Popular Information's reporting on Florida book bans prompted a federal lawsuit. We reported that an English teacher in Escambia County, Florida, Vicki Baggett, is trying to ban 150 books from school libraries, including many that have LGBTQ characters or address racism. In a follow-up report, Baggett's current and former students said that Baggett openly promoted racist and homophobic beliefs in class. The Escambia County school board ultimately banned numerous books at Baggett's request. In May 2023, Popular Information's reporting became the basis for a federal lawsuit filed by Penguin Random House and parents of children affected by the bans, alleging that the school board's actions violate the United States Constitution.
Popular Information broke the news that many of the largest donors to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign were Republicans who had never previously supported any Democratic candidate. Our detailed analysis of Kennedy's first FEC filing found that 38.5% of Kennedy’s largest donors had previously only donated to Republican candidates. (Less than 20% of Kennedy's largest donors have a history of donating to Democrats.) Popular Information's reporting was covered by the BBC, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, and The New Republic.
Today, however, I want to hear from you. What's on your mind? What topics should be on Popular Information's radar? You can leave your thoughts in the discussion thread linked below, starting now. I’ll be dropping by later today to answer any questions.
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Ideas: deep dive into “Moms for Liberty”. Uncover lies. Uncover actual funders. Uncover the development of lie of their name and how they are for something more fascist.
I vaguely remember learning (maybe from this site) during the time of Glenn Younkin's run for Governor of VA that it was organized by a dark money funded organization in the midwest. Did that come from Judd?
Would like more on Youngkin. Never Trumpers sometimes say/suggest that he is a “decent Republican”. I think he is a two-faced politician who blows with the wind and supports Trump, or that which Trump represents.
none of the Rs are "decent"-- they are all fascists in the middle of a massive criminal cover up-- please keep reporting how there are no center right Rs; Rs are an extremist, fascist party. TY
What are the current locations of cities/states that are concerned about potable water shortages? And what is the picture for two years from now? Florida? Las Vegas? Texas?
Agree! I was looking into this online and found a website for "Stop Moms for Liberty" and it only has fb groups as a way to engage. I tried to join the private OH group and was immediately declined after answering the questions honestly. The Stop group seems to actually be a pro-M4L group which made me wonder what is going on with. them really.
With the prospect of Democrats losing control of the Senate in 2024, the next few months could be President Biden's last window for getting his court nominees approved. Senator Durbin needs to drop the blue slip roadblock and get these nominations moving. GOP controlled senates never honored such niceties. Durbin should be playing hardball not hamstringing himself with Marquess of Queensberry rules.
He was at the Illinois state fair yesterday, making a speech (preening).
Would have loved to run up, kick him in the nads and while he writhed in the dust, explain to him that the American people EXPECT him to do better at fighting the forces of the entrenched Christian-Taliban!
And expect more kicks to be forthcoming for non-compliance.
I know this topic is provocative, thus never discussed, but how is it that no discussions EVER occur about the intrinsic violence of men, including particularly the young 20-somethings that are mass shooters. Science tells us that young, especially male brains are not fully formed until the mid 20's, yet no discussion means no alternative training, education, medical study, documentary, or even reality shows or graphic novels. NADA. So, the world is left with half the population representing egregious violence against women, children, other men, and nature. I keep wondering if it's just me that wonders why we don't address this disaster that affects us all?
This👆👆👆 Also, a discussion about 𝘵he misogyny and racism 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 deeply entrenched in the medical communities affecting Black women the worst, followed by all women. The maternal death rate in this country is horrific and how medical racism and misogyny are directly responsible.
This please. And how post-Dobbs it's even worse than it was and it was BAD. The Time article about the 12/13 year old child that didn't understand she'd been raped was the grimmest story I've read in a really grim year. The states with the worst outcomes are also the same states that had trigger bans but despite lip service to the contrary they don't have social safety nets in place for these women forced to become mothers. They don't have safety nets in place for the women who WANT to become mothers. They don't take domestic violence cases seriously enough, they don't take sexual abuse and assault even of children seriously enough. Who'd have thought Time would have an excellent article?
I'm laughing at the pun I made🤦♀️ Ffs. She commented that she were surprised that Time magazine had a really good article. Now go back and read my comment.
Hurt people hurt people. With a culture that allows, even encourages, gun ownership, we give those who are angry, hopeless, disconnected, powerless, a way to feel powerful, strong. But the intrinsic violence is usually a reaction to trauma. Our education system, justice system, usually punish. The media, especially social media, inflames. There’s so much to pick apart on this topic, and though it’s certainly worthy of research and debate and investment of resources, it’s less the fact-finding mission of investigative journalism.
You are so right. Perhaps we've become numb to that aspect. I mean look at our "games & entertainment." Check out which are the most popular. Now let's have a look a popular movies (confession: I am rewatching No Country for Old Men) and music.
They tried to pull as fast one on retired NY city works with corrupt mayor Eric Adams. This needs to be exposed. A decent judge stopped them but the elected democrats in name only using P C to get elected are appealing. I’m retired at 81 and paying premiums close to 500.00 a month plus pharmacy costs. My Medicare does not keep pace with inflation and as a female I was under payed all my working life. Soon I will have to give up my decent health insurance for a substandard health ghetto plan like the CVs/Aetna rip off.
In defense of the incestuous CVS/Aetna hybrid thing, they covered the majority of the costs of my double lung transplant after I spent 42 years smoking myself to death. Thanks Obama.
The ACA saved my day and Aetna did their part saving my life. However, they have some true BS going on and as time goes by, make it harder to keep up with all of my many meds.
Yes, and I question AARP's relationship with its horde of advertisers! What used to be useful informative writing is now just a bullhorn for walk-in tubs, OTC hearing aids, insurance???, and other inane junk. I've QUIT AARP! Doesn't do a damn thing for me, even the puff pieces are geared toward 50 somethings. As if we are all in wheelchairs or using walkers!
They've either forced me to use their on-line AND mail order services (presumably to [save money] increase shareholder value) in addition to declaring some of my medications as being available OTC, so you're on your own sonny.
In answer to your question, yes, CVS/Aetna violates anti-trust laws, or it would with proper enforcement. Lina Khan (FTC) and Joseph Kantor (DOJ) are reinventing real anti-trust enforcement after years of neglect, but it a slow process and there is lots of resistance from powerful Wall Street interests. My go-to source for information about anti-trust developments is Matt Stoller, who has a Substack called BIG. Check it out.
I am going to do that very thing. This is the value of forums such as this. Everyone involved becomes better informed as a natural consequence of our interaction and pooled resources/information.
Like that fly who snuck into my house and just couldn't live any longer without dive-bombing me IN MY FACE, while I was computing. A quick spritz from my handy Method Disinfectant spray bottle took him out of the air and another blast as he crash-landed onto the floor took him out the game.
Too bad these parasitical corporations can't be treated in the same manner.
Oh my, if it were only that easy. I can think of several corporations and a few insurance companies (for starters) that need a quick spritz straight away! 🪰
Appreciated you folks talking about the corporations and 'perhaps' illicit means of doing business. No wonder those big corps vote R since they (Rs) like to 'de-regulate' the rules put in place for worker safety and consumer info...which they ignore and do what they want behind the scenes! Is there ANY real answer to any of this?!!!
Please tell me, what is the answer? Today I had to sign a form saying I declined a blood test. If Medicare doesn’t pay for a test, my secondary insurance won’t even look at the charges, and who can pay $273.00 dollars to see if I have enough vitamin D in my blood. This is stupid to have to pay for a test like that when they had already drawn two vials.
I have to have blood drawn a couple of times a month for one doctor since I now have renal failure.
Sorry Nancy. That comment was supposed to attach to Randy's comment.
