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gracepanetta.bsky.social
Grace Panetta
@gracepanetta.bsky.social
5.2K followers 1.2K following 120 posts
political reporter @ The 19th. new englander, bad speller, hot sauce enthusiast.
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gracepanetta.bsky.social
"In an incident last year that rankled some senior staff at the agency, Lewandowski made it known to top ICE officials that he wanted to be issued a law-enforcement badge and a federally issued gun, according to people familiar with his push"
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
A Pilot Fired Over Kristi Noem’s Missing Blanket and the Constant Chaos Inside DHS
Secretary faces fire for confrontational immigration crackdown and self-promotional style; White House to wind down Minnesota operations.
www.wsj.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:36 AM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
"Noem routinely berated staff if she saw Homan on TV and kept track of both their appearances to make sure she was on TV more than him, according to people familiar with the matter." www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
A Pilot Fired Over Kristi Noem’s Missing Blanket and the Constant Chaos Inside DHS
Secretary faces fire for confrontational immigration crackdown and self-promotional style; White House to wind down Minnesota operations.
www.wsj.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:35 AM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
One problem with the 2nd paragraph here (that I've seen in other articles along these lines). The House is not a continuing body, and Speaker Johnson doesn't carry over as the House speaker when the new Congress is seated in Jan 2027. They have to elect a new speaker before they can do anything
ericlevitz.bsky.social Eric Levitz @ericlevitz.bsky.social · 5d
Over the past three weeks, the "nightmare scenario" for November's midterms has grown more plausible www.vox.com/politics/478...
February 11, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Reposted by Grace Panetta
apublicaffair.bsky.social
🎙️As Pam Bondi testifies about the Epstein files and survivors call for accountability on Capitol Hill, host @alimuldrow.bsky.social speaks with local child advocate Prenicia Clifton and and @gracepanetta.bsky.social of @19thnews.org about abuse prevention.

Listen here www.wortfm.org/the-world-wo...
The World Won’t Crumble If We Hold Abusers Accountable - WORT-FM 89.9
Ali Muldrow discusses how to hold perpetrators accountable and how to prevent child sex abuse with Prenicia Clifton and Grace Panetta,.
www.wortfm.org
February 11, 2026 at 8:43 PM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
AG Pam Bondi is addressing the Epstein files + survivors in her opening statement to House Judiciary

"I am deeply sorry for what any victim has been through as a result of that monster," she says, promises allegations of criminal activity will be investigated
February 11, 2026 at 3:34 PM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
Happening now: members of Congress and Epstein survivors are set to speak at a news conference ahead of AG Pam Bondi’s testimony before House Judiciary
February 11, 2026 at 2:07 PM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
Kurt Olsen, in addition to being closely involved with the Stop the Steal efforts, talked to Trump on the phone at least 3 times that we know of on January 6, 2021 www.businessinsider.com/who-trump-sp...
ariberman.bsky.social Ari Berman @ariberman.bsky.social · 4d
Affidavit for Fulton County FBI raid is out & begins with massive red flag, noting that "criminal investigation originated from referral sent by Kurt Olsen, [Trump's] Director of Election Security & Integrity"

