Liberal Reporting for 2026-10-18
Today’s news coverage from liberal media sources. Today's edition includes 84 articles from 13 sites. We chose these from 583 articles found on 16 sites.
Today's featured sites are:
Mother Jones, Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories, MS NOW, The Intercept, Vox, The Guardian, NYT > Top Stories, NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories, Truthout, The Atlantic, News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and Analysis, BBC News, World & Nation.
Trump’s Most Devoted Fans Forgave Him Everything. Then Came Epstein.
Since 2018, Trisha Hope has crisscrossed the country to attend 42 of President Trump’s rallies as a “Front Row Joe,” a group of some of Trump’s most committed fans. But she recently told Politico that...
Mother Jones
Oct 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
A sleeper Senate battleground has turned into a real Republican liability
The newest addition to the Senate map is giving Republicans headaches.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - politico.com
What’s missing at No Kings? The Republicans who say they’re fed up with Trump.
Trump’s approval rating is underwater with non-MAGA Republicans. They should be protesting his imperial presidency, too. The post What’s missing at No Kings? The Republicans who say they’re fed up wit...
MS NOW
Oct 17, 2026 - ms.now
‘Is this like a hit piece or what?': Dan Sullivan's MAGA balancing act
The senator in an interview with POLITICO declined to put distance between himself and President Donald Trump.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - politico.com
Bernie Sanders isn’t in the Democratic Party. But he’s refashioning it in his image.
The self-described democratic socialist has managed to reshape the Democratic Party with candidates he has inspired, mentored, funded or recruited. The post Bernie Sanders isn’t in the Democratic Part...
MS NOW
Oct 17, 2026 - ms.now
Dems Have an Opportunity to Force an End to the Iran War. Will They Take It?
With Democrats campaigning on ending the war, advocates want them to put their money where their mouth is and risk a lame-duck shutdown. The post Dems Have an Opportunity to Force an End to the Iran W...
The Intercept
Oct 17, 2026 - theintercept.com
Ilhan Omar demands DOJ immediately return property seized in search of her home
Rep. Ilhan Omar’s lawyers allege investigators failed to follow court-mandated procedures and violated her constitutional rights during the search. The post Ilhan Omar demands DOJ immediately return p...
MS NOW
Oct 17, 2026 - ms.now
The real Katie Zacharia controversy wasn’t her claim to be a lawyer
The former White House press secretary’s social media history remains relevant if she is appointed to another government role. The post The real Katie Zacharia controversy wasn’t her claim to be a law...
MS NOW
Oct 17, 2026 - ms.now
Trump puts new Russia sanctions that he recently signed into law on hold, citing national interest
Trump’s unexpected decision comes a week after he said the U.S. had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia to try to bring down global energy prices. The post Trump puts new Russia sanctions that he re...
MS NOW
Oct 17, 2026 - ms.now
Retiring Republicans bash Trump’s sanctions pullback
The decision has left some of the party’s longtime Russia hawks at odds with the president.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - politico.com
Republicans have a huge fundraising advantage. Will it matter?
“Wwhen you talk about how many seats can the Democrats gain, given how unpopular Trump is, the Republican money is seen as a real limiter on Democratic chances,” New York Times reporter Shane Goldmach...
Vox
Oct 17, 2026 - vox.com
Hochul’s GOP rival turns energy cost warnings against her
New York Republicans including gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman are betting that voters will blame Albany Democrats — and Gov. Kathy Hochul — for rising utility bills.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - politico.com
Not all Republicans want to show Trump off
GOP candidates are avoiding talking about Trump in their ads, including in deep-red districts where they used to feature him. Some don’t even want to join him at events.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - politico.com
Hundreds of thousands of Black men are sitting out elections in Ohio. Almost no one is asking them why.
MS NOW spent time in the former swing state and found only modest efforts to reach young Black men, thousands of whom could vote but don’t. The post Hundreds of thousands of Black men are sitting out ...