"Oh my, if it were only that easy. I can think of several corporations and a few insurance companies (for starters) that need a quick spritz straight away! 🪰"
The myth of the family farm. The agriculture industry has become dominated by large corporations. Much of the land is owned by foreign nationals. China Saudi Arabia, and others. The small farmer is nearly extinct.
Read an article about his residency yesterday and it said he spends most of his time at his home in northern FL (panhandle I believe) He's a piece of work and I"m being 'kind'
Yes Lynn you are unnecessarily kind. He is just another good ole boy a**h*l* from the deep south like Gaetz and DeSantis. All as crooked as the day is long!
Having been a repeat victim of insurance company tactics, non payment for storm damages as one example, perhaps it might be time to address the 3 D's within the insurance industry regarding home insurance.
"Getting to Know the Three D's of the Insurance Industry: Delay, Deny Defend"
"Delay is the first of the three D's. A claim is submitted and the games begin. ...
Once delay fails, the next step is to implement the second D: Deny. ...
If all else fails, the insurance company will bring out the third D: Defend."
Insurance companies have been employing this strategy across all lines of insurance. Met Life, Nationwide, and others since the 1980's, upon personal experience. Nationwide, the largest makes billion of dollars in profit each year from this technique and others by leveraging their position in the marketplace, employing legal insurance requirements by laws and protections of behavior and procedure, acquired by lobbying activity and their programed sales and profit strategies.
If you have a mortgage one has to have insurance. If you have a car that is financed you have to have insurance, if you are alive and hope to cover any medical expenses you have to have insurance, along with dozens of other activities in life. What you don't have is coverage if there is a claim. This is why those with enough money, who are in business, or have costly exposure, are "self insured". #1 they have reduced their costs and # 2 they know that they will be able to recover any losses they might incur.
Small businesses can't take on development projects due to risk of loss due to non insurance recovery payments. Homeowners loose their homes if they don't have the funds to recover from storm damages despite having paid insurance for years for full replacement costs. When health insurance employs these techniques persons are force into bankruptcy or worse case...die.
Why else would you feel the need to spend millions per year on lobbying efforts?
Way back I thought AARP’s sponsorship of Met Life’s long-term care was reliable.
I paid into what was supposed to be a capped-cost program. Met Life lobby got that amended and after 18 years of never using it I was priced out and had to terminate the policy. I was A. Not able to get my money and B. Now had no long-term and screwed. America’s healthcare is nothing but a corporate rip-off. The government should be running it like SS and Medicare bad as they are because healthcare should not be run by private enterprise. They are killing us in various ways. A friend who had the same plan attempted to use it for the care of his beloved wife who had Parkinson's. He hired a certified health care aid. He then put in a claim and was denied because Met Life changed the qualifications rules.
keep exposing how all GOP want to destroy Medicare & SS etc. They want to push people into Medicare ADVantage-- privately run & I heard from folks on it it stinks! Keep traditional Medicare.
Yes, there is a huge risk that states will have to pick up homeowners insurance as private companies continue to drop coverage. Once again, privatizing profits and socializing risk. At the same time, states often have no authority over local zoning laws and localities that continue to allow homes and businesses to build in risky areas. Though maybe if they become the insurer of last resort they'll also start imposing some restrictions/requirements on building.
Both states are difficult to deal with in regards to insurance although I believe where the most challenging situations exist, a self insurance program option should be available for those that can afford it and for those that can't, a government support program should be established to provide affordable coverage on a case by case basis recognizing need, time vested, and alternative options to protect those vulnerable. That being said government corruption and politicians would be involved and would need to be held accountable for any misadventures they would possibly attempt to create....good luck monitoring that.
Just wanted to say "thank you!" for all the great reporting. I am often depressed or angered by what you uncover, but that's part of the point. I agree with Christopher Duncan that understanding how seemingly "grassroots" parent efforts may be funded and organized by groups like "Moms for Liberty" would be helpful. Keep up the great work.
Investigate organizations like the Federalist society, Heritage Foundation, and all the billionaire funded subverting democratic norms including the role of religion in breaking the safety line of separation of church and state to screw Jose and and Maria Joe and Jill working class using divide and conquer to screw ordinary Americans and demonize refugees fleeing country’s whose tyrants we helped come to power.
An inquiry into the Manatee County Commission and in particular commissioner Kevin van Ostenbridge, and his personal vendetta against the mayor of Holmes beach, Judy Titsworth. Among other things, Van Ostenbridge was caught on video stealing someone's large potted bougainvillea plant, though he asserted that taking it away in the dead of night was only because he wanted to water it. He and Will Robinson are directly responsible for ramming through plans for a four-story parking garage on the beach in Holmes Beach, overriding municipal rules. They both have heavy heavy ties to the Builders Association, the entire commission are Republicans pushed through by DeSantis and his henchmen. The amount of graft is inconceivable and what they have done to Anna Maria Island has destroyed the welfare of its residents, any hope of ecological safety, and now the water system and beaches. This is all solely down to monies they are receiving from the builders and realtors. An investigation would reveal deeper links. They have flouted municipal rules, refused to hold town meetings, held many meetings directly contravening Florida Sunshine laws, and are in general childish embarrassments to the city county and state. There's a deeper story to be told.
This is the same problem with the GQP every where. They are predominantly crooks, liers and thieves when in office and care nothing about their constituents; it's all about the grift!
What is the legal status of Jared, Ivanka? Melanie? Eric? They cannot be squeaky clean. They were enablers and they are silent in the wind it seems. Nepotism should be outlawed at the minimum.
what happened to the story of Melania mismanagement of in·au·gu·ral monies? & why hasn't anyone reported she's with TRUMP in name only-- she has another boyfriend... hear tell.
Plus who produces, publishes these mandated text books! The fix is on in GL and elsewhere. Do you know who profits from the disinformation and in what ways and how this dumbs down future generations as far as critical thinkingvskills
The GOP has mutated into a fully fascist party while MSM sleeps & still refuses to tell the truth about them
From Dark Money to "Tommy TUMOR-ville" refusing to replace Military leadership -they remain the #1 threat to our democracy. Please keep exposing their crimes & true objectives
The billionaires that own them put them into a slumber....when they wake they are told what to cover, what not to cover, and what angle in which to cover it. Just a guess. ;0)
WAPO has done pieces recently on Tuberville - hope they keep his feet to the fire - he's a creepy coach who thinks he's a hotshot now that he's in a job way above his pay grade! As bad as MTG, Boebert, Gaetz, Jordan, McCarthy et al.
I get empty greene's email blasts so as to see how she describes what she does and when she's gonna do it, or what she's done and when she's gone and done it.
The largest threat to our democracy is power-mad billionaires like Murdoch, Zuckerberg, Koch, and Musk. Their money gives them 1,000,000 votes compared to my 1 vote. They want to remake government to their liking (low taxes, no regulations). They buy enough politicians and media resources to achieve their goals. They own 5/9 of the Supreme Court.
The incredible power of fossil fuel companies, who receive subsidies while we are in a climate emergency. Why can’t we address this? Do they own every politician?
Hi Judd. I heard a rumor that may be fact that I believe worth checking out. Does the school(s) where Ron DeSantis’s kids attend follow the same curriculum that Mr DeSantis is forcing across the state? What I heard was that his kids have the opportunity where they go, to learn gender studies and the real American history, warts and all. If what I heard is accurate the irony should be made public. Thank you for doing what you do.
Sounds like our VA Gov. EmptyVest Youngkin, whose kids go/went to private school in MARYLAND. (His underage son illegally tried to vote TWICE in 2021.) That school teaches content he wants banned from VA k-12. SnitchLine fought masking while his kids' school required it for all their students.
I would love to see some digging into the Cathy family and anti-LGBT+ donations. I'm under the impression that he is still putting a lot of Chik-fil-A money into those donations, but I'm not seeing anything about it any more. Thanks much!
