Today, instead of writing on a new topic, I want to hear from you. We are five months into a pandemic and 75 days away from the presidential election.
What's on your mind? What topics would you like to see Popular Information cover in the coming weeks?
You can leave your answers to those questions (or anything else) in the discussion thread linked below, starting now. I’ll be dropping by to participate in the discussion and answer your questions at 10:30 AM Eastern, for about an hour.
These occasional discussions are usually only available to paid subscribers, but I’m making this one accessible to the entire community. Please be kind to each other.
PROGRAMMING NOTE:The Popular Information team is taking next week off. Popular Information will return to your inbox on Monday, August 31.
UPDATE (11:30AM): I’m jumping off the chat but please feel free to continue the discussion!
Everyone talks about Trump and the dangers of Trump, but rarely does anyone talk about the Republican Party's consistent and uniform support of Trump. For me, the issue is the power-wielding, reckless and lawless Republican Party. They enable Trump, they support him, they enact his policies. The GOP is the Party of Trump. It would be good to write about Trump's Republican support in Congress, through an analysis of Congressional voting records. A lot of what Trump does is bluster to manipulate public perception, but under the hood, it's a lot worse.
We seem to ignore the fact that the Postal Service was created in Article One of the Constitution. It makes no mention of having to make a profit or break even. Regular mail is a critical service which should be expanded. Also, we lag the world in train service, yet we are talking about cutting service on many routes to 3 days a week. That will be euthanasia for Amtrak. Our roads, airports, and other infrastructure are considered vital to our commerce and well being. It's time we took rail seriously too. Europe, China, and Japan have led the way. The technology is out there. All we have to do is learn from it, and do it.
'd like to see PI pool its resources with one or two other investigative journalists and bring this Russian Bounty on American Soldiers issue to a head. It seems to have fallen off the radar for some reason - I don't know why except that journos keep chasing the newest "laser pointer" of the day, not unlike a cat.
The other day a long-distance friend complained about having to endure her doctor's waiting room because Fox News is always playing. Until then, I thought it was just my local dentist and doctor who always seem to have Fox News playing.
I began to wonder why. Is this a thing? Maybe the patients or the receptionists just happen to prefer Fox News. (My friend and I live in different parts of Florida.) Or, maybe Fox offers an incentive? If so, it's pretty savvy--a professional office would add some authority and respectability to any news station featured there.
And then my next thought was "I wonder if Judd Legum knows".
The capitulation of the Senate Republicans under Trump has been terrifying. Which companies are the biggest supporters of Mitch McConnell and which ones support his opponent, Mrs. McGrath?
Enjoy your break. You certainly deserve it. My main concern is the November election and achieving results that are recognized as legitimate. I also want to be sure that the BLM momentum is not lost and genuine systemic anti-racist reforms are put in place, especially in the criminal justice system.
I’m most concerned about the damage trump can do, if he loses, between Nov 3rd and the end of his term. And if there was a Civil War, would the military support him or the citizens and the constitution.
Please continue your important work. The USPS situation must be scrutinized and exposed DAILY until the election-especially in blue states and cities with active protests.
QAnon must also be outed and exposed-bot generated or GOP fringe generated. GOP must be exposed to be complicit with QAnon! Silence=complicit.
Last evening I listened as former President Obama voiced my deepest fears, that our democracy is in peril if trump gets elected again. Is it possible to detail how much damage has been and continues to be done to the institutions of our Federal Government?
I like Popular Information & am sorry I cannot donate. This is my second attempt to contact you. I am a senior citizen living in South America & am on a fixed income or I would be happy to donate. I like the topics you chose to publish! Thanks, Anna Rayne-Levi
Can you do an expose on how the Covid 19 statistics may be skewed now that DHS has taken them over from CDC? I suspect foul play here. Thanks for your amazing reporting!
Just wanted to send a note of Thanks. The Popular Information team really is setting a much needed higher standard for responsible journalism and I am extremely proud to be a supporter and follwer.
Your strategic and effective Facebook revelations are truly impressive and what drew me to your column. For the next 75 days, though, any revelations, strategies, suggestions for voting and getting out the vote would be most welcome.
