew by roughly $2 billion last year. The post The average American is paying the pri...
MS NOW
Jul 17, 2026 - ms.now
‘Professional malpractice’: The Platner fallout engulfs the operatives who made him
A string of early missteps, like rejecting an offer for a deeper vetting of Platner, has cast doubt over his young consultants’ future in Democratic politics.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - politico.com
Newsom's Silicon Valley dilemma comes to a head: Friend or foe?
A wave of AI and social media bills is heading toward the governor's desk in his final months in office. How he handles them will help shape his legacy, and his 2028 ambitions.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - politico.com
Trump officials sour on Mullin’s No. 2 — again
“He wasn’t the right pick to begin with,” said one DHS official.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - politico.com
How a Paid Expert Reversed His View of a Notoriously Flawed Prosecution in the Rape of a Bestselling Author
The post How a Paid Expert Reversed His View of a Notoriously Flawed Prosecution in the Rape of a Bestselling Author appeared first on ProPublica.
ProPublica
Jul 17, 2026 - propublica.org
There is more than one way for Democrats to win
Party primaries are full of infighting about strategy and electability. That misses the point. The post There is more than one way for Democrats to win appeared first on MS NOW.
MS NOW
Jul 17, 2026 - ms.now
As America Baked, Team Trump Axed More Than 1,600 Energy Efficiency Web Pages
This story was originally published by the Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. As millions of Americans prepare for another brutal heatwave, it’s now harder to f...
Mother Jones
Jul 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Trump’s Election Security Speech: A Good Night for Putin
On Thursday night, after days of buildup, Donald Trump delivered a speech on election security in which he suggested US elections were threatened by China. He repeatedly pointed to China and its purpo...
Mother Jones
Jul 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Mullin threatens to penalize states that do not cooperate with DHS on election security
The homeland security secretary said states that refuse to participate in a new federal program to “secure” elections may be deprived of federal funds to run them and that state officials may be held ...
MS NOW
Jul 17, 2026 - ms.now
Josh Shapiro goes big for down-ballot Dems
The Pennsylvania governor is pouring millions into a coordinated campaign to help elect other Democrats. It could serve as a launchpad to a presidential bid.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - politico.com
‘Enough is enough’: Virginia’s ‘immovable’ power broker says data centers aren’t unstoppable
State Senate President Pro Tem L. Louise Lucas tells the POLITICO Energy Podcast that public anger over data centers cuts across demographics.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - politico.com
The White House’s guide to manhood: pop some T, restart a war and do WHAT with a corn dog? | Marina Hyde
Pete Hegseth wants to win the war on Iran with a secret weapon: testosterone. Meanwhile, JD Vance is worried about how to eat an ice-creamAre the men of the Trump administration OK? Feels like it’s be...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
DHS chief threatens states that refuse Trump’s election demands after president’s widely condemned speech – live
Markwayne Mullin follows up on president’s unproven claims as Democrats accuse Trump of ‘working to rig the midterms’ in advanceSign up for US News Breaking emailTrump makes unverified claims of China...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Republicans Want to Punish Canada for “Exporting” Its Wildfire Smoke Into the US
The Republicans make no mention of experts’ warnings that the climate crisis is supercharging the wildfires.
Truthout
Jul 17, 2026 - truthout.org
The GOP nomination is Vance’s to lose. And he might lose it.
The race to the GOP nomination likely runs through Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. | Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images On a recent episode of Today, Explained, I e...
Vox
Jul 17, 2026 - vox.com
Todd Blanche meeting leaves Epstein survivors stunned and angry
Sources tell MS NOW the acting attorney general made false representations, refused to make commitments and seemed to have no interest in meeting with survivors. The post Todd Blanche meeting leaves E...
MS NOW
Jul 17, 2026 - ms.now
Trump Media to sell Wall Street access to market-moving Truth Social posts
Trump Media said it would provide impactful statements to clients in “milliseconds,” adding to ethical questions involving the president’s businesses. The post Trump Media to sell Wall Street access t...
MS NOW
Jul 17, 2026 - ms.now
Calls Grow for Accountability From Fossil Fuel Execs Amid Climate-Fueled Fires
“We need Nuremberg trials for Big Oil,” the Sunrise Movement wrote on social media as wildfires rage across Canada.