Here, in Winter Garden, FL, where I run the nonprofit news site, VoxPopuli, the city commission has passed a resolution barring journalists from "following" the mayor and commissioners to "ask questions, get comments or request interviews" before, during or after meetings. Journalists are also barred from asking questions of commissioners during public comment. I ignored these rules until I received notification in June that I'd violated them after I asked the mayor if he condemned the actions of some neo-Nazis who'd dropped antisemitic literature throughout the city and then published his very weak response. The city manager also directed the chief of police to have detectives investigate me for violating the rules. I've been calling for a repeal of the resolution's media rules because they're unconstitutional. A feature story in the Orlando Sentinel revealed what I'd long suspected -- that these rules were developed specifically to hamper my website, the only local media outlet critical of the city and asking uncomfortable questions.
The First Amendment Foundation and Society of Professional Journalists are being very helpful. In addition to the feature story, the Orlando Sentinel wrote two editorials blasting the city.
I'd like to bring some national attention to this situation to urge the city to do the right thing and wanted to put this on your radar. If you want to pursue, the website is WinterGardenVox.com.
Senator Tuberville: There was a recent WaPo story on his residential status. I suspect there is more to this, as well as what might be driving his motivation to block critical military appointments. I would be surprised if it was purely driven by his sterling ethics
Leonard Leo: Maybe I've missed it, but I haven't seen much of any reporting on what he is doing w/ the $1.6B grant to the Marble Fund. Where is that $$ going (i.e pass thrus via the Rule of Law Trust)?
Dark money and his history is as a kingmaker through his Catholic opus Dei plus organizations like Heritage, Federalists and the rest of the Christfascists who want to destroy what’s left of our failing-we the people-democ-racy
Microsoft and Activision merger. This seems to be a slippery slope of the overly-large getting larger. Shouldn’t mergers and acquisitions like this be tamped down to preserve our perceived free and open market?
The FTC sued to stop the acquisition, but was overruled by a newly Biden-appointed Federal judge. The judge apparently didn't understand or listen to the government's case, instead she took at face value all of the dubious or downright false claims Microsoft executives made about potential benefits of the deal. A horrible decision. Read yesterday that the FTC is appealing, but it's a steep uphill battle at this point.
I think United Healthcare deserves investigation: historically one of most profitable US corporations for - reasons: ( look into fed $ from Medicare advantage, managed care ethics, accounting practices re employee vacation time, ways of competing with pretend non profit BCBS companies, denied care,....)
Agree. Medicare Advantage was supposed to save money and give better care. It doesn't appear that is the case. I think people don't see the disadvantage of medicare Advantage. Some how these companies have the money to advertise everywhere. Also why is it that once you move from an Advantage plan back to original medicare you no longer can get a supplement without going through an underwriting process. This leaves a lot of people stuck with an Advantage plan.
This. We were happy with our UHC supplemental plan but got forced by our company into the Advantage version. Our Optum drug coverage has holes that make us rely on Goodrx instead. If we wanted to convert back to supplemental, the underwriters would turn us down or price us out.
It's a scam to force or trick us all into Advantage plans.
UnitedHealthcare is also pushing us to use OptumRX, which I assume they own. I think all health insurance companies are now going to have their own pharmacies.
Jan6 attack—woefully slow law enforcement (LE) response: it has been pinned upon LE/military, etc. over-riding concern for the civil liberties of the marchers.
That just seems a tad (like a huge tad) convenient….
To even try and imagine The Trump Admin so greatly concerned with civil liberties is such an incredible stretch.
We all watched The Attack play-out over HOURS! Minimal response, hour after hour.
And that under-staffed Response, we are told, was not coordinated by The T Admin?
I really can not believe that.
Realizing the potential coordination has been investigated, but, something has been missed.
Jack Smith would love to have those goods—-Trump Admin coordination of LE near-abandonment of Capital on Jan6.
I remember learning that General Mike Flynn's brother, Lt. General Charles Flynn, was at the Pentagon during the call from calls from the Capitol Police asking for the National Guard. So, why did the Pentagon NOT come through? Charles Flynn was promoted to be head of our Army Command in the Pacific and quickly left town. Two other generals were complicit while General Ryan McCarthy thought he had gotten their promise to send in the National Guard.
I do believe it, and am worried; but I also know the fantasy you describe is just that, and equally as ridiculous as an over-riding concern for civil liberties….
Investigate Twelve Tribes cult. It operates as if it's a harmless Christian commune and the public spends $$$ in their restaurants: unpaid labor, child labor, child abuse, homophobia, misogyny, labor law violations ,....
How about the everyday funding by everyday people of extremist corporate members of the American Legislative Exchange Council. (Want to stop a discussion? Mention 'ALEC' and hear those present go blank.)
I say "Dixie Cups are made by Georgia Pacific, which is provately owned by the Koch corporation. Same with Vanity Fair napkins and Brawny paper towels."
Response is usually helplessness..."but there are no alternatives."
Really? How about Solo, HomeGoods, or any house brand.
I say "State Farm, UPS and FedEx are major leaders of ALEC and help coordinate regressive legislation across states."
Usually no reply. It's a level of consciousness way not-supported.
I say, "Home Depot and Lowes are giant Republican donors." or "U-Line packing products are owned by a huge Trump donor-couple. (Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein are American billionaires and he's an heir to the Schlitz brewing fortune.)
More helplessness.
I think there is a consumer-consciousness niche here, waiting to be filled by a boycott-focused news outlet or newsletter.
Let me know if it exists and I just am missing it.
The Electoral College needs to be abolished. Currently, the minority is ruling the majority with equal representation in the Senate and a significant advantage when it comes to the EC. In addition, it is mostly the blue states whose citizens provide more revenue to the federal government than funding that is returned. This is a perpetual problem and leaves blue states like MA, NJ, NY, and CA covering red states' (MS, AL, KY and others) expenses. End result is that those blue states also need to tax their citizens with state income taxes, higher property taxes, etc. I suggest tying the two together with governors from those blue states raising the issue and forcing the legislature to cap the amount of federal funding returned to those beneficiary states, while increasing the amount of federal funding back to the donor states. For instance, perhaps any individual state could receive back a maximum of 105% in direct spending, grants, etc. of what they contribute to the federal budget, with the donor states being returned at least 95% of what they put in. There are many on the right who promote self-determination - why not flip the tables on them?
I'd love to see occasional elevation of the challenges Native Americans are facing. Their plight seems to be a blind spot for a great deal of the MSM and I feel we all have a responsibility to try to right the wrongs our indigenous brothers and sisters still experience on a daily basis. I share these issues with friends but am not on social media and I'd like to see them raised on a broader platform. With love and gratitude for all you do!
Tuberville and why can’t we get military leaders approved? Charles McGonigal story and links to Russian oligarchs. And what about getting rid of Citizens United and all the dark money? Any one doing work on that front? Thanks for all your efforts to keep us informed.
Amazon allows third party sellers to list goods for sale. They obviously have rules for what a seller can claim in a product listing. They lean on the FTC’s rules for fraudulent advertising. The poster child example of a violation that the FTC lists in its rules is claiming something has environmental or ecological benefits with no basis for that claim. All over Amazon you can find products like PVC table covers and other things made plainly from the worst kind of plastic. There is no ecological excuse or explanation for these products. And yet you’ll see them labeled “eco” PVC or similar. Amazon has no mechanism for a customer to report a fraudulent listing. It isn’t clear they have any enforcement over this legal requirement at all. So while there are lots of things that amazons terms of service prohibit a third party seller from doing (that is, advertising eco vinyl is a violation of FTC regs, which is a violation of Amazon’s Ts & Cs), there is no obvious way to report rogue sellers and it’s pretty obvious there are lots of rogue sellers. Not sure if this is your beat, but I think a tiny scratch of the surface will reveal lots of discrepancies and lax governance.