Can you follow the money surrounding the pushing of the use of Chloroquine as well as the purchase of large quantities by the federal and state governments? Is there any connection to the large purchases the federal government has been making of unproven COVID-19 vaccines? Who are the big shareholders in the pharmaceutical companies who profit from this?
I think that insider trading needs to be further analyzed. There has been a sharp decrease in insider trading prosecutions under this administration. Additionally, the consequences of insider trading are far less than many blue collar crimes. The average sentence of insider trading is 18 months, where the average sentencing for theft is 111 months. The average theft is under $2k. That means many of the "looters" during the protests will face more time in jail than anybody involved in Kodak. When people get so angry at looting, I wonder if it is because the news does not report white collar crimes like insider trading in the same light that they report theft.
Would like to know why there are still qanon accounts in twitter after they banned them in July. Specifically @qanon76 with over 550k followers.
Also about the post office. Even though Dejoy has halted his harmful policies, seems he has already inflected enough damage that the election is going to be a mess because he is refusing to replace and /or reinstall boxes and sorters he’s already removed. Can confess remedy this? .
I'm most concerned right now about election day proper: are there wacky militias of unmasked intimidators coming to scare voters? Who ultimately is paid to run the machines and do the counts? Will lobbyists pressure the Senate & Supreme court to approve a Trumpian claim of success if it all comes down to mail-in ballot count? I'm hoping that your wonderful track record of shaming the money handlers will stymie some of that evil. Thank you for your work.
I would like to know more about intelligence fusion centers, recently exposed in the Blue Leaks data dump, and the demand of the Black Lives Matters movement to defund the police. Why are police departments putting resources into monitoring First Amendment protected speech and organizing? How has this monitoring over time affected citizen's rights to have oversight over civilian law enforcement? How come a military that hasn't won a war in 80 years keeps expanding overseas, developing war-making technology and tactics from counter-insurgence military campaigns that they then import into policing? Defense contracting has become a self-perpetuating doomsday machine. What are the connections between the current government and the social media companies that have led to the recent de-platforming on Facebook of citizens who were organizing towards anti-fascism?
We've heard a lot about Foreign election interference and attacks on America (although I hope the US Intel community shares even more information before election day), but can you cover more about the possible Domestic election interference individuals and groups (who may be collaborating with Foreign elements) to disrupt our Democratic processes and institutions? I realize that may be a very delicate topic. But I see broadly the wealthy American special interests who may seek to profit on the demise of America's Democracy and our okay with an American Autocrat. For example, Koch Industries' 50-year long quest to privatize the postal service and how that aligns with the mail-ballots during the ongoing pandemic.
Enjoy your time away. I keep wishing someone would tie the plastic crisis to the oil industry, since plastic is made from petrochemicals, correct? As a consumer, I get tired of being guilt-tripped about using plastic containers when it's hard to find anything else. If we just stopped making plastic, it would be better than trying to dispose of it responsibly. But of course that cuts the producers' profits. I recall hearing this discussed a hundred years ago during the Carter administration.
Let's take a look at where people are coming together to run elections, respond to climate challenges (floods, fires). produce PPE , help immigrants,, take care of children and old people. Basically where people are joining forces and how they are being successful.
I want to know if anybody is organizing for the possibility that we will have to take to the streets if he actually steals the election as he is openly threatening to do. If that happens there should be something in place akin to The Lincoln Project for a one stop information booth to organize and inform the majority of this nation that will fight not to lose our democracy.
Frankly I like your focus on how employers are victimizing workers, especially so now in coronavirus time. I also like that sometimes your reporting leads to changes in practice.
Judd, I am reading about Qanon and Trump's compliments to the group. I understand they have a belief in organized government sponsored pedophilia, but what else? Also, play it out. What harm (besides emotional and psychological to the adherents) could a digital group like this do? They can stay in their groups and regurgitate their ideas, but when does that cross the line and what does it look like? How does a social studies teacher combat this group when they are not visible to me? Can you show us what they look like? (i.e. facebook pages, rallies, manifestos, etc.) Right now they are in a lot of pieces, how do they make themselves whole, or is it death by a thousand cuts? What agency is following them? (FBI, SPLC, etc)
And not to be flip, but why don't smart people connect on the conspiracy theory that FB is ruining this country - death by a million "likes"?
