News roundup:

 Patel responds to Atlantic report, says he’s ‘never been intoxicated on the job’

Hegseth ends mandatory flu vaccine for US military, says shot is now optional

Trump gives Iran days to end power struggle, return to peace talks

Dems’ Virginia gamble pays off in redistricting wars

Scoop: Trump mulls Jones Act waiver extension to lessen Iran War oil shock

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress

Kaine: Virginia Stood Up to Trump’s Tyranny

Security Experts Warn of Scammers Promising Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz

Cato Claims Migrants Pay More Taxes than Average Americans

Minnesota allows ‘happy hour’ in nursing homes under new law easing alcohol restrictions

US military launches first-ever autonomous warfare command to deploy unmanned systems across Latin America

Appeals court rules ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ can stay open, rejecting push for federal environmental impact review

Top California Dem running for office tied to Chinese school accused of US diploma scandal

Fetterman receives no support for re-election from Pennsylvania House Democrats: report

Despite official assurances, the 2020 election wasn’t the ‘most secure’ election in U.S. history

Kayleigh’s Law,’ named for child sex abuse victim, permits 25-year restraining orders in California

Queen of Mandating Vaccines’: Trump CDC nominee rankles vaccine skeptics, heartens elites

Treasury imposes sanctions on 14 targets for helping Iran acquire weapons, as part of Economic Fury

Military spy budget surges 49%, as Trump admin requests $50B for Military Intelligence Program

Author argues religions thrive when demanding more from participants

Court upholds Texas law requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms

Bruce Springsteen trashed by NJ paper over expensive anti-Trump concerts: ‘Hypocritical crap’

Patel lashes out at press over story painting him as drunk and AWOL

The House Ethics Committee is at a crossroads. Members say they’re ready to make some changes.

CIA Officers Reportedly Die After Narco Operation

Trans Election Official Complains ‘Bottom Surgery’ Costs Too Much In U.S.

Criminal Investigation Targets ChatGPT After What Gunman Did With AI

Senate Dem Cheers for Iran Defeating U.S.

Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut has faced criticism after posting a seemingly inappropriate comment on social media regarding a recent event involving Iran, leading to accusations of disloyalty.

• Murphy posted "Awesome" on X in response to a report that 26 ships in Iran's shadow fleet evaded the U. S. blockade in the Gulf of Oman.

• His comment sparked accusations of being a "traitor" amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

• Murphy claimed his remark was sarcastic, but past actions raise doubts about this interpretation.

• He has previously met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, which President Trump criticized as potentially illegal conduct under U. S. law.

• The situation highlights longstanding concerns about Murphy's engagement with Iranian officials.

Senator Murphy is under scrutiny for his comments and actions related to Iran, with critics viewing his behavior as undermining U. S. interests, questioning his loyalty during a time of conflict. 

https://www.frontpagemag.com/senate-dem-cheers-for-iran-defeating-u-s/

New York City’s Comptroller Just Made a Risky Decision with Pension Funds

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine has announced a plan to invest $4 billion of the city’s pension funds in affordable housing. This decision has raised concerns about the risk management and timing of such an investment.

• Investment Plan: Levine aims to double the city's pension investment in affordable housing to address the housing crisis through office conversions and affordable housing projects.

• Risk Management Issues: Critics argue that investing heavily in local real estate may expose pension funds to significant risks, especially if the New York City economy faces a downturn.

• Regulatory Challenges: The article highlights the negative impact of the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which has led to a sharp decline in the profitability of affordable housing investments.

• Upcoming Legislative Changes: Proposed legislation could reduce the retirement age for union workers and eliminate pension contributions for some employees, further complicating pension fund stability.

• Taxpayer Implications: Poor returns from these investments could lead to increased financial burdens on taxpayers if the pension funds do not perform adequately.