Do a write up of how American infrastructure costs are much higher per mile then other developed countries' infrastructure costs and ways we can fix it. The problem is well known in mass transit circles, but not among the general public...
I love reading your news and then hearing the same info reported widely in the media 2 days later. Clearly you are read by them too. I especially am interested in unions and other labor pushes to keep workers in the equation vs. corps and CEO's hoarding all the wealth. Also global increases in wealth and less inequality, since in US it sometimes seems the opposite.
What can be done to curtail the abuse of financial power that threatens to destroy our country? FOX is responsible for Trump's power and continues to promote the lies that threaten the well-being of our country (CONSTITUTION). Rupert Murdoch is from Australia, and Elon Musk is from South Africa. Neither cares about the well-being of the great American Experiment--they abuse their inordinate supply of wealth to tear us down. Lobbying by the NRA, big Pharma, the Insurance industry, Oil and Fossil Fuel, and too many others distorts and influences politicians (and SCOTUS !) that we depend upon to represent us.
My conclusion: every article painstakingly research by Judd and his team are our best weapons. For example, the Meyer family in Marion County, Kansas are pivotal in fighting for Freedom of the Press.
So, Judd, continue to unearth those people and issues that need more exposure and voice.
When are old white men going to retire from politics? When will they say ‘enough’ and trust the next generation or women? This may be more venting than a thread to follow, but until the younger generation sees themselves in politics they’re not going to vote with any conviction and America remains in a polarized stalemate. I think our answers are in our future. Love everything you uncover, especially in my mess of a state TN. Please keep an eye out on our gov.
It's not even the younger generation I'd like to see more represented. I've been voting against McConnell since I was 18. I'm 45 now. Although I have to say the few GenX politicians with more name recognition are all horrible. Move on to the Millennials, Y & Z.
I vaguely recall reading that Trump used a burner phone during the January 6 insurrection. Someone somewhere has information on that. Violation of the presidential records act.
In the pro-life/pro-choice debate, we don't get enough coverage about the kids currently living in foster care. I read that over 400,000 kids are in foster care in the US. I also read that John Hopkins did a study in the Baltimore area and found kids in foster care are 4 times more likely to be sexually assaulted, and kids in groups home are 28 times more likely. Absolutely horrifying, yet that doesn't seem to be newsworthy. If adoption/foster care is really the argument that the pro-life side wants to make, shouldn't everyone (regardless of stance on the subject) be aware of exactly what kids currently face in foster care, and how much worse it would get if even more kids were put in the system?
The conservative attack on psychology. I've noticed this as an undercurrent in my readings. We know they tend to devalue expertise and the notion of being an expert. We've known for years that Trump is a malignant narcissist. His words and actions back up that diagnosis to a tee.
Take another example, DeSantis. From what I see and read, he is likely a sociopath. Is he a psychopath? I don't know, but I won't vote for him to find out. I believe his odd behavior around people shows lack of empathy, for sure. As do his actions.
What I'm saying is more insidious though, and thoroughly anti-science. If you listen to the undercurrent of conservative talk, they are attacking these diagnoses. They are extolling the virtues of sociopathy and encouraging it. They are weaving a tale that claims the best among us are the ones most able to ignore suffering. It is very dangerous shit.
Oh, and I should add, I can see the thread running from Nietzsche to fascism, and on to Ayn Rand. Lots of the current conservative elite are Ayn Rand disciples.
Jamie R is a representative. But yeah: what about all that Ivana/Jared "earnings" from the 45 years.? Smoking guns may have been effectively snuffed out. :(
for the most recent story on the former sheriff of Columbus County, NC, a small rural county in SE NC. Mr. Greene was allegedly not a resident of the county. He had sufficient funds to mount a campaign and win election twice, even after being removed from office by the county commission. The county is now on the hook for ~$330k to settle one suit alleging racial discrimination with at least one more suit pending. As a result, "...the possibility remains that the North Carolina Local Government Commission could require the county commissioners to increase its property tax rate to mitigate the reduction to its fund balance.”
While the local paper has done some reporting, they have not, to my mind, aggressively reported on who/what groups are behind the money and candidate. For history, you can find lots of stories going back a couple of years in the local paper.
I was at a wedding this weekend with someone from Florida. She said that DaSantis passed a law that anyone running for office has to reveal any ASSESTS over $1,000 (including stamp collections)
Could you check in to this? Thanks for all you do!
As the Netflix show, “painkillers,” becomes popular, people want to know: where is Richard sackler? How is his extended family managing the recent bad press? The lawsuits? What does the new Supreme Court decision mean for sacklers?
The reckoning of OxyContin hasn’t even begun to hurt this man or his family nearly enough it seems, and there’s still little press (or pressure) to investigate how he is managing this massive fallout with his company
Ideas: deep dive into “Moms for Liberty”. Uncover lies. Uncover actual funders. Uncover the development of lie of their name and how they are for something more fascist.
I vaguely remember learning (maybe from this site) during the time of Glenn Younkin's run for Governor of VA that it was organized by a dark money funded organization in the midwest. Did that come from Judd?
Would like more on Youngkin. Never Trumpers sometimes say/suggest that he is a “decent Republican”. I think he is a two-faced politician who blows with the wind and supports Trump, or that which Trump represents.
Not only that he is in bed with DeSantis in book publication deals for FL. And other corruption that defines the MAGA ticks crime syndicate.
none of the Rs are "decent"-- they are all fascists in the middle of a massive criminal cover up-- please keep reporting how there are no center right Rs; Rs are an extremist, fascist party. TY
wasn't there an issue with his son trying to vote 2X
What are the current locations of cities/states that are concerned about potable water shortages? And what is the picture for two years from now? Florida? Las Vegas? Texas?
Agree! I was looking into this online and found a website for "Stop Moms for Liberty" and it only has fb groups as a way to engage. I tried to join the private OH group and was immediately declined after answering the questions honestly. The Stop group seems to actually be a pro-M4L group which made me wonder what is going on with. them really.
Ok, what is a pro-M4L group? Anyone?
I agree,please look into "Moms for Liberty".
Yes, what Christopher said, exactly.
With the prospect of Democrats losing control of the Senate in 2024, the next few months could be President Biden's last window for getting his court nominees approved. Senator Durbin needs to drop the blue slip roadblock and get these nominations moving. GOP controlled senates never honored such niceties. Durbin should be playing hardball not hamstringing himself with Marquess of Queensberry rules.
Yes, Durbin is doing some questionable stuff in the name of "being fair."
I think Durbin is not being fair to the American people.
He was at the Illinois state fair yesterday, making a speech (preening).
Would have loved to run up, kick him in the nads and while he writhed in the dust, explain to him that the American people EXPECT him to do better at fighting the forces of the entrenched Christian-Taliban!
And expect more kicks to be forthcoming for non-compliance.
I know this topic is provocative, thus never discussed, but how is it that no discussions EVER occur about the intrinsic violence of men, including particularly the young 20-somethings that are mass shooters. Science tells us that young, especially male brains are not fully formed until the mid 20's, yet no discussion means no alternative training, education, medical study, documentary, or even reality shows or graphic novels. NADA. So, the world is left with half the population representing egregious violence against women, children, other men, and nature. I keep wondering if it's just me that wonders why we don't address this disaster that affects us all?
This👆👆👆 Also, a discussion about 𝘵he misogyny and racism 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 deeply entrenched in the medical communities affecting Black women the worst, followed by all women. The maternal death rate in this country is horrific and how medical racism and misogyny are directly responsible.