Would love to hear and learn more about efforts to save local news and sustain unbiased, factual reporting so Americans can hold government accountable. It seems that so many hometown newspapers are closing shop and being swallowed up by conservative and right-wing influenced private monies likely to give us even more 'Fox News' style journalism. How can we make sure that some news entities still support reporting factual information?
I would like to see more national coverage of the Derecho storm that tore through Iowa and Illinois on August 9. It had sustained winds between 85 and 140 mph according to recent measurements - that is up to the speed of an F3 tornado - and traveled for hundreds of miles doing damage over a 50 mile wide swath the whole way. It got mentioned then dropped. It has done over 4 Billion dollars in damage in Iowa to corn crops, homes, businesses, and infrastructure while people were left without power (some still don't have power or potable drinking water) for a week or more. Cedar Rapids, a metro area of 150,000 people is still in desperate condition. the president was in Iowa one day, did NOT tour the area and promised help claiming he approved the full amount of federal aid asked for. As of yet, he has NOT. One highway patrolman told me it was like having 100 F2 tornadoes lined up a half mile apart causing damage 50 miles wide and running west to east for 250 miles. The destruction here is unimaginable and the long term effects are yet to be known. There was coverage for a few hours, then nothing. Iowans would like to have the storm receive the same ongoing coverage that hurricanes get - the damage is MORE than comparable - and also political ramifications of the late request for aid by our Governor and the failure of our president to approve in timely fashion the much needed federal assistance...all while claiming that he did. We are lucky to be here. This storms most likely related to climate change and it ,most likely will not be the last.
Thank you for all your deeply researched articles and hard work! Please tell me how the Trump/Kushner family can end up in prison after they all are booted from the White House. Do you foresee charges being filed against them?
Climate Change, Climate Change, Climate Change. Humans are creating the 6th Mass Extinction, which will bring untold devastation to humanity and no one seems to acting like it is happening.
I appreciate and count on your careful investigative reporting. In these days, more than ever, we need in-depth stories which are not shallow and scatter shot like too much of the news we are offered. Keep on!
I would like to see a heavy focus on the continuing out in the open voter suppression tactics implemented and supported by this Administration and Republicans including the post office fiasco . Along with a focus on what Democrats are doing in response , which is usually not enough . It’s the only way, along with Russian interference, that Biden could lose . Thank you for the great investigating and reporting .
The advertising and PR industries just released a little diversity data (under pressure from activist groups including the 600 and Stop the PRess) and it's awful. At the executive level of these companies charged with influencing consumer behavior there is virtually no diversity. There are a few unknowns here worth digging into: 1. What the numbers are within the companies that haven't reported (probably even worse than those that have); 2. What the real numbers are within the companies who have reported (these companies are notorious spin masters and, well, filthy liars) and 3. What the client base/revenue streams look like (so many of these companies are OK working for ICE and Saudi Arabia because the contracts are big but present themselves as do-gooders).
I live in North Carolina. With all the conversation around mail-in voting, I am surprised that I don't hear any reporting about what happened here in the last election with the Mark Harris camp manipulating mail-in ballots. I followed your coverage of that very closely and was impressed with your reporting on it (it is actually how I found Popular Information). I would like to see some reporting on what steps have been taken to tighten things up so that sort of thing doesn't happen again.
Many concerning things but I am most concerned about voting - in terms of suppression, mail sorting equipment, vote counting, vote hacking, and early and election day harassment/intimidation of voters. How are local and state leaders ensuring none of this happens? Are they even addressing it?
I’m afraid a return to “normalcy” means keeping the status quo. I want my country to change its entire premise. I want high taxes on the rich to pay for services for the poor. I want high taxes on corporations to pay for global warming recovery and I want fossil fuels to play the smallest role in energy that they can. I want to change policing in this country forever. I am genuinely afraid of the police and freeze up a bit every time I see a cop. But I’m not sure the current politicians don’t have the imagination to make this vision come true. And before someone says “run for office yourself” I should note that as an ex-stripper I don’t think it’s feasible.
