Mark Jacob
@markjacob.bsky.social
Former metro editor at Chicago Tribune and Sunday editor at Chicago Sun-Times. Co-author of 10 books, mostly on history. Writer of the Stop the Presses newsletter at www.stopthepresses.news. Subscribe! It's free.
I wrote this last week. It's newly relevant today with the arrests of Don Lemon and another journalist who covered a Minnesota protest.
Fascists are at war with journalism. Why aren’t journalists at war with fascism?
Mainstream media seem willing to drop their duty in order to pick up profits
www.stopthepresses.news
January 30, 2026 at 1:59 PM
I wrote this last week. It's newly relevant today with the arrests of Don Lemon and another journalist who covered a Minnesota protest.
Don Lemon wasn't the only journalist arrested in the latest Trump regime assault on the 1st Amendment. The Trump regime wants to terrorize and murder people without the news media covering it.
Don Lemon is not the only reporter who was arrested by federal agents overnight — local independent journalist Georgia Fort just went live on FB to say federal agents were also at her door to take her into custody over her protest coverage in Minneapolis.
January 30, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Don Lemon wasn't the only journalist arrested in the latest Trump regime assault on the 1st Amendment. The Trump regime wants to terrorize and murder people without the news media covering it.
Trump is following the Putin playbook.
Russia is rounding up more journalists a year after the arrest of Evan Gershkovich | CNN Business
Six journalists working for independent media outlets in Russia were detained in a span of just a few hours this week on the eve of the anniversary of the arrest of American journalist Evan Gershkovic...
www.cnn.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:54 PM
Trump is following the Putin playbook.
The Republicans who complained for decades about government overreach are cheering while the Trump regime raids a reporter's home and arrests another journalist for reporting on a protest. They're fascist hypocrites who must be stopped.
January 30, 2026 at 1:41 PM
The Republicans who complained for decades about government overreach are cheering while the Trump regime raids a reporter's home and arrests another journalist for reporting on a protest. They're fascist hypocrites who must be stopped.
The Trump regime is creating a surveillance state and using it to crush our liberty. Get active now, while you can.
A Minnesota woman observing ICE agents in her car was cornered on one-way streets. An agent approached, called her by name—citing facial recognition. Days later, her Global Entry and TSA privileges were revoked, with no explanation.
How ICE Already Knows Who Minneapolis Protesters Are
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:37 PM
The Trump regime is creating a surveillance state and using it to crush our liberty. Get active now, while you can.
Reposted by Mark Jacob
Don Lemon’s arrest is a disgraceful attack on the First Amendment. Government arresting a journalist for reporting on public controversies is a five alarm fire for our constitutional rights with endless and enormous consequences.
January 30, 2026 at 1:29 PM
Don Lemon’s arrest is a disgraceful attack on the First Amendment. Government arresting a journalist for reporting on public controversies is a five alarm fire for our constitutional rights with endless and enormous consequences.
2012: The Putin regime arrests members of the musical group Pussy Riot for a protest in a cathedral to highlight ties between the regime and the church.
2026: The Trump regime arrests protesters (and Don Lemon) over a demonstration at a Minnesota church to highlight ties between ICE and the church.
2026: The Trump regime arrests protesters (and Don Lemon) over a demonstration at a Minnesota church to highlight ties between ICE and the church.
Isn’t this similar to the reason the women in Pussy Riot were arrested?
January 30, 2026 at 1:31 PM
2012: The Putin regime arrests members of the musical group Pussy Riot for a protest in a cathedral to highlight ties between the regime and the church.
2026: The Trump regime arrests protesters (and Don Lemon) over a demonstration at a Minnesota church to highlight ties between ICE and the church.
2026: The Trump regime arrests protesters (and Don Lemon) over a demonstration at a Minnesota church to highlight ties between ICE and the church.
BREAKING: The Trump regime has detained former CNN host Don Lemon.
A week ago, the regime tried to charge Lemon for covering an anti-ICE protest inside a Minnesota church, but a magistrate judge rejected the move.
Lemon predicted: “They’re going to try again.” Apparently, he was right.
A week ago, the regime tried to charge Lemon for covering an anti-ICE protest inside a Minnesota church, but a magistrate judge rejected the move.
Lemon predicted: “They’re going to try again.” Apparently, he was right.
This just in: "Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy awards," Lemon's attorney Abbe Lowell says.
January 30, 2026 at 1:14 PM
BREAKING: The Trump regime has detained former CNN host Don Lemon.
A week ago, the regime tried to charge Lemon for covering an anti-ICE protest inside a Minnesota church, but a magistrate judge rejected the move.
Lemon predicted: “They’re going to try again.” Apparently, he was right.