This please. And how post-Dobbs it's even worse than it was and it was BAD. The Time article about the 12/13 year old child that didn't understand she'd been raped was the grimmest story I've read in a really grim year. The states with the worst outcomes are also the same states that had trigger bans but despite lip service to the contrary they don't have social safety nets in place for these women forced to become mothers. They don't have safety nets in place for the women who WANT to become mothers. They don't take domestic violence cases seriously enough, they don't take sexual abuse and assault even of children seriously enough. Who'd have thought Time would have an excellent article?
Also very important points. It happens from time to time😉😁🤣
Why the hell are you laughing? Rape of a child is no laughing matter!
I'm laughing at the pun I made🤦♀️ Ffs. She commented that she were surprised that Time magazine had a really good article. Now go back and read my comment.
It happens from TIME to TIME. Get it now?
Hurt people hurt people. With a culture that allows, even encourages, gun ownership, we give those who are angry, hopeless, disconnected, powerless, a way to feel powerful, strong. But the intrinsic violence is usually a reaction to trauma. Our education system, justice system, usually punish. The media, especially social media, inflames. There’s so much to pick apart on this topic, and though it’s certainly worthy of research and debate and investment of resources, it’s less the fact-finding mission of investigative journalism.
Fantastic comment, Leah.
All the comments makes good points.
Women suffer horrors globally. We need to expect more of all humans, starting with stopping the insane violent acting-out.
You are so right. Perhaps we've become numb to that aspect. I mean look at our "games & entertainment." Check out which are the most popular. Now let's have a look a popular movies (confession: I am rewatching No Country for Old Men) and music.
Pretty good movie but it does point out the vulnerability of women!
How is it legal for a Pharmacy like CVS to own an insurance company like Aetna? Doesn't that violate anti-trust laws/legislation?
They tried to pull as fast one on retired NY city works with corrupt mayor Eric Adams. This needs to be exposed. A decent judge stopped them but the elected democrats in name only using P C to get elected are appealing. I’m retired at 81 and paying premiums close to 500.00 a month plus pharmacy costs. My Medicare does not keep pace with inflation and as a female I was under payed all my working life. Soon I will have to give up my decent health insurance for a substandard health ghetto plan like the CVs/Aetna rip off.
In defense of the incestuous CVS/Aetna hybrid thing, they covered the majority of the costs of my double lung transplant after I spent 42 years smoking myself to death. Thanks Obama.
The ACA saved my day and Aetna did their part saving my life. However, they have some true BS going on and as time goes by, make it harder to keep up with all of my many meds.
UnitedHealthcare now steers me to OptumRX, which I assume is owned by UnitedHealthcare, so they’re all playing this game.
I’m not on Medicare yet, but I really question AARP’s relationship to UnitedHealthcare.
Yes, and I question AARP's relationship with its horde of advertisers! What used to be useful informative writing is now just a bullhorn for walk-in tubs, OTC hearing aids, insurance???, and other inane junk. I've QUIT AARP! Doesn't do a damn thing for me, even the puff pieces are geared toward 50 somethings. As if we are all in wheelchairs or using walkers!
& AARP did not denounce the TAX bill for millionaires in 17 & sort of promoted T in 16. I wrote them about it as my mom was a member.
I don’t think AARP truly advocates for older people. They “go through the motions”.
Thank you Flora, did they call back to help you or send a form letter
They've either forced me to use their on-line AND mail order services (presumably to [save money] increase shareholder value) in addition to declaring some of my medications as being available OTC, so you're on your own sonny.
And Optum now owns medical practices. Like the one I used to go to. But those practices no longer accept Aetna insurance. Wonder why!
Is that so? Siloing us in terms of our options perhaps?
In answer to your question, yes, CVS/Aetna violates anti-trust laws, or it would with proper enforcement. Lina Khan (FTC) and Joseph Kantor (DOJ) are reinventing real anti-trust enforcement after years of neglect, but it a slow process and there is lots of resistance from powerful Wall Street interests. My go-to source for information about anti-trust developments is Matt Stoller, who has a Substack called BIG. Check it out.
I am going to do that very thing. This is the value of forums such as this. Everyone involved becomes better informed as a natural consequence of our interaction and pooled resources/information.
I’ve wondered myself, Adam but monopoly laws must have gone by the wayside while I was paying attention to the orange clown 🤡.
If it doesn’t, it should.
Exactly! It's like right there in your face.
Like that fly who snuck into my house and just couldn't live any longer without dive-bombing me IN MY FACE, while I was computing. A quick spritz from my handy Method Disinfectant spray bottle took him out of the air and another blast as he crash-landed onto the floor took him out the game.
Too bad these parasitical corporations can't be treated in the same manner.
Oh my, if it were only that easy. I can think of several corporations and a few insurance companies (for starters) that need a quick spritz straight away! 🪰
Appreciated you folks talking about the corporations and 'perhaps' illicit means of doing business. No wonder those big corps vote R since they (Rs) like to 'de-regulate' the rules put in place for worker safety and consumer info...which they ignore and do what they want behind the scenes! Is there ANY real answer to any of this?!!!
I wish tha I were privy to one.
Hell to the "F" to the YEAH!
Please tell me, what is the answer? Today I had to sign a form saying I declined a blood test. If Medicare doesn’t pay for a test, my secondary insurance won’t even look at the charges, and who can pay $273.00 dollars to see if I have enough vitamin D in my blood. This is stupid to have to pay for a test like that when they had already drawn two vials.
I have to have blood drawn a couple of times a month for one doctor since I now have renal failure.
Sorry Nancy. That comment was supposed to attach to Randy's comment.
"Oh my, if it were only that easy. I can think of several corporations and a few insurance companies (for starters) that need a quick spritz straight away! 🪰"
I see that it is now askew.
The myth of the family farm. The agriculture industry has become dominated by large corporations. Much of the land is owned by foreign nationals. China Saudi Arabia, and others. The small farmer is nearly extinct.
Government programs have knee-capped small farms. There’s a story there.
Please start investigating Tuberville, his house and residency in FL
Read an article about his residency yesterday and it said he spends most of his time at his home in northern FL (panhandle I believe) He's a piece of work and I"m being 'kind'
Yes Lynn you are unnecessarily kind. He is just another good ole boy a**h*l* from the deep south like Gaetz and DeSantis. All as crooked as the day is long!
and I should have added - 'and he SHOULD be voted out of office!" :)
Yes. This! You know a grifter like Tommy left his spoor everywhere should one care to look. Dig it all up and bury him in it.
Very worried about the Arkansas Governor halting AP classes in Af-Am History across the state. And a quiescent public, or so it appears.
I didn't think much of her signing a bill so kids can work at places like Tyson chicken
Having been a repeat victim of insurance company tactics, non payment for storm damages as one example, perhaps it might be time to address the 3 D's within the insurance industry regarding home insurance.
"Getting to Know the Three D's of the Insurance Industry: Delay, Deny Defend"
"Delay is the first of the three D's. A claim is submitted and the games begin. ...
Once delay fails, the next step is to implement the second D: Deny. ...
If all else fails, the insurance company will bring out the third D: Defend."
Insurance companies have been employing this strategy across all lines of insurance. Met Life, Nationwide, and others since the 1980's, upon personal experience. Nationwide, the largest makes billion of dollars in profit each year from this technique and others by leveraging their position in the marketplace, employing legal insurance requirements by laws and protections of behavior and procedure, acquired by lobbying activity and their programed sales and profit strategies.
If you have a mortgage one has to have insurance. If you have a car that is financed you have to have insurance, if you are alive and hope to cover any medical expenses you have to have insurance, along with dozens of other activities in life. What you don't have is coverage if there is a claim. This is why those with enough money, who are in business, or have costly exposure, are "self insured". #1 they have reduced their costs and # 2 they know that they will be able to recover any losses they might incur.
Small businesses can't take on development projects due to risk of loss due to non insurance recovery payments. Homeowners loose their homes if they don't have the funds to recover from storm damages despite having paid insurance for years for full replacement costs. When health insurance employs these techniques persons are force into bankruptcy or worse case...die.