My morning always starts with you Judd! Your reporting has been nothing short of amazing. The expose's of Facebook have been really eye opening. Now, when I read Facebook's claims about misinformation and their 'amazing' fact checking, I know it is simply more misinformation. One cannot delete a Facebook account, (despite their claims that you can) but I have deleted all that I can, and will never use them again and warn others when possible.
It always comes down to the money. Is Trump really a failed businessman? Be nice to know if that were true, oh say, about October?
Thank you for all of the powerful work you do. I'd love to see a story on charges that would stick for trump and his family as/after he leaves office, particularly relating to how they've profited off of the pandemic. But first, have a fantastic week off!
Election facts: What % of eligible voters are actually registered? Of those what % actually votes? Breakdown by age, sex and race. How many states have early voting and for how long? Just would like to understand better the entire process from a statistical viewpoint.
Postal Service by the numbers: How many workers? How many post offices? What should a cost of a letter be to break even? What do they charge to delivery a package for Amazon? should it be more? Congress controls the post office but won't let it make changes to be more efficient. I still think it is amazing that someone will come to my house and pick up a letter and deliver it across the country for $0.55.
Judd, really admire your work and hope you have a restful week off! This is maybe from left field, but I’d love to see some reporting on municipal finances. What happens to cities and states that are bankrupted after coronavirus? Are states being assisted in equitable fashion by the federal gov’t?
My biggest concern is trump losing and starting a civil war. Living in a red state, I’ve heard many people say that if trump loses, there’s going to be a civil war. They would be part of it. trump has torn this country apart. He’s turned citizens against one another. I hope and pray it doesn’t happen, but I see the signs.
School reopenings K-College maybe after y’all’s break there will be more data. Also how has lack of State Tax Revenue/Federal Bail Out for States has effected state services and COVID-19 responses across the country. Keep up the good work!!!!
I am deeply grateful for your in depth investigations. Your making a significant difference and it's up to all of us to make those changes lasting. Thank you for your help with making us advocates for the good.
Your work is always on point. So as a big fan (and political junkie), i would like to see two things (my wish list) for the next 60 days:
a) Voting - no about obstruction necessarily but about how voting works. It seems evident for us how to vote. But it is not for the average non-political person.
b) Healthcare and how it is being dismantle in front of our eyes and we are ignoring it because we are so distracted with the noise.
Of course there are going to be many things to cover and it would be nice to cover all but realistically, tangible issues have real impact on election day.
First off, and I think I’ve mentioned this a few times, your approach and coverage is a refreshing and important departure from the typical newsfeed (you go deep).
One issue I’ve been following closely is electronic and mobile balloting. It’s such an obvious solution, we rely on mobile tech for so much (personal health, banking, nuclear arsenal) and yet the forces standing against it are strong. Some politicians, organizations and lobbyists - even some universities and research labs have maligned solutions without even testing them. My guess is there are nefarious forces behind these people - funding and encouraging and rewarding them.
I mean, interference with the postal system is one thing - that’s already a broken institution that barely works. Mobile balloting is something else entirely when is comes to expanding access, increasing participation and reducing fraud.
Judd, you keep me sane. In a world where Qanon is gaining traction and Larua Loomer wins an election, we need the truth now more than ever. I want to learn more about it, but it's so ridiculous and stupid, I cannot in good faith ask you to research this and write more about it. Please don't feed into this garbage. Keep challenging the administration on all of their misdeeds and lawlessness and keep fighting the good fight. You are incredible and your work is having a massive impact! Love POPULAR INFORMATION!!!
You do a great job shedding light on the way corporate America funds the right and benefits financially from it. One thing that would be interesting to have more light shown on are all the financial benefits, positions of influence etc that prominent figures on the right enjoy. I am thinking of people who have wide influence eg. fox media figures and people like that.
Great reporting. Keep us informed on the Trump plan reported by Newsweek and MSNBC concerning protesting election results using Congress, etc. to stay in power.
