April 25, 2026
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Michael's Daily Notes
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Tonight is the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, and Donald Trump is attending for the first time as a sitting president. I've been there before and know the drill: it's a long night, and typically the headline act — mentalist Oz Pearlman — closes the evening after the president speaks.
The substantive portion features journalism award presentations, including one this year honoring the Wall Street Journal for its Epstein investigation, which revealed Trump's birthday greeting. There is no way tonight follows the normal script. I cannot imagine Trump sitting still for that.
But I don't want him to leave early — because that would mean missing Oz Pearlman working his magic on the president. When I spoke with Pearlman on Thursday, he made clear he had no firm commitment to share the stage with Trump. Hopefully that's been resolved by now. BTW, you can watch my interview with Pearlman on today’s CNN program which airs at 9am ET and 1pm ET.
Some argue Trump shouldn't have been invited at all, given his contentious relationship with the press. I disagree. I'm for breaking bread, sharing a cocktail, and — for one night at least — choosing civility.
If I were advising the president, I'd tell him: don't speak too long, take the edge off, and above all, be self-deprecating. Of course I do not expect him to follow my advice. Shame because if he turns it into a Festivus airing of grievances instead, it will be a missed opportunity — for unity, and for celebrating the nation and the First Amendment. Go Flyers.
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DAILY POLL
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Does the risk that Iran will acquire and use a nuclear weapon justify the military and economic risks associated with the blockade?
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TOP STORY
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The Justice Department will adopt firing squads as a permitted method of execution as the Trump administration moves to ramp up and expedite capital punishment cases, officials said Friday.
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TODAY'S YOUTUBE
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SPONSORED BY PARX CASINO
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IN OTHER NEWS
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While President Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran, the diplomatic efforts haven't made any progress in recent days. The planned trip is an effort to break the stalemate and build momentum for a deal before Trump goes back to exploring military options.
Most Americans say there were not sufficient reasons to start the war in Iran – with most disapproving of the military strikes and that it hasn’t made them any safer while few said the military action has been worth it or that it would make the U.S. safer.
The Jacobs Media Techsurvey 2026 reveals a shift in radio habits, with digital platforms capturing 44% of listening time, narrowing the gap with traditional AM/FM radio to just 10 points.
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A possible reelection campaign from Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman won't happen this year, but already, some Democrat colleagues are on the fence about a second run from the state's former lieutenant governor.
The highest levels of the federal government are paying attention to a list of people who have vanished or died, citing concerns about their connections to scientific research, some of it possibly classified.
Tina Brown argues Elizabeth II’s long reign left unresolved royal problems; King Charles’ U.S. state visit offers dignified stability and soft power amid Trump-era tensions and British political frailty.
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MORE NEWS
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Vineyard owner Ernie Dosio was trampled to death by the stampede as he stalked through a thick forest in central Africa. The 75-year-old displayed a vast collection of exotic animal heads across trophy rooms in his home in Lodi, California.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been given a clean bill of health following successful treatment for early-stage prostate cancer, revealed publicly for the first time, according to an official medical report released by the Prime Minister’s Office.
With prices for everything from groceries to gas climbing, Americans are pinching pennies and making hard choices. Many have cut out alcohol altogether. For those who still crave a cocktail, they’re entering a flashback era of “pregaming."
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For the Left
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed concerns about assisted suicide laws during a public discussion, referencing Canada’s policies as part of his argument. He questioned the ethical and social implications of expanding such programs, contributing to an ongoing debate over end-of-life care and government policy.
For the Right
Researchers tracked vehicles from Alabama prison work sites to Toronto dealerships, arguing Ottawa must block products stemming from slavery regardless of their country of origin. This investigation confirms the direct link between alleged forced labour and vehicles reaching Canadian consumers.
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