Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Jim Small @jimsmall.bsky.social · 55m

These same people throw tantrums about Starbucks hating Christians because their cups are red.

But they dismiss actual violence against an actual minister. Why? Because they want to oppress anyone who doesn't share their extreme beliefs, even other Christians.

It's about power, nothing else.

Media Matters for America @mmfa.bsky.social · 1h

A Newsmax host defended ICE agents shooting a minister in the head with a pepper ball by falsely claiming he was “actually an antifa member masquerading as a pastor.”

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Arizona Mirror @azmirror.com · 1h

Trump's unprecedented workforce cuts come as Republicans resist working with Democrats to pass a spending bill

Trump follows through on threat with 'substantial' federal employee layoffs amid shutdown | Arizona Mirror

Trump administration begins mass federal employee layoffs government shutdown as Congress remains deadlocked

azmirror.com

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Jim Small @jimsmall.bsky.social · 19h

Whatever "spiritual violence towards unbelief and the lack of faith" is, I can guarantee it's not something found in the bible

Juliette Rihl @julietterihl.bsky.social · 1d

I don’t usually cover breaking news, but this story is truly wild.

A pastor in central PA brought an AR-15 to church and pointed it at people during his sermon. Gun safety experts and internet commentators are, predictably, not happy!

(Paywall free link below)

www.pennlive.com/news/2025/10...

Dauphin County pastor under fire for pointing assault-style rifle during sermon

In a move experts called a serious safety violation, he pointed the unloaded weapon at churchgoers, while asking for a 'violent action of faith.'

www.pennlive.com

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Jim Small @jimsmall.bsky.social · 19h

Hey look, Christians *are* being persecuted

Rachel Maddow @maddow.msnbc.com · 19h

"...including while she was praying with her eyes closed and hands lifted, wearing a clerical collar and stole."

religionnews.com/2025/10/07/i...

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Save Our Schools Arizona @sosarizona.org · 20h

Learn more about the devastating impacts that vouchers are having on Arizona’s public schools: azmirror.com/2025/10/06/n...

Neighborhood schools are closing across Arizona. It's because of vouchers.

OPINION: Arizona's $1 billion voucher program is forcing public school closures while subsidizing wealthy families

azmirror.com

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Jim Small @jimsmall.bsky.social · 20h

But MUSLIMS

Jerod MacDonald-Evoy @jerodmacevoy.com · 20h

Arizona Republican John Gillette sharing misinformation about the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. It never actually did any of the things this post claims, religious tests are strictly prohibited under the United States Constitution fyi. It also is still in effect.

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Don Moynihan @donmoyn.bsky.social · 20h

This is the genius of the Portland protests - they make the claims of lawlessness look not just wrong, but comical

The Daily Show @thedailyshow.com · 23h

The following is REAL footage from Portland, 2025. Viewer discretion is advised.

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Jim Small @jimsmall.bsky.social · 20h

And when that happens, we'll see more headlines like this classic from 2019, which is the perfect distillation of MAGA and the larger conservative movement

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Jim Small @jimsmall.bsky.social · 20h

I have no earthly idea what a "Democratic program" is, but you can bet that lots of red state Trump supporters lose their health care and food aid right along with everyone else who is hurt by this maniac's destruction of America.

Arizona Mirror @azmirror.com · 20h

“We’ll be making cuts that will be permanent and we’re only going to cut Democrat programs. I hate to tell you. I guess that makes sense, but we’re only cutting Democratic programs,” Donald Trump said today

Trump threatens 'permanent' cuts to Democratic programs on day nine of shutdown gridlock | Arizona Mirror

President Donald Trump said Thursday he’s prepared to cancel funding approved by Congress that he believes is going toward programs supported by Democrats, though he didn’t share any additional detail...

azmirror.com

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AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes @azagmayes.bsky.social · 22h

The indictment of a sitting Attorney General for spurious charges is, even for the Trump administration, a shocking abuse of power. I stand with Attorney General James and the rule of law. These charges will be thrown out quickly if there’s any justice left in the United States.