Everyone talks about Trump and the dangers of Trump, but rarely does anyone talk about the Republican Party's consistent and uniform support of Trump. For me, the issue is the power-wielding, reckless and lawless Republican Party. They enable Trump, they support him, they enact his policies. The GOP is the Party of Trump. It would be good to write about Trump's Republican support in Congress, through an analysis of Congressional voting records. A lot of what Trump does is bluster to manipulate public perception, but under the hood, it's a lot worse.
We seem to ignore the fact that the Postal Service was created in Article One of the Constitution. It makes no mention of having to make a profit or break even. Regular mail is a critical service which should be expanded. Also, we lag the world in train service, yet we are talking about cutting service on many routes to 3 days a week. That will be euthanasia for Amtrak. Our roads, airports, and other infrastructure are considered vital to our commerce and well being. It's time we took rail seriously too. Europe, China, and Japan have led the way. The technology is out there. All we have to do is learn from it, and do it.
'd like to see PI pool its resources with one or two other investigative journalists and bring this Russian Bounty on American Soldiers issue to a head. It seems to have fallen off the radar for some reason - I don't know why except that journos keep chasing the newest "laser pointer" of the day, not unlike a cat.
The other day a long-distance friend complained about having to endure her doctor's waiting room because Fox News is always playing. Until then, I thought it was just my local dentist and doctor who always seem to have Fox News playing.
I began to wonder why. Is this a thing? Maybe the patients or the receptionists just happen to prefer Fox News. (My friend and I live in different parts of Florida.) Or, maybe Fox offers an incentive? If so, it's pretty savvy--a professional office would add some authority and respectability to any news station featured there.
And then my next thought was "I wonder if Judd Legum knows".
The capitulation of the Senate Republicans under Trump has been terrifying. Which companies are the biggest supporters of Mitch McConnell and which ones support his opponent, Mrs. McGrath?
Enjoy your break. You certainly deserve it. My main concern is the November election and achieving results that are recognized as legitimate. I also want to be sure that the BLM momentum is not lost and genuine systemic anti-racist reforms are put in place, especially in the criminal justice system.
I’m most concerned about the damage trump can do, if he loses, between Nov 3rd and the end of his term. And if there was a Civil War, would the military support him or the citizens and the constitution.
Please continue your important work. The USPS situation must be scrutinized and exposed DAILY until the election-especially in blue states and cities with active protests.
QAnon must also be outed and exposed-bot generated or GOP fringe generated. GOP must be exposed to be complicit with QAnon! Silence=complicit.
Last evening I listened as former President Obama voiced my deepest fears, that our democracy is in peril if trump gets elected again. Is it possible to detail how much damage has been and continues to be done to the institutions of our Federal Government?
I like Popular Information & am sorry I cannot donate. This is my second attempt to contact you. I am a senior citizen living in South America & am on a fixed income or I would be happy to donate. I like the topics you chose to publish! Thanks, Anna Rayne-Levi
Can you do an expose on how the Covid 19 statistics may be skewed now that DHS has taken them over from CDC? I suspect foul play here. Thanks for your amazing reporting!
Just wanted to send a note of Thanks. The Popular Information team really is setting a much needed higher standard for responsible journalism and I am extremely proud to be a supporter and follwer.
Your strategic and effective Facebook revelations are truly impressive and what drew me to your column. For the next 75 days, though, any revelations, strategies, suggestions for voting and getting out the vote would be most welcome.
Why can't we get rid of the ELECTORAL COLLEGE?!
Can you follow the money surrounding the pushing of the use of Chloroquine as well as the purchase of large quantities by the federal and state governments? Is there any connection to the large purchases the federal government has been making of unproven COVID-19 vaccines? Who are the big shareholders in the pharmaceutical companies who profit from this?
I think that insider trading needs to be further analyzed. There has been a sharp decrease in insider trading prosecutions under this administration. Additionally, the consequences of insider trading are far less than many blue collar crimes. The average sentence of insider trading is 18 months, where the average sentencing for theft is 111 months. The average theft is under $2k. That means many of the "looters" during the protests will face more time in jail than anybody involved in Kodak. When people get so angry at looting, I wonder if it is because the news does not report white collar crimes like insider trading in the same light that they report theft.
