Good evening everyone, we just got home from the hospital and everyone is doing great, thank you again!
We have some major developments this Sunday evening following a historic No Kings Day, where organizers say more than 8 million people protested across thousands of events, making it one of the largest protest days in U.S. history. Right now, there is growing concern among Republicans in Congress about what the future looks like for their majority, or whether they will even keep it. A record number of lawmakers are retiring, and the scale of the protests has clearly rattled Capitol Hill, especially as the war in Iran continues to expand, threats are spreading beyond the battlefield, and the government shutdown drags on.
Last Sunday, we talked about the exhaustion so many of you were feeling. This Sunday feels different. The news is still intense and nonstop, but there is a noticeable shift in energy. For months, it has felt like trying to drink from a fire hose, with Venezuela, Iran, TSA, DHS, ICE, and crisis after crisis piling on top of each other. There has been no pause and no time to process. But for a lot of people, No Kings Day created a moment to breathe and step back from that constant escalation.
As a journalist, my responsibility is to give you the information clearly and honestly. As a consumer, you have a responsibility too. You decide when to engage and when to step back. You get to protect your mental space, and there is no shame in that. A lot of you did that this weekend. I am here, I am giving you the news, and we will keep going.
Here’s the news:
One month into the Iran war, Republicans are increasingly facing political and economic fallout as rising gas prices, supply chain issues, and higher farming costs strain voters and key battleground states. While many GOP leaders and voters still support Donald Trump, concerns are growing that a prolonged conflict could hurt turnout and undermine the party’s “America First” message ahead of midterm elections. Some party officials warn that continued escalation or casualties could deepen divisions within the base and weaken support. Overall, the war is becoming harder for Republicans to defend as its costs become more visible at home.
Some Republican lawmakers are warning that a potential U.S. ground invasion of Iran by Donald Trump could have major political consequences, with one GOP representative predicting the party could lose 60 to 70 seats in the midterms. Several Republicans, including Eli Crane and Nancy Mace, expressed concern about escalation and the risk of another prolonged “forever war.” While many still support Trump’s broader strategy, there is growing unease within the party about deploying ground troops. The debate highlights internal GOP divisions as the conflict raises both military and electoral risks.
A record number of lawmakers are retiring from Congress ahead of the midterms, with dozens of Republicans and Democrats opting not to seek re-election amid growing political uncertainty. The unusually high number of GOP departures has raised concerns about losing control of the House, especially as some retirements echo patterns seen before past wave elections. Lawmakers cite reasons including political dysfunction, redistricting challenges, and the personal toll of serving, while some are pursuing higher office. The trend reflects broader dissatisfaction with Congress and signals potential volatility in the upcoming elections.
Pope Leo XIV condemned global leaders who justify war, saying God rejects the prayers of those with “hands full of blood,” in remarks widely seen as a critique of the Trump administration amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. Speaking during Palm Sunday Mass, he emphasized that religion should not be used to justify violence and called the ongoing war involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel “atrocious.” His comments followed controversial remarks by Pete Hegseth supporting aggressive military action. The pope reiterated calls for peace, urging an end to violence and highlighting the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.
In response, Trump posted a letter that Franklin Graham wrote to Trump expressing concern about comments suggesting he might not be “heaven bound,” emphasizing that salvation is a serious matter and encouraging certainty about one’s eternal fate. The message frames spiritual assurance as essential, urging reflection on faith and the afterlife.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it may target U.S.-affiliated university campuses in the Middle East in retaliation for recent U.S. and Israeli strikes that damaged Iranian universities, urging people to stay away from those sites. The threat raises concerns for several American institutions with regional branches, including Texas A&M University in Qatar and New York University in the United Arab Emirates. Iran set a deadline for the U.S. to condemn the attacks or risk escalation, framing the campuses as potential “legitimate targets.” The warning underscores rising tensions and the expanding scope of the conflict beyond traditional military sites.
Russia shared satellite images of the U.S. Prince Sultan Air Base with Iran ahead of an attack come from statements by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said Russian satellites imaged the base multiple times before the strike and that he is “100%” certain Moscow shared intelligence with Tehran.
Iran says it is prepared for a potential U.S. ground assault and accuses Washington of secretly planning military action while publicly signaling interest in negotiations. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East with 3,500 troops but maintains that no final decision on ground operations has been made. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain unclear, with U.S. officials expressing optimism about talks while Iran denies formal negotiations and rejects proposed terms. The situation reflects rising tensions and mixed messaging as both sides balance.
A Russian-flagged tanker carrying about 650,000 barrels of crude oil has entered Cuba’s exclusive economic zone, signaling what could be the country’s first oil import in over two months. The vessel, which departed from Russia’s Primorsk port, is expected to deliver its cargo to Matanzas if it stays on course. The shipment highlights ongoing energy ties between Russia and Cuba amid broader global supply pressures. It also comes as geopolitical tensions continue to influence oil movements and markets worldwide.
Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel as fears grow over a prolonged Middle East conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. U.S. crude has risen roughly 50% since the start of the bombing campaign, with global benchmark Brent crude also climbing above $108. The increase reflects market चिंता over potential escalation, including the risk of a ground invasion and disruptions to oil supply. While diplomatic efforts briefly slowed the rise, prices continue trending upward amid ongoing uncertainty.
According to the Guardian, at the Conservative Political Action Conference, supporters of Donald Trump expressed mixed reactions to the war with Iran, highlighting divisions within the MAGA movement. Some attendees and speakers backed continued military action, while others warned that a potential ground invasion could lead to greater risks, economic strain, and a prolonged conflict. Trump’s absence from the event, reportedly due to the war, underscored the uncertainty and debate over his foreign policy direction. Overall, the gathering reflected growing strain among supporters as they weigh loyalty to Trump against concerns about entering another extended war.
The Department of Homeland Security funding lapse has become the longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history, reaching 44 days while the rest of the federal government remains funded. Efforts to resolve the standoff have stalled, with House and Senate lawmakers unable to agree on funding terms, particularly over immigration enforcement conditions. The shutdown has disrupted travel nationwide, causing long airport security lines as unpaid TSA workers quit or call out, though an order was issued to begin paying them again. With Congress out of session for weeks and no clear compromise in sight, the shutdown is expected to continue.
Maria Bartiromo questioned why Republicans, despite controlling the House, Senate, and White House, are struggling to unify and pass legislation, suggesting Democrats are gaining the upper hand. Lisa McClain agreed, calling the situation “extremely frustrating” and acknowledging internal divisions within the party.
Tom Homan said he hopes Donald Trump will push Congress to return from recess to end the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, citing heightened global security threats. The shutdown, driven by disputes over immigration policy, has led to airport disruptions as unpaid TSA workers leave or call out, with ICE agents stepping in to assist.
Homan said immigration agents will remain deployed at airports until operations return to normal, noting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement will continue filling gaps if Transportation Security Administration staffing remains low. He indicated that fewer TSA workers returning would lead to a larger ICE presence to maintain security and functionality.
Senator Andy Kim criticized Tom Homan for avoiding questions about why Donald Trump did not authorize pay for TSA agents earlier, arguing the delay reflects a lack of concern for affected workers. He suggested the decision was intentional and that the public understands the underlying reason.
Steve Scalise said some senators regret supporting a DHS funding bill that excluded immigration enforcement, highlighting deep divisions between the House and Senate over how to end the shutdown. House Republicans rejected the Senate’s approach and instead passed a short-term funding bill covering all DHS operations, prolonging the stalemate.
Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will expand its ground invasion in southern Lebanon to create a larger “security belt” and push threats away from its border. The escalation comes amid ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, which began attacking Israel following the broader war involving Iran, and has already resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Lebanon. The offensive has displaced over a million people and raised fears that Israel may replicate the tactics of its Gaza campaign. International leaders, including António Guterres, have warned against further escalation and urged both sides to halt hostilities.
According to NBC News, Israeli police blocked senior Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, preventing a key religious service from taking place at one of Christianity’s holiest sites for the first time in centuries. Authorities said the move was due to security concerns amid the ongoing war, but religious leaders and global officials condemned it as a violation of religious freedom. The incident sparked international backlash, with multiple world leaders criticizing Israel and demanding explanations. Officials later said they would work to allow worship at the site later in the Easter week.
Palestinians in Gaza continue to face severe humanitarian conditions months after a ceasefire, with ongoing airstrikes, shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, and widespread displacement. Civilians describe daily life as dominated by fear, poverty, and loss, with infrastructure and basic necessities increasingly scarce. The situation has worsened amid the broader regional conflict involving Iran, driving up prices and limiting aid access. With thousands still needing medical treatment and aid bottlenecks persisting, the crisis remains dire and largely overshadowed by global attention on other conflicts.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case involving a Mississippi death row inmate who claims his conviction was tainted by racial discrimination in jury selection. The case centers on a prosecutor with a documented history of excluding Black jurors, raising concerns similar to a previous ruling where the Court overturned a conviction for the same pattern. Justices will consider whether the trial judge failed to properly evaluate claims of bias and whether the defendant’s rights were violated. The outcome could determine whether the conviction stands or if a new trial is required.
Politico has confirmed that talks at the World Trade Organization have stalled over a dispute about extending a global ban on digital tariffs, raising doubts about broader efforts to reform the organization. The U.S. is pushing for a long-term extension, while countries like Brazil oppose it and India has already blocked related trade agreements, deepening divisions. Negotiators are scrambling to reach a compromise, with options ranging from a short-term extension to letting the moratorium expire entirely. The outcome could determine whether WTO reform efforts move forward or collapse amid growing global trade tensions.
According to The Guardian, dozens of protesters were arrested in Los Angeles after clashes with police following a No Kings rally, where officers used tear gas, pepper rounds, and other crowd-control measures. The confrontation occurred near a detention center that has become a focal point for protests against immigration enforcement policies. While earlier demonstrations drew large, mostly peaceful crowds, tensions escalated later when some protesters refused to disperse and police reported objects being thrown. The incident highlights growing unrest tied to nationwide protests against the Trump administration and its policies.
See you soon.
— Aaron