Why else would you feel the need to spend millions per year on lobbying efforts?
Insurance: Lobbying, 2022
OpenSecrets
https://www.opensecrets.org › industries › lobbying
Insurance: Lobbying, 2022 ; MetLife Inc, $2,090,000 ; Prudential Financial, $2,005,337 ; Allstate Insurance, $1,990,000 ; American International Group, $1,930,000.
Way back I thought AARP’s sponsorship of Met Life’s long-term care was reliable.
I paid into what was supposed to be a capped-cost program. Met Life lobby got that amended and after 18 years of never using it I was priced out and had to terminate the policy. I was A. Not able to get my money and B. Now had no long-term and screwed. America’s healthcare is nothing but a corporate rip-off. The government should be running it like SS and Medicare bad as they are because healthcare should not be run by private enterprise. They are killing us in various ways. A friend who had the same plan attempted to use it for the care of his beloved wife who had Parkinson's. He hired a certified health care aid. He then put in a claim and was denied because Met Life changed the qualifications rules.
keep exposing how all GOP want to destroy Medicare & SS etc. They want to push people into Medicare ADVantage-- privately run & I heard from folks on it it stinks! Keep traditional Medicare.
Too little is being said about the homeowner insurance crisis in Florida and what will become one in California.
Yes, there is a huge risk that states will have to pick up homeowners insurance as private companies continue to drop coverage. Once again, privatizing profits and socializing risk. At the same time, states often have no authority over local zoning laws and localities that continue to allow homes and businesses to build in risky areas. Though maybe if they become the insurer of last resort they'll also start imposing some restrictions/requirements on building.
Valid points. You would certainly think so. 2 major insurers just pulled out of Florida😐
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2023/07/19/florida-home-insurance-aaa-farmers-policy-reduction/70427062007/
Both states are difficult to deal with in regards to insurance although I believe where the most challenging situations exist, a self insurance program option should be available for those that can afford it and for those that can't, a government support program should be established to provide affordable coverage on a case by case basis recognizing need, time vested, and alternative options to protect those vulnerable. That being said government corruption and politicians would be involved and would need to be held accountable for any misadventures they would possibly attempt to create....good luck monitoring that.
I blame the insurance failure in FL on Rick Scott and the insane one. They’ve broken so many laws while the Feds look the other way.
Just wanted to say "thank you!" for all the great reporting. I am often depressed or angered by what you uncover, but that's part of the point. I agree with Christopher Duncan that understanding how seemingly "grassroots" parent efforts may be funded and organized by groups like "Moms for Liberty" would be helpful. Keep up the great work.
Investigate organizations like the Federalist society, Heritage Foundation, and all the billionaire funded subverting democratic norms including the role of religion in breaking the safety line of separation of church and state to screw Jose and and Maria Joe and Jill working class using divide and conquer to screw ordinary Americans and demonize refugees fleeing country’s whose tyrants we helped come to power.
An inquiry into the Manatee County Commission and in particular commissioner Kevin van Ostenbridge, and his personal vendetta against the mayor of Holmes beach, Judy Titsworth. Among other things, Van Ostenbridge was caught on video stealing someone's large potted bougainvillea plant, though he asserted that taking it away in the dead of night was only because he wanted to water it. He and Will Robinson are directly responsible for ramming through plans for a four-story parking garage on the beach in Holmes Beach, overriding municipal rules. They both have heavy heavy ties to the Builders Association, the entire commission are Republicans pushed through by DeSantis and his henchmen. The amount of graft is inconceivable and what they have done to Anna Maria Island has destroyed the welfare of its residents, any hope of ecological safety, and now the water system and beaches. This is all solely down to monies they are receiving from the builders and realtors. An investigation would reveal deeper links. They have flouted municipal rules, refused to hold town meetings, held many meetings directly contravening Florida Sunshine laws, and are in general childish embarrassments to the city county and state. There's a deeper story to be told.
This is the same problem with the GQP every where. They are predominantly crooks, liers and thieves when in office and care nothing about their constituents; it's all about the grift!
Ah, the cesspool that is Florida business and politics!
What is the legal status of Jared, Ivanka? Melanie? Eric? They cannot be squeaky clean. They were enablers and they are silent in the wind it seems. Nepotism should be outlawed at the minimum.
what happened to the story of Melania mismanagement of in·au·gu·ral monies? & why hasn't anyone reported she's with TRUMP in name only-- she has another boyfriend... hear tell.
Good question, Flora McG!
Yes Judd , can you talk about the Prager U that does all the new educational program for Floriduh schools ? Sounds like indoctrination to me !!
Plus who produces, publishes these mandated text books! The fix is on in GL and elsewhere. Do you know who profits from the disinformation and in what ways and how this dumbs down future generations as far as critical thinkingvskills
GOP want to destroy public education so GOP create 2 classes of oligarchs & serf class to serve them.
And turn a profit, for they are venal and the grift... eternal.
The GOP has mutated into a fully fascist party while MSM sleeps & still refuses to tell the truth about them
From Dark Money to "Tommy TUMOR-ville" refusing to replace Military leadership -they remain the #1 threat to our democracy. Please keep exposing their crimes & true objectives
I like this one. Why does the media sleep. Who’s controlling the message and the money?
The billionaires that own them put them into a slumber....when they wake they are told what to cover, what not to cover, and what angle in which to cover it. Just a guess. ;0)
I’m certain that’s correct. But let’s name names and connect the dots.
Judging by the "Chuck Todding" of media everywhere, I'd hazard a guess that you would be if not correct, on the right path!
It's not sleeping. Mainstream media is bought and paid for. Look at the levels of distracting us they go to!
WAPO has done pieces recently on Tuberville - hope they keep his feet to the fire - he's a creepy coach who thinks he's a hotshot now that he's in a job way above his pay grade! As bad as MTG, Boebert, Gaetz, Jordan, McCarthy et al.
saw on X AKA twitter MTG is angling to be Trump's VP. She may be POTUS if he is elected & he dies. NEVER underestimate the duplicity of the GOP!
I get empty greene's email blasts so as to see how she describes what she does and when she's gonna do it, or what she's done and when she's gone and done it.
Let her tell it, you'd think she was smart.
Never underestimate the GOP- they aren’t stupid. They are cunning & duplicitous. She is a college grad from University of GA.
hear tell they want those vacancies to go on till GOP regain the WH & put in their crones/ loyalists.
Crones/loyalists and cronies too!
Lol!!!
The largest threat to our democracy is power-mad billionaires like Murdoch, Zuckerberg, Koch, and Musk. Their money gives them 1,000,000 votes compared to my 1 vote. They want to remake government to their liking (low taxes, no regulations). They buy enough politicians and media resources to achieve their goals. They own 5/9 of the Supreme Court.
I agree. When I wrote these lyrics to an old song in 2014, I think it was 5/9th. Now it appears to be 6/9s with Roberts dissembling.
Darlene, you and I
Know the reason why
Our country’s up a tree.
And we know why pols in D C
Think bribery cool.
Five of nine Supremes
Enact a Nazi’s dreams,
Making tycoons drool.
From October’s first Monday
Their verdicts bar none say
“All hail Koch Brother’s rule.”
What's being done with the GQP seditionist still active in the congress and senate?
Another upvote for this! It's why I subscribed in the beginning - to hold them accountable.
Seconded👍
The incredible power of fossil fuel companies, who receive subsidies while we are in a climate emergency. Why can’t we address this? Do they own every politician?
Pretty much😐
Hi Judd. I heard a rumor that may be fact that I believe worth checking out. Does the school(s) where Ron DeSantis’s kids attend follow the same curriculum that Mr DeSantis is forcing across the state? What I heard was that his kids have the opportunity where they go, to learn gender studies and the real American history, warts and all. If what I heard is accurate the irony should be made public. Thank you for doing what you do.