Thanks for all the hard work, super glad I’m a subscriber to help in the small way that I can. Second, I think you should continue to look at:
- DeJoy’s conflicts as Postmaster General
- Keep tabs that USPS isn’t continuing to hamper the mail
- Continued election tampering from the GOP
- And as always, Facebook’s BS
Have a great vacation !
Would like to know why there are still qanon accounts in twitter after they banned them in July. Specifically @qanon76 with over 550k followers.
Also about the post office. Even though Dejoy has halted his harmful policies, seems he has already inflected enough damage that the election is going to be a mess because he is refusing to replace and /or reinstall boxes and sorters he’s already removed. Can confess remedy this? .
I'm most concerned right now about election day proper: are there wacky militias of unmasked intimidators coming to scare voters? Who ultimately is paid to run the machines and do the counts? Will lobbyists pressure the Senate & Supreme court to approve a Trumpian claim of success if it all comes down to mail-in ballot count? I'm hoping that your wonderful track record of shaming the money handlers will stymie some of that evil. Thank you for your work.
I would like to know more about intelligence fusion centers, recently exposed in the Blue Leaks data dump, and the demand of the Black Lives Matters movement to defund the police. Why are police departments putting resources into monitoring First Amendment protected speech and organizing? How has this monitoring over time affected citizen's rights to have oversight over civilian law enforcement? How come a military that hasn't won a war in 80 years keeps expanding overseas, developing war-making technology and tactics from counter-insurgence military campaigns that they then import into policing? Defense contracting has become a self-perpetuating doomsday machine. What are the connections between the current government and the social media companies that have led to the recent de-platforming on Facebook of citizens who were organizing towards anti-fascism?
We've heard a lot about Foreign election interference and attacks on America (although I hope the US Intel community shares even more information before election day), but can you cover more about the possible Domestic election interference individuals and groups (who may be collaborating with Foreign elements) to disrupt our Democratic processes and institutions? I realize that may be a very delicate topic. But I see broadly the wealthy American special interests who may seek to profit on the demise of America's Democracy and our okay with an American Autocrat. For example, Koch Industries' 50-year long quest to privatize the postal service and how that aligns with the mail-ballots during the ongoing pandemic.
Enjoy your time away. I keep wishing someone would tie the plastic crisis to the oil industry, since plastic is made from petrochemicals, correct? As a consumer, I get tired of being guilt-tripped about using plastic containers when it's hard to find anything else. If we just stopped making plastic, it would be better than trying to dispose of it responsibly. But of course that cuts the producers' profits. I recall hearing this discussed a hundred years ago during the Carter administration.
Let's take a look at where people are coming together to run elections, respond to climate challenges (floods, fires). produce PPE , help immigrants,, take care of children and old people. Basically where people are joining forces and how they are being successful.
I want to know if anybody is organizing for the possibility that we will have to take to the streets if he actually steals the election as he is openly threatening to do. If that happens there should be something in place akin to The Lincoln Project for a one stop information booth to organize and inform the majority of this nation that will fight not to lose our democracy.
Frankly I like your focus on how employers are victimizing workers, especially so now in coronavirus time. I also like that sometimes your reporting leads to changes in practice.
Judd, I am reading about Qanon and Trump's compliments to the group. I understand they have a belief in organized government sponsored pedophilia, but what else? Also, play it out. What harm (besides emotional and psychological to the adherents) could a digital group like this do? They can stay in their groups and regurgitate their ideas, but when does that cross the line and what does it look like? How does a social studies teacher combat this group when they are not visible to me? Can you show us what they look like? (i.e. facebook pages, rallies, manifestos, etc.) Right now they are in a lot of pieces, how do they make themselves whole, or is it death by a thousand cuts? What agency is following them? (FBI, SPLC, etc)
And not to be flip, but why don't smart people connect on the conspiracy theory that FB is ruining this country - death by a million "likes"?
Have a great vacation.