Olsen was leader of 'Stop the Steal' in 2020 storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 10, 2026 at 9:11 PM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
A year ago, Hochul was seen as perhaps one of the most vulnerable/weak Dem gov’s up in 2026. Since then, Mike Lawler declined to run, Elise Stefanik dropped out of the race 6 weeks into her campaign, and now Delgado is dropping out too
gracepanetta.bsky.social Grace Panetta @gracepanetta.bsky.social · 4d
NEW: New York Lt. Gov Antonio Delgado is suspending his gubernatorial campaign challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and India Walton Suspend Gubernatorial Campaign New York, NY — A statement from Delgado: “I’ve decided to end my campaign for Governor of New York. After much consideration, I’ve concluded that there simply is no viable path forward. And though my campaign has come to an end, I fully intend to do all I can in our effort to build a more humane, affordable and equitable state that serves all New Yorkers. I will also support Democrats in our effort to hold the line against Trump and take back our democracy. I do not make this decision lightly, particularly given that so many have poured their belief into our campaign and are desperate to be given a voice. To those who have supported this effort, especially my incredible campaign team and volunteers, I can’t begin to express my gratitude for each and every one of you. And a special thanks to India Walton, who joined this campaign because she shares this vision and I know will also continue working toward it.
February 10, 2026 at 5:39 PM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
NEW: New York Lt. Gov Antonio Delgado is suspending his gubernatorial campaign challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and India Walton Suspend Gubernatorial Campaign New York, NY — A statement from Delgado: “I’ve decided to end my campaign for Governor of New York. After much consideration, I’ve concluded that there simply is no viable path forward. And though my campaign has come to an end, I fully intend to do all I can in our effort to build a more humane, affordable and equitable state that serves all New Yorkers. I will also support Democrats in our effort to hold the line against Trump and take back our democracy. I do not make this decision lightly, particularly given that so many have poured their belief into our campaign and are desperate to be given a voice. To those who have supported this effort, especially my incredible campaign team and volunteers, I can’t begin to express my gratitude for each and every one of you. And a special thanks to India Walton, who joined this campaign because she shares this vision and I know will also continue working toward it.
February 10, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Reposted by Grace Panetta
decisiondeskhq.bsky.social
In the race to face Collins, Dems have close primary between Gov. Janet Mills & oyster farmer Graham Platner. Platner led more early polls but no new data in 2 months.

Check out DDHQ's recent Senate podcast w/ @gracepanetta.bsky.social for our chat about #MESen.
Episode 15: Sizing Up The Senate, with Grace Panetta from The 19th
We dug into the marquee Senate races happening in 2026 that involve high-profile women contenders from one or both major parties
decisiondeskhq.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:21 PM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski comes out against proposed GOP election overhaul bills (the SAVE and MEGA Acts):
"Imposing new federal requirements now, when states are deep into their preparations, would negatively impact election integrity"
When Democrats attempted to advance sweeping election reform legislation in 2021, Republicans were unanimous in opposition because it would have federalized elections, something we have long opposed. Now, I’m seeing proposals such as the SAVE Act and MEGA that would effectively do just that. Once again, I do not support these efforts. Not only does the U.S. Constitution clearly provide states the authority to regulate the "times, places, and manner" of holding federal elections, but one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington, D.C., seldom work in places like Alaska. Election Day is fast approaching. Imposing new federal requirements now, when states are deep into their preparations, would negatively impact election integrity by forcing election officials to scramble to adhere to new policies likely without the necessary resources. Ensuring public trust in our elections is at the core of our democracy, but federal overreach is not how we achieve this
February 10, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Reposted by Grace Panetta
mrmmarsh.bsky.social
He did - it’s how I ended up being mentioned in the files 25 times, as Epstein and Krauss brainstormed how to dismiss the account I gave to Buzzfeed. Surreal.
February 6, 2026 at 6:29 PM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
If there’s any group of people that comes out looking better from the Epstein files, it’s woman journalists. @jkbjournalist.bsky.social and @tinabrownlm.bsky.social of course, but also @kbriquelet.bsky.social and ex-Page Six editor Emily Smith who wrote articles in 2018 that got under Epstein’s skin
katie0martin.ft.com Katie Martin @katie0martin.ft.com · 11d
exactly. this is not difficult.

as.ft.com/r/58ed1b23-d...
February 6, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Reposted by Grace Panetta
rmac.bsky.social
While reporting this, I had something happen that's never happened. A comms rep for one of the co's disputed my reporting and said what I was telling them was untrue because it was not in Grok, xAI's chatbot.

I was looking directly at the files. And this person was using AI to challenge the truth.
rmac.bsky.social Ryan Mac 🙃 @rmac.bsky.social · 9d
Epstein had many known connections to Silicon Valley CEOs, but less known was how he made money from those relationships.