Truthout
Jul 17, 2026 - truthout.org
Massive health insurance upheaval leaves New Yorkers with big new bills
Policy changes forced 450,000 people off the low-cost Essential Plan on July 1.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - politico.com
Fifa flies Portugal’s World Cup team on plane used for ICE deportations
Aircraft that transported team to match is same one used to deport dozens of Venezuelans to Cecot mega-prisonA plane used by the Portugal men’s soccer team to fly to a World Cup match is the same one ...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
The Hunt for Gollum is being criticised for its all-white cast. Blaming Tolkien is the wrong answer
The Lord of the Rings author’s debt to Norse mythology is simply irrelevant when it comes to the appearance of hobbits and elves on screen todayCasting has come a long way since the early 1980s when i...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
The best recent crime and thrillers – review roundup
The Runner by Scarlett Thomas; The Madman by Henning Mankell; Everything She Didn’t Say by Jane Casey; The Spy and the Snake by MJ Robotham; Murder at the End of the World by Akane ArakiThe Runner by ...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Spoiler! How prediction markets broke reality TV.
Aubry Bracco eventually won Survivor, but did Kalshi and predictive markets spoil her win months in advance? | CBS via Getty Images We live in an era where you can bet on anything: sports, elections...
Vox
Jul 17, 2026 - vox.com
Cyclospora cases are spreading. Why don’t we know more about it?
A frustrating lack of basic information about the diarrheal pathogen is due to a combination of factors, including the public health response and the complex nature of the parasite itself. The post Cy...
MS NOW
Jul 17, 2026 - ms.now
Trump Brings Full Weight of Government to Bolster False Election Claims
Intelligence agencies provided the White House with a trove of declassified documents that President Trump cited on Thursday as evidence of election vulnerabilities.
NYT > Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Trump has declared war on elections in the name of protecting them | Austin Sarat
The president’s Orwellian speech on Thursday was just the latest instance of his denialism. It is up to us to resistOn Thursday night, Donald Trump did it again, trashing another American tradition wi...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Trump administration to grant $12m to groups founded by UK conservatives Jacob Rees-Mogg and Toby Young
Exclusive: Grants are part of controversial package criticised as misuse of public money to influence European politicsDonald Trump’s state department intends to allocate $12m to organisations in the ...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Lindsey Graham’s death leaves South Carolina confronting complex legacy: ‘You loved him and you hated him’
The US state mourns its longest-serving senator while Republicans scramble to choose a successorThe South Carolina state house is a microcosm of the US’s contradictions. Outside there are memorials to...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Philippines demands ‘racist’ Chinese state media video depicting Filipinos as monkeys be taken down
Philippine defence secretary denounces video referencing South China Sea dispute as a ‘disgrace’ to regional leadershipThe Philippines strongly condemned state-run China Daily for releasing an AI-gen...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
‘I’m sorry but I’m unable to speak’: hero of India’s Cockroach party weakens on 19th day of hunger strike
The climate activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk, who has become the figurehead of anti-government protests in Delhi, is resisting calls to end his fast until the education minister resignsAs night fa...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Seth Meyers on Trump 2.0: ‘Every day is a constant stream of humiliation’
Late-night host criticised the Trump administration’s obsessions with testosterone and wet magnets as more important issues are ignoredSeth Meyers took aim at Donald Trump’s bizarre priorities and obs...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Will Trump's primetime speech help him challenge the midterm elections?
Join Americast for insights and analysis on what's happening inside Trump's White House.
BBC News
Jul 17, 2026 - bbc.co.uk
Trump repeats debunked claims about voting vulnerabilities in prime-time speech
The White House published a series of heavily redacted documents that echo debunked fraud claims about the 2020 election.
World & Nation
Jul 17, 2026 - latimes.com
Trump Has Only Terrible Choices With Iran
Some involve accepting Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz. The rest call for escalation.
The Atlantic
Jul 17, 2026 - theatlantic.com
Trump Just Did More Damage to American Elections Than China
His speech was a mash-up of charges that aren’t supported by the documents he released.
The Atlantic
Jul 17, 2026 - theatlantic.com
Democracy Now! 2026-07-17 Friday
Headlines for July 17, 2026; Denise Oliver-Vélez, Pioneering Young Lord & Black Panther, Dies at 78; Trump’s Election Integrity Speech Lays Groundwork for Midterm Interference: Ari Berman; Report from...
Democracy Now! Audio
Jul 17, 2026 - democracynow.org
As Trump Targets Trans Women in WA Prisons, Amber Kim Awaits a Court’s Verdict
The Washington State Supreme Court will rule on whether Amber Kim, who is trans, can return to a women’s prison.