MS NOW
Oct 17, 2026 - ms.now
The complicated environmental legacy Florida’s next governor stands to inherit
Top candidates for governor are balancing promises to continue some of the governor’s publicly popular conservation policies with new challenges facing the state’s environment.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - politico.com
Kennedy tries to score one more win for MAHA ahead of midterms
Ultraprocessed foods are an enemy of Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again movement.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - politico.com
Trump Tried to Defund Them, But Green Banks Keep Financing Clean Energy Projects
This story was originally published by Canary Media and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. A community solar project built for New Orleans’ oldest historically Black Catholi...
Mother Jones
Oct 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Trump administration threatens California officials if noncitizens vote in midterms
Justice department warns election officials of prosecution if they ‘knowingly tabulate ballots’ cast by noncitizensThe Trump administration is escalating its fight with California ahead of next month’...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
When Teslas Fly
Tesla released videos on Thursday of a car that launched into the air, barrel-rolled over a lineup of cars and trucks, and landed on its wheels, apparently using thrusters and a fan system on the unde...
Mother Jones
Oct 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Jim Crow Returns…One Congressional District at a Time
2026 would have been a reelection year for Rep. Cleo Fields, who represents the majority-Black 6th Congressional District in Louisiana. But in April, the US Supreme Court handed down a decision that l...
Mother Jones
Oct 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Trump Revives 2020 Election Conspiracy Theories as Midterms Loom
Voting rights advocates fear the Trump administration may use the federal government to cast doubt on the election, discourage participation or try to delegitimize results.
NYT > Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Scuffles and fires break out as protesters rally across France, joining students
Demonstrators across France converged with students Saturday to protest rising living costs, as the country's fiscal crisis deepens.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - npr.org
No Kings turns its focus to voting this weekend. Here's what we know
The coalition behind nationwide anti-Trump protests is shifting its strategies this weekend to focus on voter turnout. Organizers say Saturday's events are a nonpartisan effort to get people to the po...
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - npr.org
Immigrants From Ukraine and Sudan Could Soon Lose Their Protected Status
The Trump administration has moved to eliminate legal protections for more than 1 million immigrants that have TPS.
Truthout
Oct 17, 2026 - truthout.org
Russia hits more than 15 energy sites to force blackouts in Ukraine, Zelenskyy says
The Ukrainian president urged supporters to speak out in defense of the new U.S. sanctions against Russia hours after Donald Trump paused a package of restrictions targeting the Russian economy. The p...
MS NOW
Oct 17, 2026 - ms.now
Before you share that midterm poll, read this
Flashy surveys are everywhere in the final weeks. Here’s how to separate signal from noise. The post Before you share that midterm poll, read this appeared first on MS NOW.
MS NOW
Oct 17, 2026 - ms.now
Trump pauses new Russia sanctions passed by Congress amid deepening row with Ukraine
President signed the legislation championed by late senator Lindsey Graham last month but has waived the restrictions as they were due to come into effectDonald Trump has put on hold a sweeping new sa...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Another Battle Between the Catholic Church and the Trump Administration
The Church has fought the government multiple times to ensure that detained migrants have access to sacraments.
The Atlantic
Oct 17, 2026 - theatlantic.com
As Trump Sabotages the ICC With Sanctions, There Are Many Ways to Fight Back
Trump officials now face a temporary restraining order for violating the First Amendment with the sanctions.
Truthout
Oct 17, 2026 - truthout.org
How Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Gave Florida Democrats a Chance
A competitive House race in Miami, which leads all American cities in ICE arrests, has revealed how mass deportations have eroded the President’s support among Latinos.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and Analysis
Oct 17, 2026 - newyorker.com
Unrest Mars Day of Protest in France, as Student Movement Turns National
Riots broke out in several French cities alongside peaceful marches of tens of thousands of people demonstrating against rising living costs and poor school conditions.
