For the fourth consecutive year, a Louisiana House panel has blocked legislation that would have created exceptions to the state’s near-total abortion ban for cases of rape and incest. Representative Delisha Boyd has consistently introduced these bills, drawing on personal experience and the testimonies of fellow lawmakers, to advocate for victims of sexual assault. Despite compelling arguments and a majority of Louisiana residents supporting such exceptions, the committee voted overwhelmingly against the bill, with only two members in favor. This marks the latest in a series of legislative defeats for proponents of abortion access in such circumstances.
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The article describes President Trump’s evolving statements regarding a potential deal with Iran, shifting from a confident assertion of a near-finalized agreement to a more cautious stance emphasizing that any deal would be “good and proper.” This backpedaling occurred amidst immediate dispute from Iran and growing concern from Trump’s own supporters, including prominent Republican figures and former administration officials, who expressed alarm over the potential terms. The author argues that regardless of the specific details of any agreement, the United States has already suffered a strategic defeat in the conflict, and Trump is now risking a deal potentially worse than the one he previously criticized.
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The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is reportedly dismantling its regulatory efforts concerning online betting and cryptocurrency markets, a development coinciding with deepening ties between the Trump family and these burgeoning industries. The Trump family’s financial interests have significantly expanded through crypto and prediction markets, with Donald Trump Jr. holding advisory and investment roles in prominent firms like Polymarket and Kalshi. Simultaneously, the CFTC has seen a dramatic reduction in enforcement actions and significant staff changes, leading to concerns that political influence is undermining the agency’s oversight functions for the benefit of politically connected entities.
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Vice President JD Vance reportedly made a surprise appearance at a private dinner hosted by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., attending as a guest of his wife, who previously clerked for Roberts. Despite this unexpected addition to the guest list, Roberts appeared indifferent, offering no special accommodations or recognition to the Vice President. This occurred amid ongoing public criticism of the judiciary by President Trump, who has frequently expressed frustration with court rulings that have gone against his administration, even directly targeting Chief Justice Roberts. The Vice President himself has previously echoed these criticisms, suggesting the Chief Justice was “profoundly wrong” in his views on executive power checks.
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Rep. Thomas Massie stated that the Republican Party will be “very vulnerable” in the upcoming midterm elections due to a growing segment of the right experiencing “Trump Disappointment Syndrome.” He argued that the party has disenfranchised a significant portion of the constituency Trump assembled. Massie also criticized the focus on a costly White House ballroom renovation as a “slap in the face of Americans” amidst economic hardship and wasteful spending. Regarding his own political future, Massie did not rule out a presidential run in 2028 but indicated he would take time to decide his next steps after a period of decompression.
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Surging gas prices disproportionately impact lower-income households. For those in the bottom quarter of income distribution, earning approximately $40,000 or less annually, commuting fuel costs now represent an average of about 4 percent of their income. This analysis highlights the significant financial strain rising gas prices place on vulnerable populations.
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The recent potential sale of Vox Media highlighted the concerning trend of right-wing billionaires acquiring media outlets, raising fears of further consolidation of news into partisan hands. While the specific purchase by James Murdoch averted this immediate threat, it underscored the broader issue: the unchecked influence of wealthy individuals on public discourse. Rather than focusing on the unattainable reversal of Citizens United, a more practical solution lies in bolstering public financing for elections and exploring journalism vouchers to empower diverse news sources and counter the dominance of billionaire-backed media. This approach offers a viable path to preserve democratic access to information and counter the spread of partisan narratives.
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On May 21, 2026, The Bulwark hosted a live event in Los Angeles featuring Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, Sam Stein, Van Lathan, Brian Tyler Cohen, Jon Favreau, Jane Coaston, and Erin Gloria Ryan. The program included a quiz on obscure political history, commentary on the DNC autopsy and California’s political landscape, and a critical assessment of JD Vance. Exclusively for Bulwark+ members, this event’s highlights are available on the Bulwark+ Takes platform.
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This article details troubling economic sentiment in the United States, with a recent Gallup poll revealing that only 16 percent of Americans view the economy as excellent or good. This widespread pessimism, with half of respondents describing conditions as poor and 76 percent believing economic conditions are worsening, is linked to inflation and high gas prices driven by the ongoing Iran war. Despite the president’s public focus on foreign policy, internal White House discussions reportedly reveal concerns about the war’s impact on gas prices, which have significantly increased.
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Stephen Miller, a key architect of Trump’s immigration policies, remains unfazed by criticism, expressing a secure ego and a large following. His legacy is tied to the “zero tolerance” border policy that led to thousands of children being separated from their parents, with many still not reunited. Despite the policy’s official end, family separations continue on a larger scale, affecting an estimated 145,000 U.S. citizen children whose parents have been detained or deported. This administration’s approach is noted for its increased speed and perceived callousness, lacking systematic measures to protect affected children.
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John Q. Hosedrinker