A week ago, the regime tried to charge Lemon for covering an anti-ICE protest inside a Minnesota church, but a magistrate judge rejected the move.
Lemon predicted: “They’re going to try again.” Apparently, he was right.
Trump's Venezuela oil heist is like a mob takeover of a business in which the previous owners get a cut as long as they keep working and let the mob take most of the loot.
Venezuelan Lawmakers Approve Sweeping Overhaul of Oil Sector
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:50 AM
Trump's Venezuela oil heist is like a mob takeover of a business in which the previous owners get a cut as long as they keep working and let the mob take most of the loot.
Reposted by Mark Jacob
this from Jeffries will be one of the only times the fox audience hears a word about this poll... Bad news for Trump barely gets an on-air mention & is buried on the network's website.
January 29, 2026 at 8:42 PM
this from Jeffries will be one of the only times the fox audience hears a word about this poll... Bad news for Trump barely gets an on-air mention & is buried on the network's website.
Reposted by Mark Jacob
We are up against the end times for our democracy these Chicago journalists helped reinforce the critical role local news plays in bearing witness to this federal overreach. Thank you to @jonseidel.bsky.social @royalpratt.bsky.social @colinbphoto.bsky.social & all of their Chicago colleagues.
An excellent discussion last night at the Hideout in Chicago led by @joanesposito.bsky.social and @eisendrath.net on the ICE Occupation of Chicago. With Greg Pratt, Jon Seidel and Colin Boyle. Thanks to all who came out to hear this important talk on a very cold night.
January 29, 2026 at 8:00 PM
We are up against the end times for our democracy these Chicago journalists helped reinforce the critical role local news plays in bearing witness to this federal overreach. Thank you to @jonseidel.bsky.social @royalpratt.bsky.social @colinbphoto.bsky.social & all of their Chicago colleagues.
Trump is way underwater in the new Pew poll – 37% approval, 61% disapproval. More than half (52%) support “few” or “none” of Trump’s policies. We need to keep driving down his numbers to make his dictator moves untenable.
Confidence in Trump Dips, and Fewer Now Say They Support His Policies and Plans
Only 27% of Americans say they support all or most of Trump's policies – down since last year, with the change coming entirely among Republicans.
www.pewresearch.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Trump is way underwater in the new Pew poll – 37% approval, 61% disapproval. More than half (52%) support “few” or “none” of Trump’s policies. We need to keep driving down his numbers to make his dictator moves untenable.
Reposted by Mark Jacob
I hate newsroom layoffs, but they did this to themselves
CBS News and Washington Post choose worst possible moment to lay off reporters, stress punditry - right as the streets of Minneapolis are showing how journalism can beat back government lies
My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/cbs-...
CBS News and Washington Post choose worst possible moment to lay off reporters, stress punditry - right as the streets of Minneapolis are showing how journalism can beat back government lies
My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/cbs-...
CBS, Post blind themselves when America needs eyes on the ground |Will Bunch
Two iconic U.S. newsrooms slash reporting and stress opinion writing even as Minnesota proves the need for factual journalism.
www.inquirer.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:14 PM
I hate newsroom layoffs, but they did this to themselves
CBS News and Washington Post choose worst possible moment to lay off reporters, stress punditry - right as the streets of Minneapolis are showing how journalism can beat back government lies
My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/cbs-...
CBS News and Washington Post choose worst possible moment to lay off reporters, stress punditry - right as the streets of Minneapolis are showing how journalism can beat back government lies
My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/cbs-...
I just canceled my subscription to The Atlantic. This stupid hiring decision was the clincher, but in general it's not a high-quality publication except when government officials accidentally add its editor to their Signal chat, which I don't expect to happen again.
We’re excited to announce that David Brooks is joining The Atlantic as a staff writer. The Atlantic will be the home for all of his writing, and he will also host a new weekly video podcast that will launch later this spring. www.theatlantic.com/press-releas...
The Atlantic hires David Brooks as a staff writer
New home for his writing, and to launch a video podcast
www.theatlantic.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:58 PM
I just canceled my subscription to The Atlantic. This stupid hiring decision was the clincher, but in general it's not a high-quality publication except when government officials accidentally add its editor to their Signal chat, which I don't expect to happen again.
Trump promises to make sure that people "who didn't work very hard" can't buy a home.
Trump: "People that own their homes -- we're gonna keep them wealthy. We're gonna keep those prices up. We're not gonna destroy the value of their homes so that somebody who didn't work very hard can buy a home."
January 29, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Trump promises to make sure that people "who didn't work very hard" can't buy a home.
The Atlantic confirms the bad things people say about it.