Sounds like our VA Gov. EmptyVest Youngkin, whose kids go/went to private school in MARYLAND. (His underage son illegally tried to vote TWICE in 2021.) That school teaches content he wants banned from VA k-12. SnitchLine fought masking while his kids' school required it for all their students.
I would love to see some digging into the Cathy family and anti-LGBT+ donations. I'm under the impression that he is still putting a lot of Chik-fil-A money into those donations, but I'm not seeing anything about it any more. Thanks much!
Hi Judd. Great piece on the Marion County Record.
Here, in Winter Garden, FL, where I run the nonprofit news site, VoxPopuli, the city commission has passed a resolution barring journalists from "following" the mayor and commissioners to "ask questions, get comments or request interviews" before, during or after meetings. Journalists are also barred from asking questions of commissioners during public comment. I ignored these rules until I received notification in June that I'd violated them after I asked the mayor if he condemned the actions of some neo-Nazis who'd dropped antisemitic literature throughout the city and then published his very weak response. The city manager also directed the chief of police to have detectives investigate me for violating the rules. I've been calling for a repeal of the resolution's media rules because they're unconstitutional. A feature story in the Orlando Sentinel revealed what I'd long suspected -- that these rules were developed specifically to hamper my website, the only local media outlet critical of the city and asking uncomfortable questions.
The First Amendment Foundation and Society of Professional Journalists are being very helpful. In addition to the feature story, the Orlando Sentinel wrote two editorials blasting the city.
I'd like to bring some national attention to this situation to urge the city to do the right thing and wanted to put this on your radar. If you want to pursue, the website is WinterGardenVox.com.
Thanks for all you do.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/08/04/winter-gardens-new-restrictions-on-journalists-are-unconstitutional-first-amendment-experts-say/?share=apsentxrmtnrelsoa0ny
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/08/09/winter-garden-silences-journalist-dworkin-maxwell/
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/08/08/editorial-winter-garden-dont-bully-local-journalist-into-silence/
The Orlando Sentinel requires paid subscription. Would love to read these items.
Keep fighting the good fight!
First off - thank you for all you do Judd!
Senator Tuberville: There was a recent WaPo story on his residential status. I suspect there is more to this, as well as what might be driving his motivation to block critical military appointments. I would be surprised if it was purely driven by his sterling ethics
Leonard Leo: Maybe I've missed it, but I haven't seen much of any reporting on what he is doing w/ the $1.6B grant to the Marble Fund. Where is that $$ going (i.e pass thrus via the Rule of Law Trust)?
Dark money and his history is as a kingmaker through his Catholic opus Dei plus organizations like Heritage, Federalists and the rest of the Christfascists who want to destroy what’s left of our failing-we the people-democ-racy
And a preponderance of Catholic lawyers and judges
Microsoft and Activision merger. This seems to be a slippery slope of the overly-large getting larger. Shouldn’t mergers and acquisitions like this be tamped down to preserve our perceived free and open market?
The FTC sued to stop the acquisition, but was overruled by a newly Biden-appointed Federal judge. The judge apparently didn't understand or listen to the government's case, instead she took at face value all of the dubious or downright false claims Microsoft executives made about potential benefits of the deal. A horrible decision. Read yesterday that the FTC is appealing, but it's a steep uphill battle at this point.
I think United Healthcare deserves investigation: historically one of most profitable US corporations for - reasons: ( look into fed $ from Medicare advantage, managed care ethics, accounting practices re employee vacation time, ways of competing with pretend non profit BCBS companies, denied care,....)
Agree. Medicare Advantage was supposed to save money and give better care. It doesn't appear that is the case. I think people don't see the disadvantage of medicare Advantage. Some how these companies have the money to advertise everywhere. Also why is it that once you move from an Advantage plan back to original medicare you no longer can get a supplement without going through an underwriting process. This leaves a lot of people stuck with an Advantage plan.
This. We were happy with our UHC supplemental plan but got forced by our company into the Advantage version. Our Optum drug coverage has holes that make us rely on Goodrx instead. If we wanted to convert back to supplemental, the underwriters would turn us down or price us out.
It's a scam to force or trick us all into Advantage plans.
UnitedHealthcare is also pushing us to use OptumRX, which I assume they own. I think all health insurance companies are now going to have their own pharmacies.
I couldn't agree more. I used to have them. Never again.
Jan6 attack—woefully slow law enforcement (LE) response: it has been pinned upon LE/military, etc. over-riding concern for the civil liberties of the marchers.
That just seems a tad (like a huge tad) convenient….
To even try and imagine The Trump Admin so greatly concerned with civil liberties is such an incredible stretch.
We all watched The Attack play-out over HOURS! Minimal response, hour after hour.
And that under-staffed Response, we are told, was not coordinated by The T Admin?
I really can not believe that.
Realizing the potential coordination has been investigated, but, something has been missed.
Jack Smith would love to have those goods—-Trump Admin coordination of LE near-abandonment of Capital on Jan6.
I remember learning that General Mike Flynn's brother, Lt. General Charles Flynn, was at the Pentagon during the call from calls from the Capitol Police asking for the National Guard. So, why did the Pentagon NOT come through? Charles Flynn was promoted to be head of our Army Command in the Pacific and quickly left town. Two other generals were complicit while General Ryan McCarthy thought he had gotten their promise to send in the National Guard.
Yes, it’s ludicrous. Flynn is a dead giveaway.
Detailed in a Politico article of Dec. 6, ‘21, with title beginning ‘Absolute Liars’.
Traitors positioned by Trump and company
seems very likely
This, too👆👆👆 Please and thank you.
I do believe it, and am worried; but I also know the fantasy you describe is just that, and equally as ridiculous as an over-riding concern for civil liberties….
I am😐
Investigate Twelve Tribes cult. It operates as if it's a harmless Christian commune and the public spends $$$ in their restaurants: unpaid labor, child labor, child abuse, homophobia, misogyny, labor law violations ,....
How about the everyday funding by everyday people of extremist corporate members of the American Legislative Exchange Council. (Want to stop a discussion? Mention 'ALEC' and hear those present go blank.)
I say "Dixie Cups are made by Georgia Pacific, which is provately owned by the Koch corporation. Same with Vanity Fair napkins and Brawny paper towels."
Response is usually helplessness..."but there are no alternatives."
Really? How about Solo, HomeGoods, or any house brand.
I say "State Farm, UPS and FedEx are major leaders of ALEC and help coordinate regressive legislation across states."
Usually no reply. It's a level of consciousness way not-supported.
I say, "Home Depot and Lowes are giant Republican donors." or "U-Line packing products are owned by a huge Trump donor-couple. (Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein are American billionaires and he's an heir to the Schlitz brewing fortune.)
More helplessness.
I think there is a consumer-consciousness niche here, waiting to be filled by a boycott-focused news outlet or newsletter.
Let me know if it exists and I just am missing it.
Thanks for everything, Judd!
The Electoral College needs to be abolished. Currently, the minority is ruling the majority with equal representation in the Senate and a significant advantage when it comes to the EC. In addition, it is mostly the blue states whose citizens provide more revenue to the federal government than funding that is returned. This is a perpetual problem and leaves blue states like MA, NJ, NY, and CA covering red states' (MS, AL, KY and others) expenses. End result is that those blue states also need to tax their citizens with state income taxes, higher property taxes, etc. I suggest tying the two together with governors from those blue states raising the issue and forcing the legislature to cap the amount of federal funding returned to those beneficiary states, while increasing the amount of federal funding back to the donor states. For instance, perhaps any individual state could receive back a maximum of 105% in direct spending, grants, etc. of what they contribute to the federal budget, with the donor states being returned at least 95% of what they put in. There are many on the right who promote self-determination - why not flip the tables on them?