Truthout
Jul 17, 2026 - truthout.org
Donald Trump’s Ad-Lib Strategy on Iran
The President promised to end what had been a quarter century of forever wars in the Middle East. Now the U.S. is mired in an intractable conflict of his own making.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and Analysis
Jul 17, 2026 - newyorker.com
Why Trump Can’t Leave the Smithsonian Alone
The Trump White House and its history police want us all to live in their chosen bubble, immune from instability or perceived disorder.
NYT > Top Stories
Jul 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
‘Master yachtsman’ who fled 2005 trial for sexual assault arrested off US coast
Ronald Fischer, 70, was sentenced to life in his absence after telling lawyer he planned to ‘enjoy life in another country’A “master yachtsman” who went on the run for more than two decades after flee...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
The week around the world in 20 pictures
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, wildfires in Europe, ICE in Maine and the World Cup semi-finals – the past seven days as captured by the world’s leading photojournalists Continue reading...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Climate change driving more rains that lead to deadly flash floods, experts say
Over the last month, states across the country have experienced record rainfall and flash floodingClimate change is driving increasingly common bouts of heavy rain in the US that cause deadly and dama...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
‘It’s a spiritual experience’: docuseries goes behind the spectacular chaos of Burning Man
In HBO’s four-part series The Man Will Burn, the psychedelic, uber-expensive festival is granted a deep diveIn 1986, a group of starving artists seeking release amid a devastating economic downturn bu...
The Guardian
Jul 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Many Ukrainian soldiers outraged over removal of defence minister, troops tell BBC
Protests erupted in Ukraine on Thursday after Mykhailo Fedorov's removal - and now soldiers are also criticising the move.
BBC News
Jul 17, 2026 - bbc.co.uk
Do declassified files support Trump's election security claims?
BBC Verify has reviewed these documents, although some of them have been heavily redacted.
BBC News
Jul 17, 2026 - bbc.co.uk
Susan Collins Is Not Concerned About Election Denial
Mortal threats to the republic are apparently a sideshow that distracts from cutting taxes, confirming judges, and deregulation.
The Atlantic
Jul 17, 2026 - theatlantic.com
Trump’s Plan for November Is Failing
His efforts to subvert the 2026 midterms have largely come up short.
The Atlantic
Jul 17, 2026 - theatlantic.com
Trump Dooms His Own Party
The president’s self-serving message will not serve the Republicans on the ballot.
The Atlantic
Jul 17, 2026 - theatlantic.com
US Bombs Iran’s Civilian Infrastructure as Trump Threatens Power Plants, Bridges
Trump once again threatened this week to take out “all” of Iran’s power plants and bridges.
Truthout
Jul 17, 2026 - truthout.org
Trump’s Speech Attacks Election Integrity While Offering No Evidence of Fraud
“No country can be great without fair and honest elections,” Trump, himself notorious for lying, said in his speech.
Truthout
Jul 17, 2026 - truthout.org
Air quality in U.S. cities reaches hazardous levels as Canadian wildfires burn
As hazy skies and smoke hovered, weather services issued alerts in Detroit, Chicago, Washington and other areas, warning people to stay inside to avoid exposing their lungs to the unhealthy air. The p...
MS NOW
Jul 17, 2026 - ms.now
Todd Blanche Just Opened the Door to a National Abortion Ban
This article has been republished from Autonomy News, a worker-owned publication covering reproductive rights and justice. Follow Autonomy News on Instagram, Bluesky, TikTok, Threads, and LinkedIn. At...
Mother Jones
Jul 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
The Election Denier Ecosystem Has a New Symbol Named Spencer Pratt
There’s a specter haunting Los Angeles, and it’s Spencer Pratt. A few days after the former reality TV heel turned Republican candidate lost his second-place spot in the Los Angeles primary mayoral el...
Mother Jones
Jul 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
Ahead of Trump speech, DHS says it found thousands of noncitizens on voter rolls
A draft press release viewed by POLITICO said noncitizens were registered in California, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 16, 2026 - politico.com
Would-Be Platner Replacements in Maine Rally Around “Abolish ICE” (or Something Close)
After ICE killed Maine father Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, most of the serious candidates to replace Platner called for abolishing or “dismantling” ICE. The post Would-Be Platner Replacements in Ma...