Would love to hear and learn more about efforts to save local news and sustain unbiased, factual reporting so Americans can hold government accountable. It seems that so many hometown newspapers are closing shop and being swallowed up by conservative and right-wing influenced private monies likely to give us even more 'Fox News' style journalism. How can we make sure that some news entities still support reporting factual information?
I would like to see more national coverage of the Derecho storm that tore through Iowa and Illinois on August 9. It had sustained winds between 85 and 140 mph according to recent measurements - that is up to the speed of an F3 tornado - and traveled for hundreds of miles doing damage over a 50 mile wide swath the whole way. It got mentioned then dropped. It has done over 4 Billion dollars in damage in Iowa to corn crops, homes, businesses, and infrastructure while people were left without power (some still don't have power or potable drinking water) for a week or more. Cedar Rapids, a metro area of 150,000 people is still in desperate condition. the president was in Iowa one day, did NOT tour the area and promised help claiming he approved the full amount of federal aid asked for. As of yet, he has NOT. One highway patrolman told me it was like having 100 F2 tornadoes lined up a half mile apart causing damage 50 miles wide and running west to east for 250 miles. The destruction here is unimaginable and the long term effects are yet to be known. There was coverage for a few hours, then nothing. Iowans would like to have the storm receive the same ongoing coverage that hurricanes get - the damage is MORE than comparable - and also political ramifications of the late request for aid by our Governor and the failure of our president to approve in timely fashion the much needed federal assistance...all while claiming that he did. We are lucky to be here. This storms most likely related to climate change and it ,most likely will not be the last.
Thank you for all your deeply researched articles and hard work! Please tell me how the Trump/Kushner family can end up in prison after they all are booted from the White House. Do you foresee charges being filed against them?
Climate Change, Climate Change, Climate Change. Humans are creating the 6th Mass Extinction, which will bring untold devastation to humanity and no one seems to acting like it is happening.
Great reporting. Keep up the good work. The newsletter is worth every penny.
I appreciate and count on your careful investigative reporting. In these days, more than ever, we need in-depth stories which are not shallow and scatter shot like too much of the news we are offered. Keep on!
I would like to see a heavy focus on the continuing out in the open voter suppression tactics implemented and supported by this Administration and Republicans including the post office fiasco . Along with a focus on what Democrats are doing in response , which is usually not enough . It’s the only way, along with Russian interference, that Biden could lose . Thank you for the great investigating and reporting .
The advertising and PR industries just released a little diversity data (under pressure from activist groups including the 600 and Stop the PRess) and it's awful. At the executive level of these companies charged with influencing consumer behavior there is virtually no diversity. There are a few unknowns here worth digging into: 1. What the numbers are within the companies that haven't reported (probably even worse than those that have); 2. What the real numbers are within the companies who have reported (these companies are notorious spin masters and, well, filthy liars) and 3. What the client base/revenue streams look like (so many of these companies are OK working for ICE and Saudi Arabia because the contracts are big but present themselves as do-gooders).
I live in North Carolina. With all the conversation around mail-in voting, I am surprised that I don't hear any reporting about what happened here in the last election with the Mark Harris camp manipulating mail-in ballots. I followed your coverage of that very closely and was impressed with your reporting on it (it is actually how I found Popular Information). I would like to see some reporting on what steps have been taken to tighten things up so that sort of thing doesn't happen again.
Many concerning things but I am most concerned about voting - in terms of suppression, mail sorting equipment, vote counting, vote hacking, and early and election day harassment/intimidation of voters. How are local and state leaders ensuring none of this happens? Are they even addressing it?
I’m afraid a return to “normalcy” means keeping the status quo. I want my country to change its entire premise. I want high taxes on the rich to pay for services for the poor. I want high taxes on corporations to pay for global warming recovery and I want fossil fuels to play the smallest role in energy that they can. I want to change policing in this country forever. I am genuinely afraid of the police and freeze up a bit every time I see a cop. But I’m not sure the current politicians don’t have the imagination to make this vision come true. And before someone says “run for office yourself” I should note that as an ex-stripper I don’t think it’s feasible.
