April 21, 2026 - Threats Exchanged as Ceasefire Expires

John Fetterman called me Sunday night. He wanted to thank me for a commentary I delivered on CNN on Saturday, wherein I said that in order to win the war with Iran, Congress first needs to give the authorization for military use. Instead of challenging President Trump's authority under the War Powers Act, Democrats should embrace where we find ourselves and not leave Iran without control of the enriched uranium. As usual, many didn't appreciate my argument… but Fetterman did and wanted to tell me so. We continued our conversation on radio yesterday, and you can watch it here.

Fetterman pulled no punches in chiding his fellow Democrats for having long argued that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon but now refuse to give Trump the authority to do something about it.

Meanwhile my friend Salena Zito offers great insight in the Washington Post about Fetterman's future in Pennsylvania.

Listeners will recall me saying I was underwhelmed with the choice between Fetterman and Dr. Oz in 2022. After several interviews, I was particularly impressed with Conor Lamb. Come 2028, it could be Lamb, or Brendan Boyle — who also impressed in a recent studio appearance — seeking Fetterman’s Senate seat.

I told Fetterman privately and on radio that I appreciate his candor and courage regarding mental health. I think he has done a great deal to combat the stigma, and I view his struggles as more of an asset than a liability. I also appreciate his independence. We Independents are 45% of the country, and yet no one seems to speak for us. So when someone is willing to step out against their party, I take notice.

Which brings up another point. Fetterman has higher approval among Pennsylvania Republicans than among members of his own party. If there is anyone who should be cheering the lawsuit in which I am the lead plaintiff seeking to open Pennsylvania's primaries, it is Fetterman.

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As a fragile two-week ceasefire nears its expiration, the US and Iran trade escalating threats—fueled by stalled peace talks and recent military incidents—raising fears that diplomacy could collapse and reignite broader conflict.

Al Jazeera

President Trump rejected his Energy Secretary Chris Wrights’ projection that gas prices won’t fall below $3 until next year, arguing they could drop sooner if the Iran conflict ends, even as global oil disruptions keep U.S. prices above $4.

The Hill

Tim Cook will step down as CEO of Apple on September 1, handing leadership to John Ternus as he transitions to executive chairman after overseeing decades of massive growth, operational success, and mixed product innovation.

Wired

FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic, denying and calling “obviously fabricated” its reporting on alleged heavy drinking and workplace absences that he claims damaged his reputation.

CBS News

Salena Zito argues that Sen. John Fetterman is wagering his political future on an unapologetically independent approach—defying party orthodoxy to work with Republicans—even as backlash from fellow Democrats threatens his standing in Pennsylvania.

The Washington Post

As a nationwide boom in AI-driven data centers brings economic promises, growing local backlash over environmental strain, rising costs, and quality-of-life concerns is turning these projects into a potent and increasingly bipartisan issue shaping voter sentiment ahead of the midterms.

NPR

After the penny’s quiet exit, experts warn the nickel—costing far more to produce than its face value—could eventually face the same fate, though officials say its demise is likely still years away.

USA Today

The Trump administration has begun issuing up to $166 billion in tariff refunds after a Supreme Court ruling deemed key policies unconstitutional, offering relief to businesses while leaving consumers largely uncompensated and future trade costs uncertain.

Time

Divorcing couples often wage surprisingly costly battles over seemingly trivial items—from rewards points to pets, spices, and novelty lamps —revealing how everyday objects can become emotional proxies for grief, resentment and the desire to “win” the breakup.

The Wall Street Journal

Singer D4vd has been charged with first-degree murder in the “brutal and horrific” death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was discovered in his impounded Tesla, as prosecutors allege he continuously committed "lewd and lascivious sexual acts" with the teen and that he killed her for financial gain "to maintain his very lucrative musical career that Celeste was threatening" to expose.

ABC News