NYT > Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
French schoolchildren have been treated like enemies to be crushed – for telling the truth | Rokhaya Diallo
To protest against shameful conditions in schools is entirely legitimate. The government’s response is notAs a secondary school pupil in 1994, I took part in protests against a reform that would have ...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Key player in false Talarico rumor has history of online posts invoking Nazi Germany
Ryan Amacher, who played role in bid to damage campaign, has also made antisemitic and racist posts on social mediaAn influencer who played a key role in hoax claims that James Talarico was in a menta...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Elon Musk agrees to settle lawsuits over 2024 election lottery
Trump-boosting billionaire was sued over promise to give away $1m per day to random signatories of petitionElon Musk and his America Pac political action committee said recently that they agreed to s...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Insults, odd obsessions and rambling thoughts: a week in Trump rallies
President has hit red states to drum up Republican support – and his increasingly strange performances are on full display Montana, Tennessee, Alaska. In the run-up to an election, a Republican presid...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
‘I spent five years with criminals’: dissident Cuban artist embraces new life in US after prison release
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara tells of the reality of prison, drinking whisky with his captors, and being painted by George W BushWhen Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara was pushed into the back of a police ca...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
UAE agrees with Saudi Arabia to re-enter Yemen conflict amid Houthi gains
United Arab Emirates will reportedly resume payments to Yemeni forces as gains by Iran-backed Houthi fighters alarm Gulf state rulersYemen civil war: what sparked latest escalation and who is involved...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
How the quirky puffin became a symbol of the climate crisis – and hope
In an extract from his new book, the nature historian explains how technology could help the seabird surviveFor centuries human beings have exploited puffins, harvesting them by the thousand on their ...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Trump promised a swing district blitz. He's going to a lot of very red states
President Trump's midterm travel blitz ahead of Election Day includes several red states he won easily 2 years ago, showing the electoral landscape is more challenging for Republicans.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - npr.org
Violent clashes between police and protesters in Albania
Police in Albania's capital Tirana have fired tear gas and water cannons onto crowds gathered outside the Ministry of Education where students are among those protesting.
BBC News
Oct 17, 2026 - bbc.co.uk
Trump waives several Russia sanctions as row with Zelensky intensifies
The US president temporarily ends many restrictions on Moscow recently passed by Congress over "national security" concerns.
BBC News
Oct 17, 2026 - bbc.co.uk
How Pennsylvania Explains the Forces Shaping the Midterms
Four battleground congressional districts in the state reveal fault lines that are echoing nationwide.
NYT > Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
U.S. Floats Lifeline to Russia: Allowing More Gas Sales to Europe
The Trump administration is pitching the idea as part of a peace deal with Ukraine, but Europe is wary and critics say Russia would be strengthened.
NYT > Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Police clash with protesters as tens of thousands take to streets across France
Police fire teargas in Paris and protesters storm town hall in Marseille – with officials blaming violence on ‘ultra-left’Police have fired teargas and clashed with protesters supporting high school s...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Inside the long, bitter fight over one man’s quest to build the biggest AI datacenter in California
A modern-day prospector promised rural Imperial thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue – but his plan has set off a firestorm of resistanceSebastian Rucci zoomed in on a map in late 2024, looki...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
All the president’s women: a familiar downward trajectory on Trump’s team
Half of the women on Trump’s team have been replaced by men, while men facing misconduct allegations remainDonald Trump is not, by any measure, a feminist. He has said so himself. But the president ha...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
From 3,000 feathers to pet portraits, Rolls-Royce rides high on custom craze
In our second in a series on high-end UK manufacturing, we visit the artisans producing rich clients’ bespoke luxury cars‘Our town is making jeans again’: meet the firm reviving jobs and skills in Wal...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Why Britain should reject the lure of cheap – and scary – Chinese AI
In the west the technology comes with at least some effort to provide security and a benign intent – not so from ChinaThere is much to fear from artificial intelligence developed in China and handed t...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
As King Charles heads to the Caribbean, he should know that Winston Churchill admitted to imperial plunder 90 years ago | Kenneth Mohammed
Modern politicians play on tales of empire to exaggerate what Britain left behind, but the monarch should consider a historical speech on imperial plunder For us in the Caribbean, there is something s...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Bank of England governor walks out of IMF summit in protest against Russia
Andrew Bailey among finance leaders to leave session in Bangkok when Russian finance minister addressed groupThe Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, has taken part in a walkout of finance leaders...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Mexican judge sentences three men to 158 years in prison for murders of Australian and US surfers
Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, and their American friend Carter Rhoad, were killed while on a surf trip in Baja California in 2024Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news...