My morning always starts with you Judd! Your reporting has been nothing short of amazing. The expose's of Facebook have been really eye opening. Now, when I read Facebook's claims about misinformation and their 'amazing' fact checking, I know it is simply more misinformation. One cannot delete a Facebook account, (despite their claims that you can) but I have deleted all that I can, and will never use them again and warn others when possible.
It always comes down to the money. Is Trump really a failed businessman? Be nice to know if that were true, oh say, about October?
Thanks again!
Thank you for all of the powerful work you do. I'd love to see a story on charges that would stick for trump and his family as/after he leaves office, particularly relating to how they've profited off of the pandemic. But first, have a fantastic week off!
Election facts: What % of eligible voters are actually registered? Of those what % actually votes? Breakdown by age, sex and race. How many states have early voting and for how long? Just would like to understand better the entire process from a statistical viewpoint.
Postal Service by the numbers: How many workers? How many post offices? What should a cost of a letter be to break even? What do they charge to delivery a package for Amazon? should it be more? Congress controls the post office but won't let it make changes to be more efficient. I still think it is amazing that someone will come to my house and pick up a letter and deliver it across the country for $0.55.
Judd, really admire your work and hope you have a restful week off! This is maybe from left field, but I’d love to see some reporting on municipal finances. What happens to cities and states that are bankrupted after coronavirus? Are states being assisted in equitable fashion by the federal gov’t?
Judd, thank you for all you do.
My biggest concern is trump losing and starting a civil war. Living in a red state, I’ve heard many people say that if trump loses, there’s going to be a civil war. They would be part of it. trump has torn this country apart. He’s turned citizens against one another. I hope and pray it doesn’t happen, but I see the signs.
School reopenings K-College maybe after y’all’s break there will be more data. Also how has lack of State Tax Revenue/Federal Bail Out for States has effected state services and COVID-19 responses across the country. Keep up the good work!!!!
I am deeply grateful for your in depth investigations. Your making a significant difference and it's up to all of us to make those changes lasting. Thank you for your help with making us advocates for the good.
Your work is always on point. So as a big fan (and political junkie), i would like to see two things (my wish list) for the next 60 days:
a) Voting - no about obstruction necessarily but about how voting works. It seems evident for us how to vote. But it is not for the average non-political person.
b) Healthcare and how it is being dismantle in front of our eyes and we are ignoring it because we are so distracted with the noise.
Of course there are going to be many things to cover and it would be nice to cover all but realistically, tangible issues have real impact on election day.
First off, and I think I’ve mentioned this a few times, your approach and coverage is a refreshing and important departure from the typical newsfeed (you go deep).
One issue I’ve been following closely is electronic and mobile balloting. It’s such an obvious solution, we rely on mobile tech for so much (personal health, banking, nuclear arsenal) and yet the forces standing against it are strong. Some politicians, organizations and lobbyists - even some universities and research labs have maligned solutions without even testing them. My guess is there are nefarious forces behind these people - funding and encouraging and rewarding them.
I mean, interference with the postal system is one thing - that’s already a broken institution that barely works. Mobile balloting is something else entirely when is comes to expanding access, increasing participation and reducing fraud.
Judd, you keep me sane. In a world where Qanon is gaining traction and Larua Loomer wins an election, we need the truth now more than ever. I want to learn more about it, but it's so ridiculous and stupid, I cannot in good faith ask you to research this and write more about it. Please don't feed into this garbage. Keep challenging the administration on all of their misdeeds and lawlessness and keep fighting the good fight. You are incredible and your work is having a massive impact! Love POPULAR INFORMATION!!!
You do a great job shedding light on the way corporate America funds the right and benefits financially from it. One thing that would be interesting to have more light shown on are all the financial benefits, positions of influence etc that prominent figures on the right enjoy. I am thinking of people who have wide influence eg. fox media figures and people like that.
Enjoy your well-earned vacation. And stay away from this even if you think you can't. We need you at your best!
Great reporting. Keep us informed on the Trump plan reported by Newsweek and MSNBC concerning protesting election results using Congress, etc. to stay in power.