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Arizona Mirror @azmirror.com · 22h

The UA faculty senate’s resolution calls for the school and the board of regents to “reject any similar proposal compromising the mission, values and independence of the University.”

story via @azluminaria.org

UA faculty say Trump's funding deal is 'extortion,' as university leadership mulls whether to comply

As opposition mounts from faculty, students and state leaders, University of Arizona officials are assuring the public that “no decisions have been made” on whether to sign a pledge to align with Pres...

azmirror.com

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Jim Small @jimsmall.bsky.social · 23h

Outside of "burn it to the ground and return to the old system where insurance companies are empowered at every turn to relentlessly screw people to maximize profits," have the Republicans ever put forward any ideas on health care to replace the ACA?

It's been 15 years, and still nothing.

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 1d

Thune: "The president would like to overhaul Obamacare and give people health insurance that is higher quality and more affordable."

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Leah Litman @leahlitman.bsky.social · 23h

Brett Kavanaugh: “The Govt sometimes makes brief investigative stops …”

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Arizona Mirror @azmirror.com · 23h

Immigrant rights groups want cities to scrap agreements with ICE that effectively turn local cops into agents of Trump's mass deportation campaign

story via @glorihuh.bsky.social

Arizona cities resist efforts to curtail ICE partnerships with local police

As immigration arrests surge to deliver on President Donald Trump’s promise to oversee the largest deportation effort in history, progressive groups in Arizona are appealing to their local city counci...

azmirror.com

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Jim Small @jimsmall.bsky.social · 1d

Coulda just wrote "go to hell, Indigenous people"

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Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · 1d

BREAKING: Federal judge issues a TRO in the Northern District of Illinois (including Chicago and the Broadview ICE facility), providing protections for protesters and journalists covering the protests.

storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

Some of the key elements:

1. It is hereby ORDERED that Defendants,' their officers, agents, assigns, and all
persons acting in concert with them (hereafter referred to as "Federal Agents"), are temporarily ENJOINED in this judicial district from:
Dispersing, arresting, threatening to arrest, threatening or using physical
force against any person whom they know or reasonably should know is a Journalist, unless
Defendants have probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a crime.
Defendants may order a Journalist to change location to avoid disrupting law enforcement,
' President Trump, one of the named Defendants, is not included in this Order.
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Case: 1:25-cv-12173 Document #: 42 Filed: 10/09/25 Page 2 of 6 PagelD #:836
as long as the Journalist has an objectively reasonable time to comply and an objectively
reasonable opportunity to report and observe;

b. Issuing a crowd dispersal order requiring any person to leave a public place
that they lawfully have a right to be, unless dispersal is justified by exigent circumstances as defined by Department of Homeland Security Use of Force Policy (updated Feb. 6,
2023), Sections III.F and XII.E;
С.
For purposes of this Order, a crowd dispersal order is a lawful command
given by a Federal Agent for all persons to leave a designated area when three or more persons are committing acts of disorderly conduct that are likely to cause substantial harm in the immediate vicinity;
d. Using riot control weapons including kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs), Compressed Air Launchers (e.g., PIS and FN303), Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray, CS gas, CN gas, or other chemical irritants, 40 mm Munitions Launchers, less-lethal shotguns,
Less-Lethal Specialty Impact-Chemical Munitions (LLSI-CM), Controlled Noise and Light Distraction Devices (CNLDDs), Electronic Control Weapons (ECWs) - on members of the press, protesters, or religious practitioners who are not posing an immediate threat to the safety of a law enforcement officer or others;

To facilitate the Defendants' identification of Journalists protected under
this Order, the following are examples of indicia of being a Journalist: visual identification as a member of the press, such as by carrying a professional press pass, badge or credentials; wearing distinctive clothing or patches that identify the wearer as a member of the press; or carrying professional gear such as professional photographic or videography
equipment. Other indicia of being a Journalist under this Order include that the person is standing off to the side of a protest, not engaging in chanting, sign holding, shouting slogans, or otherwise protesting, and documenting protest activities, although these are not
requirements. These indicia are illustrative, and a person need not exhibit every indicium
to be considered a Journalist under this Order. Defendants shall not be liable for unintentional violations of this Order in the case of an individual who does not wear a press pass, badge, or other official press credential, professional gear, or distinctive clothing that identifies the person as a member of the press.