The Intercept
Jul 16, 2026 - theintercept.com
What ICE Didn’t Say About Its Latest Killing
Since Donald Trump returned to office, federal agents have shot at more than 20 people as part of the administration’s immigration crackdown, killing six of them. Almost all those shootings have had o...
Mother Jones
Jul 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
ICE Officers at Maine Shooting Scene Were Wearing Body Cameras. They Were Not Turned On.
ICE officers were wearing body cameras they can’t turn on, four sources said. The Trump administration said there was no footage. The post ICE Officers at Maine Shooting Scene Were Wearing Body Camera...
The Intercept
Jul 16, 2026 - theintercept.com
Moms of Black Babies More Likely to Be Flagged to Police Over Alleged Pregnancy Drug Use
The mothers of Black newborns are more likely than those of White newborns to be referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy, according to The Marshall Project’s new...
Mother Jones
Jul 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
Texas Democrats Ask for Investigation Into Ken Paxton After Our Reporting Found He May Have Violated Election Law
The post Texas Democrats Ask for Investigation Into Ken Paxton After Our Reporting Found He May Have Violated Election Law appeared first on ProPublica.
ProPublica
Jul 16, 2026 - propublica.org
Trump calls for revocation of ABC, NBC licenses over speech snub
The president said networks that didn't air his primetime address on election security had committed "fraud."
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Jul 16, 2026 - politico.com
‘Enemies of civilization’: top Trump officials launch sweeping attack on left
Marco Rubio and Stephen Miller took aim at only leftwing activism at meeting of 66 nations against political violenceTop Trump officials on Thursday hosted a gathering of 66 nations to discuss the sup...
The Guardian
Jul 16, 2026 - theguardian.com
Trump Under Fire for Diverting Disaster Relief Workers to Immigration Policing
Trump administration officials were notably absent from a House hearing on reforming FEMA this week.
Truthout
Jul 16, 2026 - truthout.org
Miller Labels Leftists a “Cancer” That World Must “Root Out” in Fascistic Speech
People with left-wing beliefs are “enemies of civilization,” said Miller in a speech with numerous McCarthyist echoes.
Truthout
Jul 16, 2026 - truthout.org
The dirtiest air in the world
Smoke from wildfires in Canada shrouds the view north to midtown Manhattan on July 15, 2026. | Gary Hershorn/Getty Images This story appeared in Today, Explained, a daily newsletter that helps you u...
Vox
Jul 16, 2026 - vox.com
Political crisis and protests in Ukraine as Zelenskyy defends sacking defence minister
President says he had to choose ‘one side or the other’ after breakdown of relations between ministry and military leadersUkraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has defended his decision to dismiss...
The Guardian
Jul 16, 2026 - theguardian.com
The Manosphere and Christian Nationalist Roots of Hegseth’s “Low-T” Fixation
On Wednesday, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced an initiative to screen US military members for low testosterone. “The modern battlefield is brutal and unrelenting,” he said. “It requires...
Mother Jones
Jul 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
In Gaza, Lindsey Graham’s Legacy Will Be Defending Genocide of Palestinians
Civilians in Gaza saw his words and actions as dehumanizing, meant to portray Palestinians as monsters and terrorists.
Truthout
Jul 16, 2026 - truthout.org
ICC staffer talks publicly about alleged sexual abuse by chief prosecutor Karim Khan
Female lawyer tells CNN’s Christiane Amanpour about alleged ‘escalation of attempts’ as second woman also speaks outTwo women who have accused the chief prosecutor of the international criminal court,...
The Guardian
Jul 16, 2026 - theguardian.com
Trump made $1.4bn from crypto in one year. Is Justin Sun the man who helped him do it?
The entrepreneur is known in Washington as the financial power behind the president’s crypto fortune. How did Sun’s business love-in with the Trump family spiral into dueling lawsuits?The most infamou...
The Guardian
Jul 16, 2026 - theguardian.com
Truth Social Is Selling Instant Access to Trump’s Posts to Banks and Traders
The news comes as Trump faces scrutiny for promoting companies on Truth Social that he bought stock in.
Truthout
Jul 16, 2026 - truthout.org
Kids Forced to Evacuate Hospital as US Ramps Up Attacks on Iran’s Civilian Areas
“This constitutes a cowardly war crime against the most innocent,” said a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
Truthout
Jul 16, 2026 - truthout.org
103 House Democrats Vote to Cut $3.3B in Funding to Israel, Marking Shift
As the House voted, Israel continued bombing Gaza, including in an attack that killed two parents and their child.