News Not Noise

Have You Tried Turning Democracy Off and On Again? There's no manager coming. It's up to us to save the Republic. On the cusp of multiple crises, we connect the dots on the administration's actions to date.

I share more analysis about this crucial moment for our democracy plus the latest news in today’s newsletter.
What do you think it’ll take to drive mass protests?
newsnotnoisejessicayellin.substack.com/p/have-you-t...

Have You Tried Turning Democracy Off and On Again? There's no manager coming. It's up to us to save the Republic. On the cusp of multiple crises, we connect the dots on the administration's actions to date.

Because here's the truth. The manager isn't coming to save us. We've entered what I call the "find out" phase after months of "messing around" with our democratic foundations.

Many of you ask what you can do. Rather than offering a generic checklist, I'm encouraging something more personal: Take some time to yourself to consider, what matters most to you? What skills can you bring? What small step feels both effective and safe?

Republican Senator Murkowski hints at what may explain the puzzling lack of mass protest: "We are all afraid... retaliation is real."

There's no internal logic to it or organizing philosophy; instead it’s a collection of disparate interests advancing their own agendas through Trump, who serves as the capricious decider.

This isn't happening in isolation. From our gutted public health infrastructure to universities facing massive funding cuts, from targeted law firms to destabilized international alliances – these seemingly disparate events reveal an assault on American institutions.

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Today the White House openly mocked federal judges who unanimously ordered the return of a wrongfully deported Maryland resident. We are at the cusp of a constitutional crisis.

"The World's Most Unnecessary Scandal" The Signal group chat scandal keeps getting worse. Judges rule against Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act. Masked ICE agents snatch a student off the street. And the Vances go to Greenland.

"The World’s Most Unnecessary Scandal,” that’s how Journalist historian and pulitzer finalist Garrett Graff describes the signal group chat fiasco. He explains why and what the texts reveal about how the Trump White House works. Watch our conversation and more here:

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Trump's cuts at the Department of Education....What I learned from an insider about the impact on a key function: protecting student’s civil rights.

Plus new research shows that getting your groove on is good medicine. Check it out, here:

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"Your Country Is in Big Trouble" Vance and Trump berate Ukraine's Zelenskyy in front of cameras. Musk sets his eyes on a billion-dollar FAA contract. Measles takes its first victim. And a nationwide boycott tries to send a message.

Elon Musk wants Verizon's $2 billion contract.

Finally, you asked for examples of people taking action. And we've got it.
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Also-- Trump often makes what was covert overt. And he did it again today. Was this another Helsinki moment that will shift opinion?

The Department of Ed launches a new DEI portal where you can rat on your school for promoting equity.

"Your Country Is in Big Trouble" Vance and Trump berate Ukraine's Zelenskyy in front of cameras. Musk sets his eyes on a billion-dollar FAA contract. Measles takes its first victim. And a nationwide boycott tries to send a message.

Why isn't this getting more attention: JD Vance provoked the Oval Office blow up. He said the words we all know are triggering for Trump. Then he kept going. What is his motive?

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Here is the letter SSA employees received:

Among the first SSA offices shuttered by DOGE: one that deals with modernizing customer service and tech transformation. 🤔 Seems like the kinda thing tech folks would want to keep (unless they think they could do it better?)

Email went out to employees of the Social Security Administration. It informs them that “significant workforce reductions” are coming. It invites employees to resign or retire.
SSA is understaffed at a 50 year staffing low.

Assume This Will Be Read by Malign Foreign Actors Trump secretaries resist DOGE demand. Upset in German elections. Macron visits Washington. Are Medicaid cuts coming? And some News That Doesn't Suck.

Hey Congress, could you give us 5 bullets on what you've done this week? 

And a brown bag lunch, good news from the USDA and a medical breakthrough that'll make you smile.

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Assume This Will Be Read by Malign Foreign Actors Trump secretaries resist DOGE demand. Upset in German elections. Macron visits Washington. Are Medicaid cuts coming? And some News That Doesn't Suck.

A federal employee says "I'm sick to my stomach" after sending the DOGE email -- then learning that it could be "read by malign foreign actors."
Another tells us about DOGE's surprising first cut at the Social Security Administration.

Connecting the DOGE Dots We break down how DOGE is assaulting our institutions. They've removed regulators, infiltrated agencies, and fired thousands. But Trump's poll numbers are sinking... Plus, Luigi Mangione is back.

The method to DOGE’s madness: fire workers who’d defend the institutions, remove regulators, introduce conflicts of interest and stifle dissent. But there are signs the public is pushing back.
Plus: Luigi Mangione makes a court appearance.
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The News Not Noise Letter: Los Angeles Holds Its Breath Firefighters make progress as forecasters warn extreme winds are imminent. Plus: air quality, help from near and far, and a surprising move by the Supreme Court.

The News Not Noise Letter: Los Angeles Holds Its Breath

LA braces for round two, as the NWS issues its highest level alert for extreme wind + fire conditions. Also: air quality, fire retardant, price gouging, and politics.

Plus, a wow move by the Supreme Court.

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Dinner Table Cheat Sheet: Newsletter Extra Key facts you can use in those unavoidable political conversations at your family gatherings.

We advise trying to avoid political conversations at your Thanksgiving meal. 

But in case that fails…

We’ve got you covered. 

With facts about the economy, inflation, immigration, mass deportation, student athletes and more.

Data you need to make your case…

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The News Not Noise Letter: Thanksgiving Survival Guide Happy Thanksgiving! Here are our Thanksgiving survival tips and conversation starters for a drama-free holiday.

Wondering what's safe to discuss at Thanksgiving?

Have you heard about the rats who drive cars….or do you know how to tell if your dog is judging you?

Fascinating news stories for conflict free conversation. Plus science-backed tips to keep your peace this holiday...here:

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