United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 2014
Ownership
The Intercept launched in February 2014 under First Look Media, founded by journalists Glenn Greenwald, Jeremy Scahill and Laura Poitras and bankrolled by eBay co-founder Pierre Omidyar, who pledged up to $250 million to the venture. In January 2023 it was spun off from Omidyar's First Look Institute and now operates as an independent nonprofit organization.
Funding
Originally underwritten almost entirely by Omidyar, who ceased financial support in 2022, The Intercept now relies on reader and listener donations and grants as a nonprofit. The loss of its founding patron forced sharp cutbacks, including laying off roughly a third of its newsroom in early 2024.
Affiliation & stance
The Intercept is a left-leaning, adversarial investigative outlet with no party, church or government control; it is governed as an independent nonprofit funded by donations. Because it is privately/charitably owned with editorial independence from any party or state, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 54
65/100
Factual
51/100
Objective
56
Articles
55
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Immigrant Wants to Pay $368,000 in Fines, but Broken Payment System Won’t Let Him
An immigrant named Daniel, who entered the U.S. legally on a tourist visa and later sought asylum, now faces a $368,000 fine under a Trump-era policy that imposes daily penalties for failing to leave after a deportation order. The policy, enacted via an executive order in 2025, raises daily fines to $998 and allows for up to $1.8 million in penalties over five years. Despite being eager to pay, Daniel cannot access the payment system due to missing information, specifically, an identification number required for online payments. His attempts to contact the Department of Homeland Security were unsuccessful, with calls disconnecting after lengthy holds. Legal advocates note this is not an isolated case, as no clients have successfully paid these fines, highlighting systemic issues with transparency and accessibility in the immigration enforcement system.
Mark Ruffalo blasts Ellisons, Oracle's Gaza ties in merger fight
Actor Mark Ruffalo criticized the Ellison family and Oracle for their alleged support of Israel's military actions during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, linking this to his opposition to the proposed $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. In a social media post, Ruffalo shared a clip of Oracle Executive Vice Chair Safra Catz discussing the company's backing of Israel, noting her position on the board of Paramount Skydance, which is owned by the Ellison family. Ruffalo warned that Oracle's technology could eventually be integrated into the merged media giant and used against consumers, while questioning former President Trump's role in approving the merger. The merger, which would place Larry Ellison in charge of CNN and CBS News, faces legal challenges from state attorneys general over antitrust concerns. While the merger remains blocked until 2027, analysts estimate it could lead to approximately 4,500 job losses in the entertainment industry. Paramount argues the merger would increase content investment and production volume.
RIP to the Russiagate Liberals
Retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a Florida Democratic Senate candidate, lost to Angie Nixon in the August 2026 Democratic primary, ending a significant chapter in the 'Russiagate' narrative. The article frames this loss as a defeat for 'liberal mass delusions' of the Trump era, suggesting that the focus on Russian election interference and conspiracy theories diverted attention from broader political issues. It criticizes the reliance on such narratives by Democrats and media figures like Rachel Maddow, arguing that they used these conspiratorial ideas to explain Trump's victory without addressing internal Democratic failures. The piece highlights how this approach failed at the ballot box, with Vindman's loss symbolizing the collapse of this strategy. It also references other political figures like George Conway and Dan Goldman, who similarly struggled against more substantive candidates.
August’s best books keep you on the edge of your seat
This article highlights several fiction books reviewed for August, focusing on their engaging narratives and themes. Lawrence Osborne's 'Children of Wolves' follows an American private investigator in Istanbul uncovering a dark conspiracy. Steve Hawk's 'Nearshore' presents a modern apocalyptic thriller involving a mathematician warning of nuclear threats. Laura Moriarty's 'Sunlight Finds You' explores a woman's journey through pregnancy and personal growth during the Cold War era. Oana Aristide's 'Astronaut!' depicts life under Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu through the eyes of a young girl and a detective. Lastly, 'The Camino' by Anya Niewierra tells the story of a woman hiking the Camino de Santiago after discovering her husband's hidden past linked to the Bosnian War.
ICE Worked With Iranian Regime to Set Up Deportation Flights as Trump Laid Plans for War
A newly released set of internal emails from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that the agency coordinated with Iranian officials to deport over 100 Iranian nationals during the Trump administration. The emails, obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request from the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), show that ICE, under Acting Director Todd Lyons, planned three charter flights to Iran in coordination with Iranian authorities, sometimes through Qatari intermediaries. These flights occurred shortly before the U.S.-Israel bombing campaign against Iran, known as the Twelve-Day War, which resulted in significant casualties. The deportations targeted individuals, including political activists and religious minorities, many of whom faced potential persecution in Iran. Some deportees were reportedly transported against their will, with reports of physical coercion and suicidal attempts. The actions mark a reversal from longstanding U.S. immigration policies that generally allowed Iranians to remain in the U.S. despite removal orders due to fears of persecution under the Iranian regime.
What American Doctors Saw in Gaza
The article discusses the ongoing impact of Israel's military actions in Gaza on the local healthcare system, as described by Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency medicine physician who has worked in conflict zones. He highlights the lack of resources and security challenges faced by medical professionals in Gaza. The piece also focuses on a documentary titled 'American Doctor,' which follows three U.S. physicians who volunteered to provide medical aid in Gaza despite the dangerous conditions. These doctors faced backlash upon returning home, being criticized by mainstream media and ignored by lawmakers. They argue that the U.S. could learn from Israel's provision of free healthcare and education while continuing to support Palestinian communities.