The initiative to invest in affordable housing using pension funds is seen as a risky decision that may not align with the fiduciary duty to safeguard the financial interests of pensioners. Critics argue that it may worsen existing financial challenges related to New York City's housing market and overall pension fund health. 

https://www.city-journal.org/article/new-york-city-comptroller-mark-levine-pension-funds-affordable-housing

The End of EPA’s Endangerment Finding Is a Bigger Deal Than the Iran War

The recent repeal of the 2009 Endangerment Finding by the Trump Administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has significant implications for U. S. climate regulations and policies. This decision is viewed as more impactful than the current conflict involving Iran. The Endangerment Finding allowed for regulations treating carbon dioxide as a pollutant, which was foundational to U. S. commitments to international climate agreements. The repeal is expected to shift the landscape of climate policy and economic implications surrounding environmental regulations.

• Significance of the Endangerment Finding: The Endangerment Finding was crucial as it legally defined carbon dioxide as a pollutant under the Clean Air Act. Its removal undermines major climate regulations established during the Obama and Biden administrations and paves the way for a reduction in federal oversight on environmental issues.

• Economic Implications: The Trump administration claims this repeal could lead to $1.3 trillion in savings over ten years by reducing regulatory burdens on industries, potentially resulting in cheaper automobiles and other consumer goods. In contrast, the ongoing war in Iran is costing billions daily, suggesting a complex economic landscape where environmental regulation could heavily influence long-term economic growth.

• Criticism of Regulatory Overreach: Critics argue that heavy regulations can stifle innovation and impose significant opportunity costs on the economy. The piece suggests that stringent regulations may have held back advancements similar to how privacy laws might have impacted the development of smartphone technologies.

• Potential for Industry Growth: The article argues that by reversing the Endangerment Finding, the U. S. could revitalize heavy industry, thereby creating numerous jobs while still adhering to reasonable environmental laws. It asserts there is still potential for an effective balance between economic development and environmental protection.

• Shift in Global Climate Politics: With the U. S. potentially retracting its commitments under international climate agreements, other countries like Russia and China may follow suit. The piece posits that these nations have historically viewed climate regulations as tools for economic manipulation rather than genuine environmental concerns.

• Call for New Legislation: There is mention of the Affordable, Reliable, Clean Energy Security Act (ARC-ES), which could further define and support U. S. energy policies. This legislation aims to ensure that energy sources remain both affordable and environmentally friendly, thereby promoting industry while protecting the environment.

• Critique of Media Coverage: The article critiques current media practices for not adequately covering significant issues such as the Endangerment Finding repeal, suggesting that attention is disproportionately given to conflicts like the war in Iran. This points to a broader concern regarding the public's awareness and understanding of important regulatory changes.

The repeal of the Endangerment Finding signifies a pivotal moment in U. S. climate policy, potentially leading to significant economic change and a shift away from international climate commitments. Advocates argue for a balanced approach that encourages industry growth while addressing environmental concerns. The ongoing discourse reveals the complexities and controversies surrounding climate regulation, economic impacts, and media representation in contemporary discourse. 

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/04/21/the-end-of-epas-endangerment-finding-is-a-bigger-deal-than-the-iran-war/

Rothbard Was Right: Libertarians Must Never Warm to the Warfare State

Murray Rothbard argued that libertarians should not support a warfare state, as it conflicts with the principles of a free-market system. His views from 1977 remain relevant today, especially regarding the inconsistency within self-identified libertarians who support interventionist foreign policies while simultaneously advocating for libertarian economic principles.

1. Debate on Interventionism:

• Rothbard critiqued articles in Reason Magazine supporting interventionism, questioning why libertarians would even debate such a position.

• He highlighted that debates about abolishing certain government regulations and practices are seldom featured, which shows a bias in what is considered open for discussion.

2. Current Libertarian Stance:

• Today, many libertarians still endorse interventionism, with figures like Javier Milei promoting policies that contradict libertarian ideals.

• Rothbard’s argument is that the push for a global empire through war and foreign interventions contradicts the principles of laissez-faire economics.