New: David Brooks is leaving the NYT for the Atlantic, where he will be a staff writer and host a video podcast
January 29, 2026 at 5:37 PM
The Atlantic confirms the bad things people say about it.
Companies that profit from Homeland Security's campaign of terror include:
Quantico Tactical
Safariland
Cadre Holdings
Icor Technology
Atlantic Diving Supply
Quantico Tactical
Safariland
Cadre Holdings
Icor Technology
Atlantic Diving Supply
The Men Making Millions Selling Pepper Spray To ICE
Safariland, owned by billionaire Warren Kanders, remains the number one supplier of pepper spray and tear gas to ICE and CBP, via a large federal distributor run by a MAGA-aligned former Marine.
www.forbes.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Companies that profit from Homeland Security's campaign of terror include:
Quantico Tactical
Safariland
Cadre Holdings
Icor Technology
Atlantic Diving Supply
Quantico Tactical
Safariland
Cadre Holdings
Icor Technology
Atlantic Diving Supply
We take you now to live coverage of Trump's Cabinet meeting.
January 29, 2026 at 5:07 PM
We take you now to live coverage of Trump's Cabinet meeting.
Reality check from Rex. The Republicans have no intention of reining in ICE. It's up to us to stop them.
How many times are news organizations going to fall for the utter claptrap of Donald Trump, his administration or the Republican Party at large changing tone? Collectively, they have one tone: rage. It’s their oxygen.
My column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
My column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
Trump isn't 'softening' on ICE. Just ask Minnesota. | Opinion
The latest bit of political wish-casting is that President Donald Trump is 'pulling back' or 'lowering the temperature' in Minneapolis. Yeah, right.
www.usatoday.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Reality check from Rex. The Republicans have no intention of reining in ICE. It's up to us to stop them.
They want to make it illegal to vote against Trump.
FBI executes search warrant for 2020 election files in Fulton County
FBI agents were executing a search warrant at the Fulton County elections office near Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday, an agency spokesperson confirmed.
apnews.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:41 PM
They want to make it illegal to vote against Trump.
Reposted by Mark Jacob
So, incredibly, the White House has chosen to escalate in blue Minnesota and retreat in Maine to protect a vulnerable GOP Senator.
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
Maine Senator Susan Collins said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed her that ICE will end the immigration enforcement surge in the state.
ICE ending Maine surge, Senator Collins says - The Boston Globe
Collins said in a statement that she had pushed Noem and other Trump administration officials to have ICE “reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement in the state.”
trib.al
January 29, 2026 at 12:55 PM
So, incredibly, the White House has chosen to escalate in blue Minnesota and retreat in Maine to protect a vulnerable GOP Senator.
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
I'd like an investigation into why anyone would trust a federal investigation of ICE and Border Patrol.
January 29, 2026 at 4:31 PM
I'd like an investigation into why anyone would trust a federal investigation of ICE and Border Patrol.
Tom Homan thinks it's a shame that people are blowing whistles at his agents as they murder people in the street.
Um, Tom, the whistles aren't the problem.
Um, Tom, the whistles aren't the problem.
Q: Can you be specific about how many ICE and CBP agents are currently operating in the state?
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
January 29, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Tom Homan thinks it's a shame that people are blowing whistles at his agents as they murder people in the street.
Um, Tom, the whistles aren't the problem.
Um, Tom, the whistles aren't the problem.
Reposted by Mark Jacob
Federal agents cornered Marimar Martinez, shot her several times, boasted about it, arrested her, lied about her to the public and in the police report, and falsely charged her with assaulting them.
Now the government wants to keep evidence of their lies secret to protect these agents' "privacy."
Now the government wants to keep evidence of their lies secret to protect these agents' "privacy."
DeWald cites "privacy interests" for an "agent number 3" and his body worn camera as one of the govt's concerns over making the case material piblic, among other issues.
January 29, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Federal agents cornered Marimar Martinez, shot her several times, boasted about it, arrested her, lied about her to the public and in the police report, and falsely charged her with assaulting them.
Now the government wants to keep evidence of their lies secret to protect these agents' "privacy."
Now the government wants to keep evidence of their lies secret to protect these agents' "privacy."
The domestic terrorists work for Trump.
ICE doesn’t de-escalate, it escalates, then runs.
🚨ICE agent pepper-sprays woman after shoving her. Totally unnecessary. Santa Barbara police and paramedics showed up to clean up the mess. ICE already fled the scene.
🚨ICE agent pepper-sprays woman after shoving her. Totally unnecessary. Santa Barbara police and paramedics showed up to clean up the mess. ICE already fled the scene.
January 29, 2026 at 1:09 AM
The domestic terrorists work for Trump.