Yes, not enough reporting being done on this. Saudi Arabia owns an Arizona aquifer and a massive oil refinery in Houston.
What is the crook George Santos up to? Out of sight out of mind?
I still don't understand how the Senate can legally stonewall the process to seat Supreme Court nominees.
The police raid of a Kansas newspaper. So many institutions are under attack by the far right, news organizations must be protected.
Yes. I'd really like to see some accountability here for everyone involved in this. That woman died due to the stress they caused her, illegally.
Thanks for all of the excellent work.
How about investigating the quid pro quo of Saudi Arabia's two billion investment in
Jared Kushner.
I'd love to see occasional elevation of the challenges Native Americans are facing. Their plight seems to be a blind spot for a great deal of the MSM and I feel we all have a responsibility to try to right the wrongs our indigenous brothers and sisters still experience on a daily basis. I share these issues with friends but am not on social media and I'd like to see them raised on a broader platform. With love and gratitude for all you do!
Tuberville and why can’t we get military leaders approved? Charles McGonigal story and links to Russian oligarchs. And what about getting rid of Citizens United and all the dark money? Any one doing work on that front? Thanks for all your efforts to keep us informed.
Amazon allows third party sellers to list goods for sale. They obviously have rules for what a seller can claim in a product listing. They lean on the FTC’s rules for fraudulent advertising. The poster child example of a violation that the FTC lists in its rules is claiming something has environmental or ecological benefits with no basis for that claim. All over Amazon you can find products like PVC table covers and other things made plainly from the worst kind of plastic. There is no ecological excuse or explanation for these products. And yet you’ll see them labeled “eco” PVC or similar. Amazon has no mechanism for a customer to report a fraudulent listing. It isn’t clear they have any enforcement over this legal requirement at all. So while there are lots of things that amazons terms of service prohibit a third party seller from doing (that is, advertising eco vinyl is a violation of FTC regs, which is a violation of Amazon’s Ts & Cs), there is no obvious way to report rogue sellers and it’s pretty obvious there are lots of rogue sellers. Not sure if this is your beat, but I think a tiny scratch of the surface will reveal lots of discrepancies and lax governance.
Do a write up of how American infrastructure costs are much higher per mile then other developed countries' infrastructure costs and ways we can fix it. The problem is well known in mass transit circles, but not among the general public...
Who paid off Kavanaugh's debt??
Please stay on the Mika Westwolf story.
I love reading your news and then hearing the same info reported widely in the media 2 days later. Clearly you are read by them too. I especially am interested in unions and other labor pushes to keep workers in the equation vs. corps and CEO's hoarding all the wealth. Also global increases in wealth and less inequality, since in US it sometimes seems the opposite.
What can be done to curtail the abuse of financial power that threatens to destroy our country? FOX is responsible for Trump's power and continues to promote the lies that threaten the well-being of our country (CONSTITUTION). Rupert Murdoch is from Australia, and Elon Musk is from South Africa. Neither cares about the well-being of the great American Experiment--they abuse their inordinate supply of wealth to tear us down. Lobbying by the NRA, big Pharma, the Insurance industry, Oil and Fossil Fuel, and too many others distorts and influences politicians (and SCOTUS !) that we depend upon to represent us.
My conclusion: every article painstakingly research by Judd and his team are our best weapons. For example, the Meyer family in Marion County, Kansas are pivotal in fighting for Freedom of the Press.
So, Judd, continue to unearth those people and issues that need more exposure and voice.
When are old white men going to retire from politics? When will they say ‘enough’ and trust the next generation or women? This may be more venting than a thread to follow, but until the younger generation sees themselves in politics they’re not going to vote with any conviction and America remains in a polarized stalemate. I think our answers are in our future. Love everything you uncover, especially in my mess of a state TN. Please keep an eye out on our gov.
old white men and Senator Feinstein
Fair
we need term limits (10 yr) on SCOTUS-- the lifelong job is a disaster.
It's not even the younger generation I'd like to see more represented. I've been voting against McConnell since I was 18. I'm 45 now. Although I have to say the few GenX politicians with more name recognition are all horrible. Move on to the Millennials, Y & Z.
I would love to hear the status of Walgreen story.
I vaguely recall reading that Trump used a burner phone during the January 6 insurrection. Someone somewhere has information on that. Violation of the presidential records act.
In the pro-life/pro-choice debate, we don't get enough coverage about the kids currently living in foster care. I read that over 400,000 kids are in foster care in the US. I also read that John Hopkins did a study in the Baltimore area and found kids in foster care are 4 times more likely to be sexually assaulted, and kids in groups home are 28 times more likely. Absolutely horrifying, yet that doesn't seem to be newsworthy. If adoption/foster care is really the argument that the pro-life side wants to make, shouldn't everyone (regardless of stance on the subject) be aware of exactly what kids currently face in foster care, and how much worse it would get if even more kids were put in the system?
The conservative attack on psychology. I've noticed this as an undercurrent in my readings. We know they tend to devalue expertise and the notion of being an expert. We've known for years that Trump is a malignant narcissist. His words and actions back up that diagnosis to a tee.
Take another example, DeSantis. From what I see and read, he is likely a sociopath. Is he a psychopath? I don't know, but I won't vote for him to find out. I believe his odd behavior around people shows lack of empathy, for sure. As do his actions.
What I'm saying is more insidious though, and thoroughly anti-science. If you listen to the undercurrent of conservative talk, they are attacking these diagnoses. They are extolling the virtues of sociopathy and encouraging it. They are weaving a tale that claims the best among us are the ones most able to ignore suffering. It is very dangerous shit.
Oh, and I should add, I can see the thread running from Nietzsche to fascism, and on to Ayn Rand. Lots of the current conservative elite are Ayn Rand disciples.
How is it legal for gun manufacturers to market to young children.
https://open.substack.com/pub/thebulwark/p/guns-for-tots-what-could-go-wrong?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=a8riket to young children?
I want to know more about Jared Kushner $2B from the Saudi 's . How is Senator Jamie Raskin's investigation going?
Jamie R is a representative. But yeah: what about all that Ivana/Jared "earnings" from the 45 years.? Smoking guns may have been effectively snuffed out. :(
Popular Info does such a great job of "following the money", so here's a hyper-local idea. Follow this link
https://www.nrcolumbus.com/news/crimes/500k-settlement-ok-d-for-ex-deputy-who-said-greene-fired-him-due-to-race/article_5e59bcee-37cf-11ee-a2ce-138ce1684868.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share
for the most recent story on the former sheriff of Columbus County, NC, a small rural county in SE NC. Mr. Greene was allegedly not a resident of the county. He had sufficient funds to mount a campaign and win election twice, even after being removed from office by the county commission. The county is now on the hook for ~$330k to settle one suit alleging racial discrimination with at least one more suit pending. As a result, "...the possibility remains that the North Carolina Local Government Commission could require the county commissioners to increase its property tax rate to mitigate the reduction to its fund balance.”
While the local paper has done some reporting, they have not, to my mind, aggressively reported on who/what groups are behind the money and candidate. For history, you can find lots of stories going back a couple of years in the local paper.
Please let the world know that Mark Cuban is single handedly disrupting the pharmaceutical industry with Costplus Drugs.
I was at a wedding this weekend with someone from Florida. She said that DaSantis passed a law that anyone running for office has to reveal any ASSESTS over $1,000 (including stamp collections)
Could you check in to this? Thanks for all you do!
As the Netflix show, “painkillers,” becomes popular, people want to know: where is Richard sackler? How is his extended family managing the recent bad press? The lawsuits? What does the new Supreme Court decision mean for sacklers?
The reckoning of OxyContin hasn’t even begun to hurt this man or his family nearly enough it seems, and there’s still little press (or pressure) to investigate how he is managing this massive fallout with his company