The Guardian
Oct 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Zelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia after Trump puts them on hold
Zelenskyy described the move as unfortunate, adding it would encourage Russia to continue its assault. Trump told Congress that the pause was in the national interest but gave no further details.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - npr.org
Decades after apartheid, South Africans seek justice for crimes of the past
More than three decades after the end of apartheid, families of victims of some of the worst crimes of South Africa's pastare still fighting for justice. As survivors and perpetrators grow older, a ne...
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
Oct 17, 2026 - npr.org
The Fight to Control Congress
Panelists discuss the midterm elections in a special edition of Washington Week With The Atlantic in Austin, Texas.
The Atlantic
Oct 17, 2026 - theatlantic.com
Organizers Are Pushing to Reach “Forgotten” Black Voters Ahead of the Midterms
The efforts target college students, first-time voters, and the formerly incarcerated, particularly in the South.
Truthout
Oct 17, 2026 - truthout.org
Rule Lets Fossil Fuel Companies “Unintentionally” Kill Polar Bears and Walruses
The Trump administration's rule change was a major priority for the Alaska Oil and Gas Association.
Truthout
Oct 17, 2026 - truthout.org
AI can help us talk with the dead. Should we?
It’s now possible to create AI chatbots of loved ones to interact with after their death. But that raises some difficult questions, like: If you do, how might the experience shape your grief? This i...
Vox
Oct 17, 2026 - vox.com
Why a ‘Girls’ reboot feels so risky in Trump’s America
Hannah, Marnie, Shoshanna and Jessa are about to wade into new territory with an upcoming post-#MeToo reboot of “Girls.” The post Why a ‘Girls’ reboot feels so risky in Trump’s America appeared first ...
MS NOW
Oct 17, 2026 - ms.now
Panic Attack: Inside Musk’s Midterm Disinformation Blitz
Election Day is less than three weeks away, and panic is setting in for the GOP. “We see Republican groups pulling money away from House incumbents,” says host David Corn on the latest episode of Stre...
Mother Jones
Oct 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
Whitewashing Tucker Carlson
A version of the below article first appeared in David Corn’s newsletter, Our Land. The newsletter comes out twice a week (most of the time) and provides behind-the-scenes stories and articles about p...
Mother Jones
Oct 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
The Many Ways Trump Is Kneecapping White-Collar Crime Enforcement
Earlier this week, Bloomberg broke the news that the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, which helps regulate the securities market, was told to stop investigating an eye-popping case of potential...
Mother Jones
Oct 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
He Wanted a Data Center Ban. He Got Banned From City Council.
Tennessee state Rep. Justin J. Pearson, a congressional candidate and high-profile opponent of local data center sprawl, filed suit Thursday against his hometown’s City Council after the council threw...
Mother Jones
Oct 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
Susie Wiles helped set up Fox interview ahead of press secretary’s exit
The interview with Sean Hannity turned into a pointed examination of Zacharia’s credentials and her brief tenure.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 16, 2026 - politico.com
Mar-a-Lago Face Won’t Save You
(Update: Hours after we published this piece, Zacharia was indeed fired. Proving once more, Mar-a-Lago face will never save you.) It is rarely an auspicious occasion when a White House press secretary...
Mother Jones
Oct 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
Trump issues order to bypass Russian sanctions in bill named for late Lindsey Graham
The move allows Moscow to dodge harsh economic measures intended to pressure the Kremlin over the war in Ukraine and enables sale of Russian diesel.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 16, 2026 - politico.com
How to lose a job in five days
White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia speaks during a news briefing at the White House on October 13, 2026. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter...
Vox
Oct 16, 2026 - vox.com
Chuck Schumer Hasn’t Said a Word About Trump’s Attempt to Deport Ilhan Omar
Ethics lawyers say the raid violated the Hatch Act. The Democratic Senate minority leader has been silent.
