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Joseph Mangano's avatar

I don't know what more can be said about the gutting of the Voting Rights Act in this space, but it was a truly dark moment in American history and for the Supreme Court. The corresponding wave of partisan redistricting that's already underway further eats away at our notions of democracy, which were shaky to begin with owing to deliberate efforts to allow outside money and influence to impact our politics. It's deeply upsetting.

Judd L's avatar

I hear you, it really did feel like a turning point, and the ripple effects we’re seeing now just make it harder to feel confident in the system. It’s frustrating to watch.

Daniel Kunsman's avatar

Judd, I can only speak about the state of Ohio, but I'm sure it's everywhere right now! Where in the world is all the money coming from to pay for all the blatantly untrue TV ads Republicans are blasting at virtually every scheduled break in programming? And it's only primary season! Just in Ohio, this has to be costing in the billions! Where is it all coming from?

Robert Spottswood, M.A.'s avatar

Citizens United ruling?

Jared's avatar

I’d like to see more investigation into the 2024 election’s voting irregularities. I do believe Musk helped Republicans cheat somehow and will do so again. Trump winning every wing state and the popular vote is a statistical anomaly. I do not believe the Democratic establishment cares. As a GA voter who’s local poling places have been shut down by bomb threats consistently for the last 3 elections, it seems like Democrats have no real plans other than fighting to lose as best they can.

Katy Bolger's avatar

I'm with Jared. Southerners have a fondness for bombing institutions that they don't like (See Civil Rights Movement). Were these bomb threats investigated? Did anybody get arrested? Go to prison? Bomb threats are serious crimes and to threaten a polling place must be a felony with jail time. Perhaps someone should be running ads to that effect in states with a history of maniacs doing so. Lock them up so they can visit with their cousins.

Barbara M Monahan's avatar

It feels like the last nail of the coffin for demicracy...

Robert Spottswood, M.A.'s avatar

When I have that feeling I look at our currency -- every picture on our paper money up to the 100 still displays a slave-owner (except for Lincoln on the 5-spot.)

I think when 95% of white people demand reparations, democracy may finally begin.

Judd L's avatar

It definitely feels heavy right now, but moments like this tend to spark pushback and change too democracy’s been tested before.

Danielle's avatar

Would love to see the ways I which biomedical research is being systematically dismantled

Dave Lapan's avatar

Venezuela has mostly fallen out of the headlines. What is happening, and has happened, to Venezuelan oil? Is the U.S. government still taking it? How and how much? Where is the money from sales going? Who’s paying for the transportation and refining? Is any money going to the people of Venezuela? Is there any accounting for all this?

Jess W Everett's avatar

How have changes to the tax code created income and wealth inequality and created an overlord class with inordinate power. What would have happened if, instead of dropping the top marginal tax rate, Reagan had increased the income level at which it kicked in? What if, for example, we now had a top marginal tax rate of ~80% (or higher) that kicked in at an income of $1M?

Robert Spottswood, M.A.'s avatar

At some point it would be helpful to articulate the effect of capitalism on human relations.

I.e., zero-sum relationships of the business and military worlds seem pretty corrosive to raising children or building convivial community.

Thanks for your good researches.

From Vermont.

James Adamopoulos's avatar

I am with Jared. Please investigate the Spoonamore allegations of how the '24 swing state results were hacked. Look into why in the face of unprecedented top of ballot anomalies, Harris did not contest the results, even though she was sent a warning letter of how the hack could be pulled off. Start out the piece by quoting Trump in the later stages of his campaign rallies saying Elon "knows" the machines.

This story should be broken before the mid-terms and reported on extensively before '28.

Jim A. MA.

Gens Johnson's avatar

Would certainly ask that you take a look at vote manipulation as reported by This Will Hold (also on Substack). Impressive statistical analysis.

JenneJ's avatar

What are the law firms who pledged to provide millions of dollars of legal counseling to avoid the “wrath of Trump” doing for him?

Eric Dashman's avatar

"Peasant Gambling" attributed to Walmart executives - taking out life insurance policies on their employees, unbeknownst to the employees, with Walmart as beneficiaries.

Steve Young's avatar

There's been minimal coverage on major equipment/facilities losses experienced during the Iran war. For example, only scattered possibly credible reports that four helicopters and two C-130 planes were lost during the rescue of the downed airman. Potential multi-billion $ damage to vital radar facilities in the Middle East. Don't know if this is in your wheelhouse but it seems like a really important story.

Pamela Blair's avatar

I very much appreciate your columns.

Please include stories about the religious leaders in our country, especially Rev. William Barber, and the moral movements they are promoting from coast to coast. We cannot let Christian Nationalists dominate the messaging. The interfaith community, along with its embrace of those who do not ascribe to any religious faith,

is growing, and bringing hope and mercy.

Pamela, Michigan

Faith Rogow's avatar

I have supported Popular Info in the past, but I just can't bring myself to hand over funds to Substack anymore. How about doing a deep dive on how the platform is funneling money to big time Nazis, racists, and misogynists. Then let us know an alternative place to receive your great reporting and fund you!