We did a deep dive into how he got dealflow in Silicon Valley, giving him shots to invest in Coinbase, Palantir, SpaceX and other companies.

www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/b...
Jeffrey Epstein’s Money Mingled With Silicon Valley Start-Ups
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Reposted by Grace Panetta
slooterman.bsky.social
Tangentially, if you haven’t already read @gracepanetta.bsky.social’s new story about the discussion of #MeToo in the Epstein Files, you really should.
Epstein tracked #MeToo fallout and advised accused men behind the scenes
New files released by the Justice Department show Jeffrey Epstein joking about being in a "pariahs club" and discussing the fate of powerful men who had been accused of wrongdoing.
19thnews.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:12 PM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
NEW: I spent hours combing through the references to #MeToo in the latest tranche of Epstein files. I found Epstein closely tracked the fallout of #MeToo, joked about being in a "pariahs club," and advised men accused of misconduct behind the scenes 19thnews.org/2026/02/jeff...
Epstein tracked #MeToo fallout and advised accused men behind the scenes
New files released by the Justice Department show Jeffrey Epstein joking about being in a "pariahs club" and discussing the fate of powerful men who had been accused of wrongdoing.
19thnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Reposted by Grace Panetta
oriion.bsky.social
Epstein tracked #MeToo fallout and advised accused men behind the scenes, @gracepanetta.bsky.social reports.

Behind the scenes, Epstein used his resources and influence to advise other men accused of sexual misconduct and wondered how the reckoning could impact him.
Epstein tracked #MeToo fallout and advised accused men behind the scenes
New files released by the Justice Department show Jeffrey Epstein joking about being in a "pariahs club" and discussing the fate of powerful men who had been accused of wrongdoing.
19thnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Reposted by Grace Panetta
decisiondeskhq.bsky.social
On the DDHQ Podcast, @gracepanetta.bsky.social joined to talk Senate races. A growing split among Democrats is "Abolish *Trump's* ICE" vs. outright "Abolish ICE." This came up recently on the debate stage in the #ILSen Dem primary.

Check out the pod here:
decisiondeskhq.substack.com/p/senate-wom...
January 30, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Reposted by Grace Panetta
decisiondeskhq.bsky.social
DDHQ Podcast welcomed @gracepanetta.bsky.social to chat about 2026 Senate races with high-profile women candidates.

One is #TXSen, where Dems are split on Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who has given fuel to her "electability" detractors.

Watch/listen here: decisiondeskhq.substack.com/p/senate-wom...
January 29, 2026 at 10:58 PM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
How Amazon's Melania Trump documentary marks a post-#MeToo comeback for its director: Brett Ratner was all but exiled from Hollywood after sexual misconduct allegations (which he denied), and Trump's 2024 win paved the way for his return to directing:
19thnews.org/2026/01/mela...
Melania Trump documentary marks a post-#MeToo comeback for its director
Brett Ratner was all but exiled from Hollywood after facing sexual misconduct allegations. Trump’s win gave him an opening to return.
19thnews.org
January 29, 2026 at 6:17 PM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
How Amazon's Melania Trump documentary marks a post-#MeToo comeback for its director: Brett Ratner was all but exiled from Hollywood after sexual misconduct allegations (which he denied), and Trump's 2024 win paved the way for his return to directing:
19thnews.org/2026/01/mela...
Melania Trump documentary marks a post-#MeToo comeback for its director
Brett Ratner was all but exiled from Hollywood after facing sexual misconduct allegations. Trump’s win gave him an opening to return.
19thnews.org
January 29, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Reposted by Grace Panetta
decisiondeskhq.bsky.social
Later today, DDHQ will release a new podcast where
@geoffreyskelley.com & @gracepanetta.bsky.social discuss Senate races with high-profile women candidates. They covered Maine, Michigan, Alaska, Iowa & more!

