Bill Owens resigned as executive producer of 60 Minutes, citing an inability to maintain independent decision-making amid pressure from Donald Trump’s attacks and a lawsuit against CBS. This decision follows Trump’s targeting of the show and ongoing settlement talks, fueled by concerns about jeopardizing Paramount Global’s merger with Skydance. Owens’ departure comes amidst staff anxiety and fears of compromising journalistic integrity, with some viewing the situation as a retreat from First Amendment principles. CBS News leadership expressed gratitude for Owens’ contributions, affirming their commitment to 60 Minutes’ mission.
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Col. Sheyla Baez Ramirez, Fort McCoy’s first female garrison commander, has been suspended. The suspension follows a controversy involving photos of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth on the fort’s Chain of Command wall, which were found facing the wall instead of the hallway. A Department of Defense investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, described by the DOD as “vandalism.” The Army maintains the suspension is unrelated to misconduct. The Army Reserve has pledged to take all appropriate action following the conclusion of the investigation.
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A recent RMG Research poll reveals a seven-point swing in congressional voting intentions since February, with Democrats now leading Republicans by four percentage points (50% to 45%). This shift follows several polls indicating declining public trust in the Republican Party’s handling of the economy and national finances, including a CNBC poll showing President Trump with net negative approval on economic issues. The narrowing Republican lead jeopardizes their slim House majority and suggests a potential Democratic victory in the 2026 midterms. This trend, if sustained, could significantly impact President Trump’s policies and political standing.
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Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) has become the first Republican lawmaker to publicly call for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s dismissal, citing Hegseth’s repeated use of Signal to share classified information about military operations with his family. Bacon deemed this “totally unacceptable” and expressed concerns about potential foreign intelligence compromises. Hegseth’s actions are under investigation by the Department of Defense Inspector General, following requests from both Republican and Democratic leadership in the Senate Armed Services Committee. Despite the mounting criticism and departures of several Pentagon officials, the White House continues to defend Hegseth.
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Larry David’s satirical *New York Times* essay, “My Dinner With Adolf,” implicitly criticizes Bill Maher’s recent dinner with Donald Trump. David’s fictional encounter with Hitler parallels Maher’s experience, highlighting the dangers of seeking common ground with authoritarian figures. The essay satirizes the attempt to humanize a leader with a history of harmful actions, showcasing a naive belief in the possibility of finding shared values that overshadows grave moral concerns. Ultimately, David’s piece serves as a pointed rebuke of Maher’s actions, ending with a darkly humorous surrender to the manipulative charm of evil.
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Several UK MPs and peers are campaigning against a planned address by Donald Trump to Parliament during his upcoming state visit. Concerns are raised regarding Trump’s disrespect for democracy, the rule of law, and his lack of condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This opposition mirrors similar efforts during his first term, with some suggesting the address would be inappropriate given his actions and statements. While the government seeks a US trade deal, many feel that honoring Trump with a parliamentary address would be an unsuitable gesture.
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In his final days, Pope Francis delivered a pointed rebuke of the White House’s stance on immigration, a fitting end to his papacy marked by frequent clashes with Donald Trump. A meeting with Senator JD Vance, while seemingly conciliatory, was followed by an Easter address criticizing the MAGA approach to migrants and foreign aid. The Vatican’s official statements following meetings with Vance and other officials emphasized the need for improved collaboration between the White House and the Catholic Church. Francis’s legacy will undoubtedly include his outspoken opposition to Trump’s immigration policies, a position he maintained until his death.
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On Easter Sunday, President Trump launched a series of over 20 Truth Social posts within nine hours. His messages attacked “radical left lunatics,” China, critics of his tariffs, and a federal judge who blocked Venezuelan migrant deportations. The tirade followed an Easter message and included shared content from conservative news outlets critical of his political opponents. Trump spent the afternoon at his Virginia golf club after a White House Easter service, foregoing his usual church attendance.
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Donald Trump’s Easter message on Truth Social initially offered standard holiday greetings but quickly devolved into typical attacks on political opponents. He condemned “Radical Left Lunatics” and ineffective law enforcement for enabling the return of deported immigrants, despite court rulings against the administration’s actions. Trump also reiterated false claims about the 2020 election and criticized President Biden, showcasing his continued focus on divisive rhetoric rather than conciliatory holiday sentiment. This was followed by a third message promising to improve America, a claim contradicted by recent policy decisions and economic trends.
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AtlasIntel’s April survey reveals a significant drop in President Trump’s approval rating, now standing at -6%, down from a near-even split in February. This decline is attributed to dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy, particularly his proposed tariffs, and immigration policies. Public opinion has soured on both issues, with majorities disapproving of his economic and immigration approaches. The survey, conducted by the firm consistently ranked as the most accurate by Nate Silver, carries a margin of error of ±2 percentage points.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Larry David’s NYT Roast: Bill Maher’s Trump Dinner Backfires
Larry David’s satirical *New York Times* essay, “My Dinner With Adolf,” implicitly criticizes Bill Maher’s recent dinner with Donald Trump. David’s fictional encounter with Hitler parallels Maher’s experience, highlighting the dangers of seeking common ground with authoritarian figures. The essay satirizes the attempt to humanize a leader with a history of harmful actions, showcasing a naive belief in the possibility of finding shared values that overshadows grave moral concerns. Ultimately, David’s piece serves as a pointed rebuke of Maher’s actions, ending with a darkly humorous surrender to the manipulative charm of evil.
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