The Mossad Suffers a Crushing Defeat Entirely of Its Own Making
The article discusses the recent dismissal of high-ranking Mossad officials 'K' and 'Y' by new director Roman Gofman, highlighting internal turmoil within Israel's intelligence agency. It frames the Mossad's strategic failures during its failed war against Iran, including unsuccessful assassination attempts on Iranian leaders, failed efforts to destabilize the regime through Kurdish proxies, and the unintended strengthening of Iran's position. The piece criticizes the agency's overreach and misjudgment, suggesting that its actions have inadvertently bolstered Iran's capabilities rather than weakened them. The article references past failures, such as the 1997 botched operation against Hamas leader Khaled Mashal, to draw parallels between historical and current strategic miscalculations.
The Short Life of a Newborn During the Iran War
The article describes the tragic early life of Mohammad Ali Kialha, a newborn in Tehran who was born just days before the U.S.-led attack on Iran during the 2026 Iran-Israel conflict. Born on February 26, Mohammad's life was immediately marked by violence as President Trump announced military action against Iran. On February 28, the U.S. struck the Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab, killing over 150 people, mostly children. Over the following weeks, the World Health Organization reported that U.S.-Israeli strikes caused tens of thousands of casualties. By late March, Iran's Health Ministry stated that over 650 people had been killed or injured since the resumption of attacks. The article follows the experiences of Mohammad's family, including his grandmother Tahereh Sarbaz, who witnessed the devastation and risked traveling to see her newborn grandson despite the ongoing bombardment. The narrative highlights the human cost of the conflict, particularly on civilians and children.
A Democratic Socialist Aims to Oust a Top AIPAC Beneficiary in Florida
A Democratic Socialist candidate, Oliver Larkin, is challenging Rep. Jared Moskowitz in Florida's 25th Congressional District, aiming to shift the traditional Democratic strategy in the state. Moskowitz, who has strong ties to AIPAC and a conservative-aligned super PAC, represents a more moderate stance, while Larkin advocates for progressive policies such as Medicare for All and opposes U.S. military aid to Israel. The race highlights growing tensions within the Democratic Party between centrist and leftist factions, with polls showing conflicting results. Larkin criticizes the party's reliance on 'status quo' politics, arguing that independent voters are disillusioned with current strategies. Moskowitz's campaign emphasizes his bipartisan experience, including time in Governor Ron DeSantis's administration, which could appeal to voters in a redrawn district previously leaning Republican.
ICE Shot a Journalist and Threw Him in Detention. He’s Approaching 300 Days Behind Bars With a Festering Wound.
Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a journalist known as Richard Noticias LA, was shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during an immigration raid in South Los Angeles in October 2025. He suffered a severe gunshot wound to his leg, which went untreated, leading to a festering infection. Parias has been held in ICE detention for nearly 300 days, with reports of deplorable conditions including contaminated drinking water and unsanitary cells. His case has drawn comparisons to past instances where journalists were jailed for exposing wrongdoing, though Parias' situation is considered unprecedented due to the length of his detention and the severity of his injuries. Federal authorities claim Parias is an undocumented immigrant who had previously evaded arrest, but critics argue this narrative ignores substantial evidence of his journalistic contributions and the systemic issues within ICE detention facilities.
Secret ICE Agent Tried to ‘Entice’ Minneapolis Activists Into Confrontational Tactics
Minneapolis-based activist groups, including the Sunrise Movement, have discovered that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents infiltrated their activities during winter protests against federal immigration policies. A court filing revealed that ICE conducted covert surveillance, including undercover agents attending meetings and recording locations where nonviolent protests took place. The Sunrise Movement, known for its climate activism and recent shift toward opposing Trump-era immigration enforcement, played a significant role in nighttime noise protests targeting hotels where ICE agents resided. The revelation comes amid broader investigations labeled 'Operation Puppet Master' and 'Project Whipple Shield,' which were initially framed as targeting violent agitators but reportedly involved extensive monitoring of peaceful demonstrations. Organizers expressed concern that these tactics aim to intimidate protesters and deter participation in organized efforts.
Progressive William Lawrence wins Democratic primary in one of the country’s biggest House races
Democrat William Lawrence, a co-founder of the progressive Sunrise Movement, has won his party's primary in Michigan's 7th Congressional District, according to NBC News projections. This victory marks a significant win for the progressive left in a highly contested battleground seat, setting up a challenging general election matchup against Republican Rep. Tom Barrett. Lawrence distinguished himself by positioning as a more liberal candidate and criticizing data centers, while defeating two prominent Democratic rivals with national security backgrounds. The race saw increasing bitterness between his opponents, former Ambassador Bridget Brink and retired Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam, who reportedly split the more moderate wing of the party. Lawrence received strong support from progressive groups and a mysterious super PAC that spent over $1 million in the final weeks of the campaign, raising concerns that Republicans might be indirectly supporting him to make him an easier opponent in November. Other key House races in Michigan and Virginia are also shaping up, with various matchups involving Trump-backed candidates and established Democrats.
Rep. Nancy Mace pushes legislation to restore death penalty in D.C.
Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, has proposed legislation to reintroduce the death penalty in Washington, D.C., nearly 45 years after it was abolished. The 'Restoring the Death Penalty in DC Act' would allow the death penalty for specific 'most heinous crimes,' including first-degree murder, terrorism, murder of law enforcement officers, child sexual abuse resulting in death, and drug distribution leading to a minor's death. The bill would also cover cases involving railroad obstruction, solicitation of murder, and weapons of mass destruction. Under the proposal, courts would determine whether aggravating or mitigating factors justify the death penalty, requiring a separate sentencing hearing if the federal government seeks it. The default execution method would be electrocution, though alternatives like lethal injection, firing squad, lethal gas, or nitrogen hypoxia would be available. Mace argues that restoring the death penalty would serve as a deterrent and ensure that the most violent criminals face the ultimate punishment. She notes that D.C. abolished the death penalty in 1980, and a 1992 referendum to reinstate it failed. Her push aligns with former总统Trump