Subscribe to get it in your inbox later today!
decisiondeskhq.substack.com/welcome
January 29, 2026 at 5:29 PM
gracepanetta.bsky.social
New joint statement from Democratic members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation calls for ICE/CBP officers to leave the state “immediately” and for Republicans to “speak up for the safety of all Minnesotans”
MINNEAPOLIS — Democratic members of the Minnesota Congressional delegation issued the following joint statement in response to the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man, a U.S. citizen, by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis: “Federal agents including ICE and Border Patrol who are roaming Minnesota’s streets must leave our state immediately. The presence of masked, militarized federal agents is not making our communities safer — it is making them less safe. It is leading to increased danger and violence. “We call on Republicans to speak up for the safety of all Minnesotans. Silence is complicity. “Minnesotans have every right to be angry, but we must continue to show the world our North Star — our values of respect and dignity for everyone in our community — through peaceful protest.”
January 24, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Reposted by Grace Panetta
annabower.bsky.social
A magistrate judge found no probable cause to support arrest warrants for 5 people involved in the St. Paul church protest.

DOJ appealed to the 8th Cir.

That appeal led to this remarkable letter from the Chief Judge of the Minnesota district court…

storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Re: In Re: United States of America No. 26-1135 Dear Chief Judge Colloton, I apologize for addressing this letter to you, but, for reasons I will describe, I do not have any other option. I am working from home today, as the program that my mentally disabled adult son attends each day is closed because of the extreme cold At 11:34 am, I received an email regarding Case No. 26-1135, entitled "In re: United States of America." The order in its entirety read: The motion of the United States to seal is granted. The Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota is invited to file a response, at his discretion, to the petition for writ of mandamus. Any response is due by 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 23. This is the first that I have heard of any petition for a writ of mandamus. The United States did not have the courtesy to tell me that they would be filing such a petition, nor did the United States serve the petition on me. I am unable to access any documents in Case No. 26-1135 because, at the request of the United States, the case is sealed-apparently even from me. So I have been given about two-and-one-half hours to respond to a mandamus petition that I have not read and cannot read. Apparently I am supposed to guess what the petition is about and guess what the mandamus petition says and then respond. I will do so. The Honorable Steven M. Colloton January 23, 2026 Page 2 On the evening of Tuesday, January 20, the United States presented an application for eight arrest warrants to Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko in connection with the disruption of a religious service at Cities Church on Sunday, January 18. Judge Micko was the magistrate judge who was on duty at the time. Judge Micko found there was probable cause to issue warrants with respect to three of the suspects but not with respect to the other five. Minutes after Judge Micko signed three arrest warrants, the U.S. Attorney notified me that his office wanted a district judge to review Judge Micko's decision -either by hearing an appeal of that decision or by considering the application de novo. The first thing I did is ask our Clerk's Office to randomly assign a district judge to consider the government's request. I was the judge who was randomly assigned. It is important to emphasize that what the U.S. Attorney requested is unheard of in our district or, as best as I can tell, any other district in the Eighth Circuit. I have surveyed all of our judges — some of whom have been judges in our District for over 40 years —and no one can remember the government asking a district judge to review a magistrate judge's denial of an arrest warrant. I have also surveyed the chief judges of all of the districts in the Eighth Circuit. I have heard back from almost all of them, and all of those responding have said that, to their knowledge, no district judge has ever reviewed the decision of a magistrate judge to deny an arrest warrant. The reason why this never happens is likely that, if the government does not like the magistrate judge's decision, it can either improve the affidavit and present it again to the same magistrate judge or it can present its case to a grand jury and seek an indictment. On Wednesday, January 21, I informed the U.S. Attorney that because he was asking me to do something that was unprecedented, and because m…
January 24, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Reposted by Grace Panetta
jazzmyth.bsky.social
The women of Congress — plus Paris Hilton — gathered today to rally for the DEFIANCE Act, which would give survivors of nonconsensual explicit deepfakes the option to sue perpetrators directly. @gracepanetta.bsky.social was live from Capitol Hill for @19thnews.org 19thnews.org/2026/01/pari...
‘They sold my pain for clicks’: Paris Hilton urges lawmakers to act on nonconsensual deepfakes
Hilton joined Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Laurel Lee to advocate for the DEFIANCE Act, which would allow victims of AI-generated explicit images to sue creators directly.
19thnews.org
January 22, 2026 at 10:21 PM