Michelle Chappell she/her

Trump announced the federal occupation of DC during August recess. I can’t claim to know what’s next, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see an escalation, foreign or domestic, during Thanksgiving break

This will be my first Thanksgiving without both parents — my dad died this spring, my mom almost fifteen years ago.

My parents always provided a stable and happy home, AND their politics were toxic.

My ❤️ is heavy remembering all of that. Whatever your battle this holiday season, you are not alone

The government has no business spying on court watchers' group chats.

Monitoring the courts is First Amendment-protected activity. Period.

To the Washington Spirit: To say this year in DC was full of turmoil, uncertainty, and division would be an understatement. Inside of Audi Field however, we could unite as one community sharing in the experience of solidarity and fantastic Washington Spirit soccer. Audi wouldn’t be Rowdy without you, bringing us joy each and every game. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a light in such a difficult time. Now, with one game left and the championship trophy on the line, we look forward to cheering as loudly as possible for you one last time this season. Whether it’s in San Jose or at a watch party in DC, know that we’re rooting for you as your twelfth player. We’re so proud to be your supporters. The Spirit Squadron

Trump’s Angry Tirade Calling for “Death” to Dems Just Backfired Badly As Trump’s call for the execution of “seditious” Dems works against him, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, one of his targets, explains why she and other Dems are warning servicemembers against carrying out ille...

Remarkable: Rep Chrissy Houlahan, one of the Dems that Trump called for executing, tells me her office literally filled out a Capitol Police threat report that listed "the president" as the person making the threat.

It's at 9:20 on our pod. Much more like that here:
newrepublic.com/article/2034...

The record in this case, including many of the amicus briefs filed, makes clear that there are strong views on both sides about whether these deployments represent good policy. But the Court is only tasked with deciding whether Defendants' actions are lawful. In this opinion, the Court addresses two of the District's statutory arguments under the APA and finds that it is likely to succeed on the merits of both. First, the DOD Defendants have exceeded the bounds of their authority under Title 49 of the D.C. Code, and thus acted contrary to law, in deploying the DCNG for non-military, crime-deterrence missions in the absence of a request from the city's civil authorities. Second, these Defendants lack statutory authority under 32 U.S.C. § 502 to support their request for assistance from out-of-state National Guards and their actions in calling those Guards to the District. The Court finds that the District's exercise of sovereign powers within its jurisdiction is irreparably harmed by Defendants' actions in deploying the Guards, and that the balance of equities and public interest weigh in the District's favor. As such, the Court will GRANT the District's motion for preliminary relief and partially DENY Defendants' motion to dismiss on those claims. The Court finds, however, that the public interest weighs in favor of an administrative stay in this case, and that a stay is needed to permit orderly proceedings on appeal. Accordingly, the Court will STAY its order for 21 days, until December 11, 2025?

BREAKING: Federal judge rules that Trump's DC troop deployment is likely illegal — both as to D.C. National Guard and and out-of-state National Guard units — granting DC's request to block the use of the troops in this way.

The preliminary injunction is stayed until Dec. 11.

What DC communities *actually* need is help with the housing affordability crisis. Applications open today for DC's emergency rental assistance and it will be Hunger Games-level of need.

If Congress wanted to help DC they'd take action on this — not force us backwards on bail and police reform.

We thank all of the members who are standing up for the people of DC! The reps that went to bat for DC help us to stay in the fight to protect our home and each other!

Democrats, VOTE NO on H.R. 5214 and 5107!!!

Congressional Black Caucus The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has been committed to using the full Constitutional power, statutory authority, and financial resources of the federal government to ensure that African Americans ...

"The @cbc.house.gov will continue to oppose any effort to silence D.C. residents, and we call on our colleagues to reject these harmful, anti-democratic pieces of legislation and join us to advance D.C. statehood."

This is all of a piece with the anti-DC bills being pushed by House Republicans. The goal is a weakened, terrorized DC unable to defend against authoritarian overreach. Good luck with that, boys #FreeDC

Taking Trump’s lead, House Republicans eye changes to D.C. bail, policing The Constitution gives Congress — in which D.C. has no voting representation — authority over D.C.’s laws and budget.

“This is about using Washington, D.C. as a test case to advance the far-right, MAGA agenda for blue cities across the country,” [Ankit Jain] said at a Tuesday afternoon news conference, steps from the Capitol and flanked by a couple dozen people waving red signs proclaiming, “FREE DC.”

D.C. residents deserve the same right to govern themselves as every other community.

Yet House Republicans, who know little about D.C., are pushing bills that meddle in what should be local decisions.

I stand with D.C. leaders against these harmful attacks.

Tomorrow the House votes on a bill that overturns D.C's bail system and imposes cash bail for the first time since 1992.

This will make DC less safe, erode home rule, and preview what Stephen Miller wants to bring to the whole country.

We need every Dem to vote NO.

(Thread)

The House is voting today on two bills that will put hard-fought reforms to DC’s justice system in the crosshairs.

But what happens in DC doesn’t stay here. When it’s DC today, it’s always America tomorrow. We can stop it right here, right now. #FreeDC

SMH at “we have not been allowed” my man, you could have brought this resolution to the floor yourself

My thoughts are with all the girls who will be called Piggy over the next days, weeks, months... this shit always trickles down. Hopefully they have friends who are braver than White House reporters

MOOD

Tell Congress: DC needs local power, not attacks // Call Toolkit Nov 2025 TELL CONGRESS:DC needs local power, not attacks Updated November 17, 2025 Contents Overview 1 Call List of key lawmakers 2 Call List + Script for DC residents 2 Call Script for allies nationwide...

The interesting thing about the Epstein petition is that the House keeps passing bills making it easier to lock up DC residents. There are two more on the floor this week. Call these reps today and tell them DC deserves to govern itself #FreeDC

docs.google.com/document/d/1...

People who have the character to be brave now were brave earlier during earlier tests of character.

And aren't in positions of power, because that sort of bravery is seen as disqualifying from power.

Please share on the ground reporters in Charlotte we should follow 🫶

I'm seeing people wonder why ICE is going after Charlotte.

ICE has been at war with Charlotte's sheriff ever since he won in 2018.

We'd covered this at Bolts back in the day; this quote is from that sheriff:

Another significant case with the potential to expand the right to carry a gun in public

Down with the sex predators.

Wherever they are.

CVI works. Richmond went from 47 homicides to 2 by centering those most affected in violence prevention. Healing, mentorship, and accountability reduce shootings and heal communities. Medical providers should support CVI—it’s public health in action.

Announcement: Washington DC, in front of Union Station November 11, 12-2pm Vets Say No War on Our Cities No cuts * No occupation * No ICE vetssayno.org

As the daughter of an army vet and a disenfranchised American, I am fired up to speak at this rally tomorrow! #FreeDC

Thank you @repaprildelaney.bsky.social I hope that other Dems in purple districts follow your lead!

I hope I’m wrong, but I predict some irregularities are about to be discovered in Grijalva’s election

House Dems, instead of stating their position on this new CR, should be demanding the swearing in of Rep Grijalva as the first order of House business

Do not help your opposition is politics 101. Do not help fascists who have turned government into a weapon against our people is human 101. So is, don't draw a line you claim represents your unwavering principles and hurl yourself across it.

if dems are going to do whatever their corporate donors want, then don't bother texting us for money anymore