The Hound | May 1

Hi there,

It’s Friday. May Day demonstrations are drawing crowds across the country, picking up the mantle of the ‘No Kings’ protests. With the Callais decision this week exposes its true partisanship. And with Defense (or War, who can keep track) Secretary Pete Hegseth appearance before Congress this week, more questions than answers about the Iran War remain, including the cost, strategic objections, and current strategy.

The Trump administration’s war with Iran is increasingly marked by confusion, contradiction, and dysfunction. Senior officials have been accused of exaggerating success, shifting explanations, and failing to articulate clear goals—even as the conflict drags on, costs mount, and public support declines. When officials argue that ceasefires pause congressional oversight or deny the existence of a war while continuing military operations, it signals profound dysfunction—not normal governance.

🖊️ Add your name to call on major news organizations to cover the Iran war as a story of systemic dysfunction—examining contradictory claims, lack of planning, legal loopholes, and the disconnect between official rhetoric and reality.

The public deserves reporting that clearly explains when a war is being mismanaged, not coverage that normalizes confusion and avoids accountability.

Read about this, and more, with today’s stories:

Not Even Republicans Buy Pete Hegseth’s Claim on Legality of Iran War (The New Republic)

4 takeaways from Hegseth's hearings on historic defense budget request, Iran war (PBS)

60 Minutes journalist decries ‘spread of corporate meddling and editorial fear’ at CBS News (The Guardian)

Nationwide May Day protests expected to pick up mantle of 'No Kings' (NPR)

The Roberts Court Shows Its True Partisan Colors (Mother Jones)

Trump Bulldozed a 1,000-Year-Old Archeological Site to Make Room for a Second Border Wall (The Intercept)

Collective Bargaining Continues to Support Educators, NEA Report Reveals (The American Prospect)

As Energy, War and Climate Collide, a Conference in Colombia Charts a Path Beyond Fossil Fuels (Inside Climate News)

Until next time,

Harry from The Hound

P.S. Do you know someone who would appreciate The Hound? If you can, forward this email and encourage them to subscribe! Let’s stay informed, together.