Here are today's featured stories, posted by DU members and curated by the Administrators. More news items can be found in our Latest Breaking News forum, and for all the most up-to-the-minute stories that are being talked about by DU members, visit the Latest Discussions page.
April 23, 2026
James Comer Is Effectively Killing the Epstein Investigation
(New Republic) Republicans have found a new way to conduct the Epstein investigation. Democrats insist it’s just another attempt to sweep the whole scandal under the rug. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee flamed House Oversight Chair James Comer in a congressional memo for “running scared,” accusing the Kentucky Republican of changing the Epstein investigation proceedings into informal “roundtables” that lack any rules.
Go to discussionSenate defeats Democrats' 5th attempt to limit Trump's war powers in Iran
(CBS News) The Senate rejected another attempt to rein in President Trump's ability to use further military force against Iran on Wednesday, marking Democrats' fifth effort to do so since the war began eight weeks ago. In a 46 to 51 vote, a motion to discharge the measure from committee failed. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted with Republicans against it, while GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky voted with Democrats in favor.
Go to discussionSenate passes budget plan for ICE and Border Patrol in bid to reopen Homeland Security Department
(AP) The Senate took the first steps in a new effort to reopen the Department of Homeland Security early Thursday, voting to adopt a budget plan that would fund ICE and Border Patrol over Democratic objections and sending it to the House. The entire department has been shut down since mid-February as Democrats have demanded policy changes in the wake of fatal shootings of two protesters by federal agents. Republicans are now trying to fund the two immigration enforcement agencies through the complicated, time-consuming process called budget reconciliation.
Go to discussionHow Trump Accidentally Handed Dems Their Big Win in Virginia
(New Republic) In the “vote yes” campaign’s final days, 100 percent of the ads that aired in Northern Virginia markets heavily emphasized or featured very prominent imagery of Trump, a source familiar with ad buy information tells me. “Trump’s mug was all over the communications that voters were receiving, specifically among the lion’s share of the voters we needed,” the source says. “Trump’s name and face were plastered all over the mess he made.”
Go to discussionTrump Started A Redistricting War. Democrats Are Winning It.
(Huff Post) Nine months after President Donald Trump and Republicans launched an unprecedented effort to redraw the lines of congressional districts mid-decade and tilt them in their favor, Democrats appear more likely to benefit from the effort. Following a Tuesday vote in Virginia in which voters approved a new map that would likely eliminate four of five Republican districts in November, Democrats are now set to gain up to 10 seats nationally. Republicans will consider themselves lucky to flip eight.
Go to discussionHow Trump's messaging on Iran has shifted since saying they
(CBS News) In less than 48 hours this weekend, President Trump went from saying Iran has "agreed to everything," including working with the U.S. to remove its enriched uranium, to warning that if Iran doesn't sign a U.S.-backed deal, the "whole country is getting blown up." The president's rapid shifts in messaging, expressed in phone calls with individual reporters and on Truth Social, come as the two-week ceasefire in the war with Iran enters its final days, and as the state of negotiations with Iran is uncertain.
Go to discussionHungary drops veto, clearing path for $106 billion EU loan to Ukraine
(CBS News) The European Union issued preliminary approval on a $106 billion loan for Ukraine Wednesday, after Hungary lifted its months-long veto on the funds. Most of the funding will go toward Ukraine's defense sector, which officials in Kyiv say is central to Europe's long-term security. The move may also signal a more constructive relationship with the bloc following the ouster of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán earlier this month.
Go to discussionTrump and other men dominate White House photo celebrating women's tennis team
(The Independent) A photo of Donald Trump posing with members of the University of Georgia’s championship-winning women’s tennis team has been mocked online, with many calling out the picture’s puzzling composition. “The official White House X account celebrates a women’s collegiate athletic team by placing them directly behind six smiling men. Gee, thanks, Mr. President,” one user commented on the photo. Added another: “Whomever from the WH comms team that approved this photo composition should be immediately fired. It’s so egregiously bad that it’s an assault on good sensibility.”
Go to discussionCBP officer charged with assault over treatment of protester outside Colorado ICE facility
(AP) An immigration officer has been charged with third-degree assault and criminal mischief following an investigation into how he treated a protester who said the officer put her in a chokehold. Multiple videos from bystanders show a masked agent grabbing and pulling Franci Stagi across the street during a protest in October against the detention of three Colombian asylum-seekers in Durango, Colorado. She said he grabbed her by the hair and put her in a chokehold.
Go to discussionCDC blocks publication of report showing COVID vaccine efficacy
(CIDRAP) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has canceled publication of a scientific report showing the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to media reports. The Washington Post, which first reported the news, says the report, initially scheduled to be published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on March 19, showed the COVID-19 vaccine cut the likelihood of emergency department visits and hospitalizations in half this past winter.
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