Thoughts on Randy Feenstra's weird, weak campaign rollout Laura Belin: For all of his talk about "taking Iowa to new heights," the Republican front-runner's campaign rollout won't get high marks.

Who's up early?

Just posted my take on Randy Feenstra's weird, weak rollout as a candidate for governor.

#Iowa #iapolitics #IAGov
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/02/t...

I love this so much! 👏👏

Blue graphic with a red tinted photo of a person speaking into a megaphone. Text on the graphic reads: "ACLU in Conversation: Defending Freedom Against Authoritarianism. Thursday, October 30, 5pm ET/2pm ET." At the bottom are headshots of featured speakers: Vanita Gupta, Anthony D. Romero, Jim VandeHei, and moderated by Katie Phang

It's never been more important to use our collective power to make change.

Join us this Thursday, October 30 at 5pm ET on our YouTube channel for a crucial virtual discussion about the road ahead.

BREAKING: ICE unlawfully arrested E.J.C.C., a 16-year-old Bronx high schooler with protective SIJ status. ICE agents illegally detained him when he appeared for a mandatory, routine check in. Now, ICE is attempting to deport him to dangerous conditions in Ecuador.

We are filing for his release.

Civil liberties are under attack in the USA like never before. It’s scary, it’s real — and that’s why I hope to raise $100,000 this week to empower the American Civil Liberties Union (@aclu.org). But I’ll need your help.

🧵

You may be living in an absolutely racist country when 13-year-old Black boys are tried and sentenced as adults, but white dudes who *are* adults are called "kids" by JD Vance to shield them from culpability.

💯 We are in the stupidest timeline

Paramount Officially Acquiring The Free Press and Making Bari Weiss CBS News Editor in Chief: Report Paramount Skydance will be officially acquiring The Free Press and hiring its founder Bari Weiss as editor in chief of its CBS News division, with the deal to be announced this coming Monday, accordin...

In case it wasn’t clear, the anti-DEI crusade has never been about merit. Zero news experience. Never been a reporter. Elevated to Editor in Chief of CBS News, one of the most storied news institutions in the nation. www.mediaite.com/media/news/p...

Resources and information:
www.slideshare.net/slideshow/ex...

We’re in court today fighting for Mohsen Mahdawi and Rümeysa Öztürk.

Mohsen and Rümeysa were released from ICE detention on bail after they were detained by the Trump administration in retaliation for their speech in support of Palestinian human rights.

The First Amendment protects all of us.

Twenty Lessons, read by John Lithgow Key selections from On Tyranny, for viewing and sharing

Here is my best guidance, rendered beautifully by the great John Lithgow. I first published these lessons nearly nine years ago, in late 2016. They open the twenty chapters of "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century."
snyder.substack.com/p/twenty-les...

Ottumwa mayor says JBS told 200 workers their visas were revoked, must leave US The Ottumwa mayor says JBS told 200 pork plant workers the Trump administration revoked their visas and they must leave U.S.

"JBS USA is notifying 200 pork meatpacking plant workers in Ottumwa that their work visas have been revoked and they must leave the country," according to the city's mayor.

JBS is Ottumwa's largest employer.
www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/...

Ok not “very dumb”! I was RIVETED. Bob & the exit door omg 😆 Also the ending is quite the commentary on white (human) privilege & the patriarchy..if my kid created such a masterpiece at 13 I’d tell everyone they’re a genius. Well I already do, my kids are geniuses, but this - fantastic, bravo 👏

White text: "Your questions answered about President Trump's anti-trans passport policy." Photo of protest signs, one that says "Trans people belong," as well as a U.S. passport. Pink ACLU logo. Arrow pointing right. Black background.

If you or your loved ones have been impacted by President Trump's anti-trans passport policy, we're here with more information.

The State Department has finally issued guidance for how individuals can proceed after a federal judge blocked the policy from taking effect in June. 🧵

Quitter! Jk, jk 🤪 just deflecting with humor to avoid my feelings of sadness - my favorite coping skill. Thank you Matt for 27 yrs of awesomeness, you’ll be greatly missed!! ❤️

www.instagram.com/reel/DKzf9qt...

Dissent is patriotic.

We have a right to disagree and dissent with those in power and demand a better world.

New statement from Kevin Techau is bad news for Dems hoping to make #IA02 competitive: "this campaign’s fundraising simply hasn’t met the threshold level that this race demands. As such, I am announcing effective today, that I am suspending my campaign for Congress."
No other Ds have declared yet.

Very sorry to hear this and thank you for all you’ve done 🙏 I know I speak for many in the district when I say we appreciate your sacrifices and we’re grateful to have had you as a progressive candidate. Wishing you good luck on the job search and good health also!

I've pitched versions of this idea to a number of NIH scientists, as well as university researchers over the last six weeks or so. So I decided to put it together into a post.

iowastartingline.com/2025/05/16/i...

Oh I see. I don’t have much to contribute to a baseball conversation other than how it relates to Pearl Jam lol (Vedder Cup and shows at Wrigley maybe??) 🤷‍♀️ but hey if you ever need specifics on that, I’m your gal! 😂🎸🤘

Watcha writing? I don’t think I sleep anymore so I’m up writing in a journal/sketch book that I’m also watercolor painting in apparently 🤷‍♀️ 5 Below had some good deals on insomnia distractions 😬

Father Nathan Monk posted on Facebook a message. This is a screenshot of the message, which says, "You are about to watch the whole world respect a chosen name. It's that easy."

It really is this simple.

#TransRightsAreHumanRights

For too long, conflict narratives have painted women only as victims — ignoring their strength, leadership, and role in rebuilding.

But the truth is: in the face of unimaginable challenges, they hold communities together and lead the way toward recovery.

Robert Reich post: If the minimum wage had kept pace with worker productivity gains since the 1960s, it would now be nearly $26 an hour.

May Day Reminder:

The Federal Minimum Wage - in the richest country EVER - is still only $7.25/hr.

UNACCEPTABLE.

Above is another reason for Iowans to contact elected reps. Also glad to see article includes a link to a nonprofit org ‘Afghan Partners in Iowa‘ founded by Safi helping “1,250 Afghan refugee families living in Iowa under a federal Temporary Protected Status (TPS) assimilate to American life.”

Des Moines Afghan military refugees fear for lives after apparent deportation notices Afghan refugees living in the Des Moines metro have recently begun receiving apparent deportation notices. For many who were American allies in the War Against Terrorism, they believe the clock is …

“Safi said he was promised protection by American forces when he helped them during combat and that he is still hoping the letters to Afghan military allies are a mistake, and that the U.S Government will step in to protect its brothers in arms.”

who13.com/news/des-moi...

Congrats! 🙌 Looking forward to more details!

I’m so sorry for your loss. The years go by and it can still seem like yesterday. I was 23 years old when I lost my mom, 23 years ago this year. She also missed out on knowing my kids so I know how hard today and all the milestones probably are for you - sending you strength & solidarity ✌️