Headlines

October 22, 2025

The New York Times

Trump Seeks $230M From DOJ

President Trump is seeking $230 million from the Justice Department for past federal investigations into him—claims that would be reviewed by senior officials who once served as his defense lawyers, raising unprecedented ethical concerns.
Read Full Story
Newsweek

East Wing Demolition Sparks Outrage

The Maryland company demolishing part of the White House East Wing to make room for President Trump’s new $250 million ballroom has been inundated with one-star reviews from critics outraged by the destruction of the historic structure.
Read Full Story
NBC News

Dems Call on "Disengaged" Trump To Act

As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, Democratic leaders are urging President Trump to personally engage in negotiations to end the stalemate, while even some Republicans admit his lack of involvement has stalled progress.
Read Full Story
Associated Press

Trump-Putin Budapest Talks Delayed

President Trump has paused plans for a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest, saying he doesn’t want a “wasted meeting” after Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s call with Russia’s foreign minister failed to advance peace talks on the Ukraine war.
Read Full Story
Time

Is the NFL Safer Than High School?

While the NFL has reduced concussions through new rules like limiting contact and changing kickoffs, high school and youth leagues have resisted similar reforms, leaving younger players more vulnerable to brain injuries such as CTE.
Read Full Story
New York Post

Post to Sliwa: Get Out Now

The New York Post’s editorial board urged Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa to drop out of the race, arguing that his withdrawal is the only way to prevent progressive frontrunner Zohran Mamdani from winning City Hall.
Read Full Story
Local News Initiative

Medill: News Deserts Are Widening

The 2025 State of Local News Report reveals a 20-year transformation marked by the collapse of local newspapers and the rise of digital outlets, as the industry struggles to rebuild lost journalism jobs across much of the country.
Read Full Story
The Washington Post

What Might Become of Louvre Jewels

Experts say the thieves behind the Louvre’s crown jewel heist face a tougher task selling the loot than stealing it, as the priceless gems are likely being dismantled or melted down to evade detection and profit from their raw materials.
Read Full Story
The Independent

AI's Role in Crime Confessions

As people increasingly treat AI chatbots as confidants and advisors, experts warn that with no legal privacy protections, users’ most personal conversations could be exploited by tech companies, advertisers, or even law enforcement.
Read Full Story
The Hill

Fetterman Backs GOP Filibuster Move

Sen. John Fetterman said he would back Republicans using the “nuclear option” to override the Senate filibuster and pass a funding bill to end the 21-day government shutdown and keep SNAP benefits flowing.
Read Full Story
USA Today

Why Peanut Allergies Are in Decline

A new study finds that youth peanut allergy rates have dropped 43% since 2017, providing strong evidence that early and regular introduction of peanuts into infants’ diets is a safe, effective, and impactful way to prevent allergies.
Read Full Story
NPR

How Do You Say "Enshittification"?

Cory Doctorow’s new book argues that major internet platforms like Facebook, Google, and Amazon degrade over time—a process he calls “enshittification”—as they prioritize profits over users and small businesses.
Read Full Story
The Atlantic

Why "No Kings" Protests Matter

David A. Graham argues that the “No Kings” protests, which drew millions nationwide, may not yield immediate political change, but they signal widespread opposition to Trump and challenge the perception of his invincibility.
Read Full Story
ABC News

Smith Attorneys Dispute Tap Claims

Attorneys for Jack Smith denied claims that he spied on senators, saying his office’s review of limited phone toll records during the Jan. 6 investigation was lawful, proper, and politically neutral.
Read Full Story
The Philadelphia Citizen

Forward Party Active in Philly DA Race

The Forward Party’s endorsement of Pat Dugan for Philadelphia District Attorney brings new competition to a typically uncontested local race, re-engaging voters and offering a choice beyond the city’s dominant Democratic Party.
Read Full Story
Slate

Graham Platner's Campaign Scandal

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s campaign faces turmoil after revelations about his past offensive online posts and a prominent Nazi tattoo, raising questions about his judgment and fitness for office.
Read Full Story

Looking for previous newsletters?

The Mingle Project

Michael is on a mission to restore civility and compromise in public discourse. His solution for addressing societal disconnect, The Mingle Project — now on Smerconish.com with exclusive video clips, news articles, author interviews, live event info, and more!

Independent doesn’t mean indecisive.

The Latest News from Smerconish.com in Your Inbox

Join our community of over 100k independent minds

If you can’t find the confirmation email in your inbox, please check your junk or spam folder. 

 

We will NEVER SELL YOUR DATA. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Smerconish.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Aweber

The Latest News from Smerconish.com in Your Inbox

Join our community of over 100k independent minds

If you can’t find the confirmation email in your inbox, please check your junk or spam folder. 

 

We will NEVER SELL YOUR DATA. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Smerconish.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Aweber