Morning! xx

“What we witnessed Tuesday morning from the commander in chief was a war crime in the making, written in language that smelled of genocidal bloodlust. It was an outright betrayal of what we have understood to be America’s values,” @jasonkylehoward.bsky.social writes.

Even with a fragile ceasefire, Trump’s threat to annihilate Iran carries consequences that cannot be ignored.

Don't let the news cycle move on without thinking about what Donald Trump's threat to annihilate Iran means. My latest for @salon.com.

Congress getting tabloid treatment sounds, at first blush, exactly where American democracy stands in the Trump era. But progressives desperate for any sign of a functioning media ecosystem should be leery of TMZ’s Washington pivot.

This is great news for @kentuckylantern.com and for Kentucky. Linda Blackford is the best.

I knew bell well, and you can bet your last dollar she would have had something spicy to say about this business

As academic freedom erodes at universities, saving it will require dedicated infrastructure and long-term support.

If Hungary’s April 12 election is fair, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán may finally lose power after 16 years. As @digby56.bsky.social writes, his defeat would be seen as a loss for right-wing strongmen around the world, including Donald Trump.

Translated: We love you but only if you submit to us

When will Democrats get it together? My latest for @salon.com

Dozens of FBI witness interviews from the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein appear to be missing from the files released by the Department of Justice last month, according to a CNN review – including interviews related to a woman who accused President Trump of sexually assaulting her decades ago.

Another Pulitzer worthy photo here.

Before Democrats fractured, Jackson united workers across race and region — and provided a model for today’s party.

"Time will tell whether Democrats who...are already beginning to vie for the party’s nomination in 2028 will follow Jackson’s example." My latest for @salon.com

Turning Point USA's bid for cultural relevance — and more money — just couldn't compete with Bad Bunny.

“None of this, of course, is remotely enough. Not the subtle shifts in rhetoric, the sacrifice of Bovino nor the ongoing rumors of Noem’s imminent departure. Because the rot in the administration comes from the top,” @jasonkylehoward.bsky.social writes.

After the attack on @maxwellfrost.bsky.social at Sundance, this makes two House Dems of color assaulted in one week.

My latest for @salon.com #Iran

“But the Iran I know is rising again, guided by courage and a collective remembrance of what it once was — and what it is always capable of being. The voices that filled its streets earlier this month were not only cries of protest; they were affirmations of identity.”

Tierra Walker knew that abortion was illegal in Texas, but she thought that hospitals could make an exception for patients like her, whose health was clearly on the line. At 20 weeks pregnant, she died of preeclampsia.

This is Brenda and Linda. They were brought into the shelter together, and Brenda had no interest in being separated from her friend. She jumped the kennel wall to get to Linda, and made sure everyone knew they're a package deal. The best news? It worked: They were adopted together. 14/10 for both

Because we’re all thinking it @salon.com

New WSJ: After flying an FBI jet to see his girlfriend sing at a wrestling match, FBI director Kash Patel took the jet to a private Texas hunting resort called the Boondoggle Ranch. www.wsj.com/politics/pol...

Read the room, Sen. Schumer. My latest for @salon.com

"But if institutions of higher learning are to preserve the freedom of dissent among its students and community — let alone ensure that such dissent continues to thrive — then they must respond when these very values are under attack."

"A Washington Post analysis of multiple video feeds found that Trump spent nearly 20 minutes apparently battling to keep his eyes open at the Thursday event." wapo.st/4oTia5k

As party leader, @pelosi.house.gov knew and used her power. Democrats apparently weren't paying attention. My latest for @salon.com.

Thank you Jason for this lovely interview.

As a cradle baseball fan I loved talking with the great sportswriter @ballgirl.bsky.social about her new book for @salon.com. Make her commissioner @mlb.com! www.salon.com/2025/11/03/j...

“[W]e can all sense the tribulation to come. Something is profoundly broken in our country, in our national character. Charlie Kirk’s murder has made it clear, even to the most optimistic among us, that what is broken is beyond repair, at least for now.” My latest for @salon.com

Trump is exploring whether the federal government can take control of the 9/11 memorial and museum in NYC. Gov. Kathy Hochul is not impressed: “Before he meddles with this sacred site, the President should start by honoring survivors and supporting the families of victims."

What a beauty that’s on the way from @frenchhorn88.bsky.social! Available from the Library of Congress on 10.15 and from retailers on 12.15.

“But Washington’s elected officials, while admittedly walking a precarious political tightrope, aren’t giving constituents what they are demanding in the face of Donald Trump: A fight. The result is a city — and a mayor — under attack, and in dire need of reinforcements.” My latest for @salon.com

Kids returning to school may face a ritual humiliation that we thought we'd left behind: the presidential fitness test. RFK's definition of "health" is about outside appearance — and even kids aren't exempt from his hot-or-not evaluation. www.salon.com/2025/09/02/t...

Washington's speculation about Trump's health is at a fever pitch. We've seen multiple reasons this summer to ask questions — and the media doesn't seem to care. What's really going on? www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/it-s-time-...

ICYMI: important column from Chauncey DeVega that’s full of sharp insight @salonnewsroom.bsky.social

My essay in @bittersouth.bsky.social about the 24 guitars I’ve owned since I was 4, and the cross-hatching of lust, sorrow, and music.

Moscow waffles on Putin-Zelenskyy summit as Trump escalates pressure.

Melania Trump’s letter to Vladimir Putin…could have been better. My latest for @salonnewsroom.bsky.social.

Don't miss Sophia Tesfaye's latest @salonnewsroom.bsky.social column on Megyn Kelly's beef with #Beyoncé.

“Genocide prevention is not about trials after the fact. It’s about political leadership at the moment of crisis. And in Bosnia, the world failed that test.”​

Lots of good insight here from Chauncey DeVega @salonnewsroom.bsky.social

Exclusive: Trump's push to seize control of the Library of Congress has run temporarily aground due to quiet but firm resistance from GOP congressional leaders.

“My duty is to hope,” Mary Berry of The Berry Center says of efforts to preserve and protect rural agrarian life. Read my interview with her for Garden & Gun. gardenandgun.com/articles/sav...

Wonderful piece. I'm an Aussie who grew up with LHOP, but this is so on the money. Thank You @jasonkylehoward.bsky.social

One of the greats. Period. One of my favorite voices. Her fingers on those keys created so much beauty. From Black Mountain, NC to Arlington, VA. From the upper room at Mr Henry’s on Penn Ave SE to the great stages. Godspeed, Roberta Flack.

An excellent piece by @jasonkylehoward.bsky.social you really should read.

Of all things, Little House on the Prairie is now a battle line in the culture wars. I wrote about it for POLITICO Magazine. www.politico.com/news/magazin...