3. Economic Impact of War:

• Maintaining military operations and global presence is costly and requires taxes and inflation, which libertarians generally oppose.

• To fund a warfare state without income tax or Federal Reserve support would necessitate raising tariffs and implementing harsh taxation, which contradicts a libertarian vision of minimal government.

4. Consequences of Warfare on Society:

• Rothbard references Randolph Bourne’s assertion that "war is the health of the state," suggesting wars enable governments to expand their power over citizens.

• Warring states often infringe on citizens' rights, employing oppressive tactics that can return home, thereby undermining the freedoms libertarians value.

5. Ethical Considerations:

• The actions of the U. S. government, including numerous crimes committed during interventions, are ethically problematic and questionable from a libertarian standpoint.

• Despite advocating for intervention, some libertarians overlook the moral implications of demanding that the U. S. take up international roles with resources taken from American taxpayers.

Rothbard’s insights from decades ago still resonate today, emphasizing that libertarians cannot support the warfare state while adhering to principles of freedom and free markets. The financial and moral burdens of an imperialistic foreign policy fundamentally clash with the core tenets of libertarianism. To truly maintain a libertarian society, both domestic and foreign policies must align with non-interventionist ideals, as the pursuit of a global empire threatens the very foundations of liberty that libertarians advocate for. 

https://mises.org/mises-wire/rothbard-was-right-libertarians-must-never-warm-warfare-state

John Thune Is Holding Back Vital Info on the Russiagate Hoax

The issues surrounding the Senate's response to the U. S. Justice Department's request for information related to the investigation of alleged Russian collusion. Specifically, it examines Senate leader John Thune's actions regarding this sensitive issue.

• Earlier in the year, the U. S. Justice Department asked two Senate committees to provide records of communication with former CIA Director John Brennan regarding the Russia collusion investigation.

• The deadline for compliance was February 23, but by April, the Senate, led by Thune, had still not complied with this request.

• The investigation aims to uncover whether Obama and Biden administration officials misused law enforcement and intelligence agencies against President Trump and his supporters.

• Senate Republicans are encouraged to introduce a resolution and hold a vote to facilitate the transmission of the requested evidence, but no action has been taken.

• Thune's team is attempting to negotiate with Democrats to avoid a contentious floor vote, which could delay other legislative business.

• As this process unfolds, the acting Attorney General is intensifying efforts in related investigations regarding alleged weaponization of government resources.

The article criticizes Thune’s leadership and suggests internal Republican corruption may be a factor in the delays surrounding the investigation into the Russia collusion claims. 

https://www.independentsentinel.com/john-thune-is-holding-back-vital-info-on-the-russiagate-hoax/

DoJ Charges the Southern Poverty Law Center of Wire & Bank Fraud

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has been indicted by the Justice Department on charges related to wire and bank fraud. The case involves allegations that the SPLC funneled over three million dollars to extremist groups such as white supremacists while misleading donors and banks.

• The SPLC is facing 11 counts of wire and bank fraud, according to the federal grand jury in Alabama.

• The Justice Department claims the organization paid members of extremist groups to aid in its investigations, which they did not disclose to their funding sources.

• SPLC has denied the allegations, with its CEO stating they are under investigation due to the practices of using paid informants to gather intelligence on violent groups.

• The indictment's announcement included statements from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who accused the SPLC of contributing to the extremism it claims to oppose.

• Critics argue the SPLC is politically biased, suggesting that its "hate map" misrepresents certain groups, lumping together genuine extremists with mainstream conservative organizations while neglecting extremism on the left.

• Historically, the SPLC has gained significant financial support and power, leading to its controversial status as a major activist nonprofit.

The recent charges against the SPLC highlight significant controversies regarding its funding practices and portrayal of extremist groups. The SPLC's position in the charitable sector remains contentious, with discussions surrounding its political motivations and accountability continuing in the public discourse. 

https://www.independentsentinel.com/doj-charges-the-southern-poverty-law-center-of-wire-bank-fraud/