Truthout
Oct 16, 2026 - truthout.org
Man Shot by ICE in NYC Last Week Yet to Receive Surgery for Bullet in His Neck
Lawyers for Oscar Belgal have called for his immediate release, citing inadequate care.
Truthout
Oct 16, 2026 - truthout.org
Of course Trump is helping Russia in Ukraine – he’s a master of the art of betrayal | Jonathan Freedland
The old certainties have gone. We will have to spend whatever it takes to protect ourselves in this new and dangerous worldDonald Trump must find it oddly frustrating. He keeps showing the world exact...
The Guardian
Oct 16, 2026 - theguardian.com
Katie Zacharia Is Out After Half a Scaramucci
“Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider. Katie, do you need this? I don’t think you need this.” Within minutes of President Trump telling reporters that he had effectively encouraged Katie Zacharia, ...
Mother Jones
Oct 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
Trump Profited From His Giveaway to Big Pharma While Jacking Up Drug Costs
An analysis estimates Trump increased his stock holdings from $1.7 million in 2024 to up to $56.2 million last year.
Truthout
Oct 16, 2026 - truthout.org
Appeals court appears skeptical of Trump’s attempt to shield presidential records
The Trump administration argues that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 16, 2026 - politico.com
FEMA lays groundwork to shift disaster burden to states
The Trump administration wants states to build their own disaster capacity, and is also considering moving FEMA workers out of Washington, D.C.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 16, 2026 - politico.com
Anthropic quietly pitches its own AI safety bill to lawmakers
The draft proposal would limit the circumstances in which the government could block the release of an advanced model and preempt some state AI safety laws.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
Oct 16, 2026 - politico.com
Trump in Georgia falsely claims election of Jon Ossoff was illegitimate
President appears at rally for struggling Mike Collins, dismisses critics and touts ‘most successful’ two-year runAt a rally in north Georgia, Donald Trump again claimed that the 2020 election in Geor...
The Guardian
Oct 16, 2026 - theguardian.com
Trump's team is in chaos as midterms enter final stretch
A White House that has enjoyed relative stability over the past two years has returned to a state of disarray that characterized much of Trump's early political career.
World & Nation
Oct 16, 2026 - latimes.com
“Democrats for Mike Rogers” PAC Is Funded by Republicans, Records Show
The group has spent more than $4 million in an attempt to defeat Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Truthout
Oct 16, 2026 - truthout.org
Elon Musk Is Bankrolling Massive Push for Ken Paxton in Texas
Musk’s PAC has also boosted Republican candidates in the five most competitive US House races in the state.
Truthout
Oct 16, 2026 - truthout.org
West Bank settlers brutally attack a Washington Post journalist
Photojournalist Heidi Levine is transferred on a stretcher into an ambulance after she was attacked by Israeli settlers while photographing Palestinian farmers harvesting their olives on October 16, 2...
Vox
Oct 16, 2026 - vox.com
Has MAGA Lost Faith in Donald Trump?
Rich Baris, a pollster supportive of the MAGA “big tent,” talks about how the President lost control of his movement, and why that spells disaster for Republicans.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and Analysis
Oct 16, 2026 - newyorker.com
Katie Zacharia fired after five days as White House press secretary
Zacharia hosted widely panned first briefing on Tuesday and faced scrutiny after admitting she didn’t pass bar examDonald Trump’s new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, was fired on Friday, just five da...
The Guardian
Oct 16, 2026 - theguardian.com
China’s tourists flock to experience a pretend typhoon as ‘dark tourism’ flourishes
The concept of ‘paying to suffer’ soars in popularity, with simulated disasters proving a modern twist on visiting sites of historic tragedies When Leon Lv was looking for somewhere to travel last yea...
The Guardian
Oct 16, 2026 - theguardian.com
Five Great Reads: cocaine nation, a 28-year walk home, and Americans give their verdict on Trump
The Guardian’s weekend wrap of essential reads from the past seven days, selected by Miles HerbertGet this in your inbox every weekend. Sign up for Five Great Reads hereHello and happy weekend to you ...
The Guardian
Oct 16, 2026 - theguardian.com
Five Fabulous Days of Katie Zacharia
The Trump administration returns to classic form.