Good morning or afternoon, everyone (honestly, I’ve completely lost track of time since the birth of my baby girl).
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for your kind words, your messages, your emails, your notes, your subscriptions, the coffee, and everything in between. People always say it takes a village to raise a child, and I feel incredibly lucky and honored to have all of you as part of mine. I’ll do my best over the next few weeks to respond to as many of you as I can. Mom and baby are both doing great :)
Now, let’s get into the news this morning. The Trump DOJ is giving Michael Flynn a $1.2 million taxpayer-funded settlement. The war in Iran is escalating again. Pete Hegseth is reportedly being mocked by his own staff. USPS is adding a fuel surcharge tied to the conflict. The United States voted against a resolution condemning slavery as a crime against humanity. And Trump suffered a significant setback in Utah.
And that’s just the start.
Here’s the news:
- The Justice Department reached a roughly $1.2 million settlement with former Trump adviser Michael Flynn over his lawsuit claiming malicious prosecution stemming from the Russia investigation. Flynn, who had sought at least $50 million, was previously convicted of lying to the FBI before being pardoned by Donald Trump. The settlement marks a significant reversal from the government’s earlier position defending the case and reflects ongoing political disputes over the origins of the Russia probe.
- The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade the “gravest crime against humanity” and calling for reparations and the return of cultural artifacts. The United States, along with Argentina and Israel, voted against the measure, while many European countries abstained. U.S. officials said they oppose slavery but do not support legal reparations for historical actions that were not illegal at the time. The vote reflects global divisions over how to address the legacy of slavery and reparatory justice.
- According to The Daily Beast, Pete Hegseth is reportedly being mocked by Pentagon staff with the nickname “Dumb McNamara,” reflecting criticism of his strong support for military action in Iran and comparisons to Vietnam-era Defense Secretary Robert McNamara. The nickname highlights internal concerns about his leadership and the potential political risks of escalating conflict, as public approval for the war and the administration declines.
- Politico has confirmed that the war with Iran is threatening hundreds of billions in planned Gulf state investments in the U.S., as economic disruption and falling regional revenues raise concerns that countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE may scale back or delay commitments. Officials warn that capital could be pulled back to address domestic needs, potentially undermining a key pillar of Donald Trump’s economic agenda. The uncertainty highlights how escalating conflict in the Middle East is impacting global investment flows and U.S. economic prospects.
- The United States Postal Service plans to introduce a temporary 8% surcharge on package deliveries starting April 26 to offset rising fuel and transportation costs driven by the Iran war. The increase, pending regulatory approval, is part of efforts to stabilize the agency’s finances as it faces ongoing losses and mounting operational pressures. Officials say the surcharge is a short-term measure while longer-term solutions are considered.
- The United States Army is raising its maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42 and allowing recruits with a single marijuana-related conviction as part of efforts to address ongoing recruitment shortages. Officials say the changes aim to expand the pool of eligible candidates amid declining eligibility rates among young Americans. The move reflects broader challenges in military recruiting rather than being directly tied to current conflicts.
- The Pentagon estimates that only about 23% of Americans aged 17 to 24 are eligible for military service, with disqualifications largely tied to poor test performance, obesity, and criminal records.
- Donald Trump said the outbreak of war escalated unexpectedly, claiming regional attacks on countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman caught “everybody” off guard, including the United States.
- Donald Trump claims Iran is begging him to make a deal. There is no evidence to support his claim:
- Iranian state-linked media report that Tehran has responded to a 15-point peace proposal from Donald Trump, outlining conditions for ending the conflict including halting attacks, security guarantees, reparations, and recognition of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. The response was sent through intermediaries and Iran is awaiting a U.S. reply. Officials also expressed deep skepticism about U.S. intentions, suggesting negotiations may be used strategically rather than in good faith.
- Donald Trump made a confused remark while discussing missile activity, appearing to reference an “island” instead of Ireland, and reiterated disappointment with NATO, criticizing allies for their lack of support.
- Donald Trump criticized NATO allies, saying they had done “absolutely nothing” to support the U.S. war effort in Iran and emphasizing that the U.S. “needs nothing” from them. The remarks reflect growing tensions between the U.S. and NATO members, many of whom have declined direct involvement in the conflict.
- United States Central Command confirmed that Iran’s IRGC naval commander Alireza Tangsiri was killed in an Israeli airstrike, with U.S. officials stating his death “makes the region safer.” The strike marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Iran and removes a key figure in Iran’s naval operations.
- An OECD forecast warns that the Middle East crisis is expected to drive U.S. inflation up to 4.2% this year, the highest among G7 countries. The surge reflects rising global instability impacting energy prices and economic conditions. This projection signals stronger inflationary pressure in the U.S. compared to other major advanced economies.
- The Justice Department under Pam Bondi admitted it misled a federal court about the legal basis for immigration arrests at courthouses, acknowledging that a key ICE memo cited in its defense never actually applied to those actions. The error led the government to withdraw parts of its legal arguments, raising concerns among advocates about the legitimacy of the arrest policy.
