Tuesday, April 14, 2026

​ April 14, 2026 Good morning, Welcome to the news for independent thinkers ​ Leading the News . . . ​ U.S. Is Negotiating an Iran Deal That Would Buy Time . . . Details from Vice President Vance’s 21-hour Pakistan visit expose a U.S. proposal for a 20-year suspension—not a permanent ban—on Iran’s nuclear activity, giving Tehran room to claim it preserves its rights. Iran countered with a far shorter five-year pause, echoing earlier talks that collapsed before President Trump ordered strikes. New York Times​ ​ Isn't this the kind of Obama-style deal we scrapped? ​ ​US, Iran may resume war talks this week despite port blockade​ Politics Biden DOJ ‘weaponized’ federal law to prosecute pro-lifers — and give them longer prison sentences . . . An internal Justice Department review claims the Biden-era DOJ withheld evidence, used aggressive arrest tactics, and handed harsher sentences to pro-life defendants under the FACE Act. The nearly 900-page report, based on hundreds of thousands of records, points to repeated “biased enforcement” and controversial coordination with pro-abortion groups. New York Post​ ​ So, extra criminal jeopardy for NOT wanting to kill. ​ Swalwell quits Congress amid looming expulsion threat in California race fallout . . . Rep. Eric Swalwell abruptly reversed course within days, dropping out of California’s gubernatorial primary and announcing his resignation from Congress as expulsion efforts swirl. Once seen as a leading Democrat in the race, Swalwell cited mounting pressure and the distraction of defending against fast-moving allegations, warning against rushed punishment without due process while conceding the controversy would hinder his ability to serve constituents. Daily Signal​ ​ Rep. Tony Gonzales to resign from Congress amid backlash over sexual misconduct allegations . . . Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, said he will resign from the U.S. House after five years in office, following revelations of an affair with an aide who later died by suicide. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, a New Mexico Democrat and chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, had announced plans to bring an expulsion resolution against Gonzales this week. Texas Tribune​ ​ They were both getting thrown out. The posse was in town and they decided to pack up. ​ How an Image Depicting Trump as Christ Sparked a Backlash on the Religious Right . . . President Trump’s posting of an AI-crafted image casting himself in a Christ-like role detonated rare backlash from core religious allies, with some Catholic leaders expressing confusion and frustration. The now-deleted image spread rapidly, prompting private complaints to the administration and exposing unease among loyal supporters who had backed him strongly, now questioning why their faith was being tested by a move seen as tone-deaf and needlessly provocative. Wall Street Journal​ ​ Trump on his AI Jesus image: ‘I thought it was me as a doctor’ . . . President Trump is brushing off backlash over an AI image critics likened to a Christ portrayal, insisting it showed him as a Red Cross-style doctor healing patients. The explanation comes as tensions flare with Pope Leo XIV and supporters question the post’s tone. Trump blamed “fake news” for the interpretation. The Hill​ ​ ​ Cook report shifts four Senate races toward Democrats as GOP edge narrows . . . The Cook Political Report is tilting four key Senate races in Democrats’ favor, citing a souring national climate for Republicans ahead of the midterms. While the map still makes a Democratic takeover difficult, the updated ratings suggest momentum is inching left, tightening contests once leaning GOP. Even so, Republicans remain slight favorites to hold the chamber, as the battlefield grows more competitive and less predictable. Daily Signal​ ​ ​‘DoorDash Grandma’ Tells Trump How Much His Tax Policies Saved Her This Year​ ​ Texas lawmakers warn KIDS Act weakens child safety push in Washington . . . A bipartisan bloc of 64 Texas state representatives, led by Rep. Shelby Slawson, is pressing Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz to toughen federal online protections for children, warning the House’s KIDS Act falls short. Echoing concerns from state senators, they argue the version advanced by the Energy and Commerce Committee dilutes stronger Senate safeguards, fueling fears that Washington could settle for a watered-down bill while risks to kids online remain unresolved. Daily Signal​ Culture Miss America tightens ‘naturally born female’ rule after backlash over male eligibility . . . Miss America is rewriting its rules to stress that contestants must be “naturally born female,” moving to shut down criticism that the pageant was opening the door to male entrants. The updated policy, refined again in 2026, allows intersex women who have undergone corrective surgery but draws a firmer line on sex eligibility. Washington Times​ Money Los Angeles hotel costs surge as $30 wage mandate squeezes industry . . . Los Angeles hotels are under mounting financial pressure as rising operating costs collide with weakening demand, according to a new American Hotel and Lodging Association report. The group points to the city’s phased minimum wage increase—set to reach $30 an hour for airport and hotel workers by 2028—as a key driver of higher expenses. Industry researchers argue the policy limits flexibility in adjusting costs to market conditions, deepening strain on an already fragile sector. Fox News​ ​ 7-Eleven shuts 645 stores to chase Wawa-style food overhaul . . . 7-Eleven is closing 645 underperforming locations while betting big on larger, food-focused stores to keep pace with rivals like Wawa and Buc-ee’s. The sweeping overhaul swaps quick-stop convenience for a fast-casual model built around prepared meals and upgraded interiors. Even as closures mount, the chain plans hundreds of new sites, signaling a high-stakes pivot that trades its old footprint for a bulked-up, higher-margin future. New York Post​ You should also know Reddit data study flags overlooked Ozempic side effects in GLP-1 drugs . . . A large analysis of more than 400,000 Reddit posts has uncovered lesser-known side effects tied to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania used AI to scan five years of user discussions from over 67,000 patients, finding symptoms beyond common gastrointestinal issues. While clinical trials remain the gold standard, the study argues online patient reports reveal broader real-world reactions. Fox News​ Guilty Pleasures Company Charges People $1.99 Per Minute to Talk to AI-Powered Jesus Avatar . . . A company called Just Like Me has launched “Jesus AI,” a chatbot trained on the King James Bible and selected sermons, designed to act as a supportive digital mentor. CEO Chris Breed says the tool is meant to inspire and uplift, not replace faith, clergy, or scripture. Oddity Central​ ​ Well, the price doesn't seem very Christian of them. ​ Keith Koffler Editor, Cut to the News ​ Help CTTN reach more people by forwarding it to your family and friends. Click below to write your message and share the signup link by email. ​ Or, you can share it on social media. ​​​​ Got this from a friend? Subscribe here and get Cut to the News sent to your Inbox every morning. ​ Have a great day! ​ Follow us ​​​​ 8300 Greensboro DR, STE L1 #709, McLean, VA 22102 Unsubscribe · Preferences​ ​