It is further ORDERED that all Federal Agents, excepting those who do not wear a
uniform or other distinguishing clothing or equipment in the regular performance of their official
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Case: 1:25-cv-12173 Document #: 42 Filed: 10/09/25 Page 5 of 6 PagelD #:839
duties or are engaged in undercover operations in the regular performance of their official duties, must have visible identification (for which a unique recognizable alphanumeric identifier sequence
will suffice) affixed to their uniforms or helmets and prominently displayed, including when
wearing riot gear.

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Arizona Mirror @azmirror.com · 1d

59% somewhat or strongly disapprove of how RFK Jr is handling his new role at the top of the country’s public health infrastructure

Americans reject RFK Jr.'s health leadership and federal vaccine policies, poll shows | Arizona Mirror

Poll shows 59% of Americans disapprove of RFK Jr. as health secretary while CDC vaccine trust declines sharply

azmirror.com

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ryan cooper @ryanlcooper.com · 1d

I've been reading up on this Jesus fellow and by gum he's got some piping hot takes regarding moneychangers and their presence in temples

The Associated Press @apnews.com · 1d

Pope Leo XIV has blasted how wealthy people live in a “bubble of comfort and luxury” while the poor suffer. In his first teaching document Thursday, Leo confirms that he is in perfect lockstep with Pope Francis on matters of social injustice.

Pope Leo blasts economy that marginalizes poor while wealthy live in bubble of luxury

Pope Leo XIV has blasted how wealthy people live in a “bubble of comfort and luxury” while the poor suffer.

bit.ly

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Jim Small @jimsmall.bsky.social · 1d

Trump math, brought to you by Brawndo

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 1d

Trump: "We're gonna be reducing the cost of medicines by 100%, 200%, 300%, 500% and even more than that."

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Arizona Mirror @azmirror.com · 1d

Adelita Grijalva will be a key vote in forcing a release of the Epstein files. Democrats say that's why Republicans keep delaying her swearing in after a special election win last month.

US House GOP delays seating Rep.-elect Grijalva, potential deciding vote on Epstein petition | Arizona Mirror

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Democrats failed again Wednesday to force Speaker Mike Johnson to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. Johnson has said he’s holding off on swearing in Grijalva — an Arizona ...

azmirror.com

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Arizona Mirror @azmirror.com · 1d

Katie Hobbs promised to build a strong campaign infrastructure to win the general election against “a weak GOP primary field intent on making itself unelectable.”

story via @caitlinsievers.bsky.social

Hobbs launches reelection bid promising 'real results' for Arizona | Arizona Mirror

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs launches 2026 reelection campaign emphasizing economy and bipartisan achievements.

azmirror.com

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Arizona Mirror @azmirror.com · 1d

The audit will look into sexual harassment allegations, the controversial bailout of a nearby school district and the superintendent's business ties

story via @caitlinsievers.bsky.social

Tolleson Union High School District faces state audit over financial misconduct allegations

Arizona lawmakers order special audit of Tolleson Union High School District over harassment, conflicts allegations

azmirror.com

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Julia Shumway @jmshumway.bsky.social · 1d

Ninth Circuit issued an administrative stay of judge's order blocking National Guard in Portland pending oral arguments tomorrow. Net impact: Troops remain federalized but can't be deployed. More tk

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Arizona Mirror @azmirror.com · 1d

Congress has just one week to break the stalemate and fund the government before active duty military members miss their first paycheck of the shutdown

Shutdown day eight: Congress standoff unchanged as first missed federal payday nears | Arizona Mirror

Congress has just one week to break the stalemate and fund the government before active duty military members miss their first paycheck of the shutdown

azmirror.com

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