- An Epstein survivor, Jena Lisa Jones, who supported Donald Trump in 2024 says she now fears justice will not be achieved, citing disappointment over the handling and release of Epstein-related files. She and other survivors argue that key documents may still be missing or withheld despite government disclosures.
- A Trump-backed effort to repeal Utah’s anti-gerrymandering law failed after a grassroots campaign successfully removed enough signatures to keep it off the ballot. Republicans spent $4.35 million and enlisted Turning Point Action, with endorsements from Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr. Despite significant funding and high-profile support, the initiative ultimately did not qualify.
- The acting head of the Transportation Security Administration warned that severe staffing shortages caused by a prolonged Department of Homeland Security funding lapse have led to record airport wait times and financial hardship for workers. With up to half of TSA staff calling out and employees missing paychecks, officials caution that the situation could worsen as the 2026 World Cup drives a surge in travel demand. Lawmakers remain deadlocked over funding, raising concerns about a “perfect storm” for U.S. airport security and operations.
- A Fox News poll shows Donald Trump’s approval among White non-college men declining steadily, dropping from +17 in March 2025 to -4 by March 2026. Support narrowed to even by February 2026 before turning negative the following month. The trend indicates a notable erosion in backing within a key demographic over the past year.
- An NBC News report highlights how a Trump-era travel ban has left an Iranian couple separated during a family tragedy, as the husband was unable to obtain a visa to join his wife in the U.S. Their premature newborn died while they remained apart, underscoring the human impact of the policy. The case reflects broader challenges faced by families affected by immigration restrictions and ongoing legal battles over the ban.
- The International Olympic Committee approved a new policy banning transgender women from competing in women’s Olympic events, restricting eligibility to biological females based on genetic screening starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The rule aligns with an executive order from Donald Trump. It also introduces tighter regulations affecting some athletes with differences in sex development, marking a major shift in Olympic eligibility standards.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been deployed to airports to assist with security operations, including checking IDs, amid staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration during the DHS funding lapse. Officials say the move helps manage long lines, but critics argue ICE agents lack proper training and call the deployment a political distraction from the underlying staffing and funding crisis.
- According to The Guardian, Ticketmaster raised other service fees after eliminating certain charges to comply with new “all-in pricing” regulations, effectively offsetting lost revenue from banned add-on fees. Documents show the company adjusted pricing structures across multiple venues, raising concerns among experts that the changes could violate rules against misleading fee practices. The move highlights ongoing scrutiny of Ticketmaster’s pricing model and broader concerns about competition and transparency in the ticketing industry.
- Idaho lawmakers are considering a sweeping bill that would criminalize transgender people for using bathrooms in private businesses that align with their gender identity, with penalties ranging from misdemeanor charges to potential felony prison time. Supporters argue the measure protects privacy and safety, while opponents, including law enforcement groups and LGBTQ advocates, warn it could lead to profiling, enforcement challenges, and broader discrimination. The proposal would be among the most expansive bathroom restrictions in the U.S. if enacted.
- Alexander Lukashenko met with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang and signed a new friendship and cooperation treaty, signaling closer ties between the two countries. Both leaders emphasized strengthening collaboration and mutual support amid global tensions and pressure from Western nations. The move reflects deepening alignment among countries that are also closely connected to Russia and its geopolitical interests.
- An Air Canada crash at LaGuardia Airport left two pilots dead and more than 40 people injured after a plane collided with a fire truck, with four victims still hospitalized days later. Investigators are examining possible failures in safety systems and air traffic control, while wreckage is being cleared from the site. The incident has also sparked criticism of the airline’s response, including backlash over its CEO’s limited French-language communication.
- According to the BBC, a surge in Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank has left Palestinian communities reporting attacks on homes and civilians, with injuries, displacement, and growing fears of further escalation. Residents and rights groups say the violence is increasingly organized and expanding into new areas, while Israeli officials face criticism for failing to prevent or respond effectively. The tensions come amid broader regional conflict and ongoing disputes over settlements, land control, and Palestinian displacement.
- Nicolás Maduro has returned to federal court in New York to face “narco-terrorism” charges after being captured by U.S. forces earlier this year alongside his wife, Cilia Flores. Both have pleaded not guilty, while legal disputes continue over his defense and access to funds under U.S. sanctions. The case unfolds as Venezuela’s new leadership moves to consolidate power and reshape the country’s political direction following his removal.
- According to the Hill, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who faces fraud charges related to FEMA funds, reportedly sought a presidential pardon from Donald Trump amid mounting legal pressure. The request underscores the seriousness of the allegations as she prepares to defend herself in a rare public House Ethics Committee hearing. The case poses a political challenge for Democrats as they navigate accusations of corruption within their own ranks.
See you soon.
— Aaron
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