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.
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.
Here's your reminder that the Trump regime has still not released the Epstein files and is continuing to break the law to cover up child rape.
January 28, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Here's your reminder that the Trump regime has still not released the Epstein files and is continuing to break the law to cover up child rape.
Pam Bondi is not the nation’s attorney general – she’s Trump’s fascist enforcer.
A federal judge called out Bondi for posting photos of protesters on social media and calling them “rioters.” There’s no presumption of innocence or sense of justice in the Trump dictatorship.
A federal judge called out Bondi for posting photos of protesters on social media and calling them “rioters.” There’s no presumption of innocence or sense of justice in the Trump dictatorship.
Judge Scolds Bondi for Publishing Photos of Protesters on Social Media
www.nytimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:49 PM
Pam Bondi is not the nation’s attorney general – she’s Trump’s fascist enforcer.
A federal judge called out Bondi for posting photos of protesters on social media and calling them “rioters.” There’s no presumption of innocence or sense of justice in the Trump dictatorship.
A federal judge called out Bondi for posting photos of protesters on social media and calling them “rioters.” There’s no presumption of innocence or sense of justice in the Trump dictatorship.
Reposted by Mark Jacob
Ordinary Americans are leading the way to a better future free of government coercion. Congress must follow their lead starting with clawing back ICE funding. My latest:
open.substack.com/pub/edwineis...
open.substack.com/pub/edwineis...
Clawing back ICE funding would be just a start
This Congress must rise to the moment as others have, to enact laws that both reach back to our founding ideals and reach forward to inspire generations to come. They must not fail to do it.
open.substack.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Ordinary Americans are leading the way to a better future free of government coercion. Congress must follow their lead starting with clawing back ICE funding. My latest:
open.substack.com/pub/edwineis...
open.substack.com/pub/edwineis...
The New York Times says Marco Rubio is more ”moderate“ and “restrained” than Trump in defending the regime’s reckless foreign policy. That’s like saying wastewater is more delicious than sludge. Work on your word choices, NYT.
January 28, 2026 at 7:28 PM
The New York Times says Marco Rubio is more ”moderate“ and “restrained” than Trump in defending the regime’s reckless foreign policy. That’s like saying wastewater is more delicious than sludge. Work on your word choices, NYT.
The Trump regime is wasting our government's resources to try to magically transform their 2020 election lie into the “truth.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is executing a search warrant at a Fulton County election office in Georgia related to the 2020 election, a law enforcement official familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com/world/us/fbi...
www.reuters.com/world/us/fbi...
FBI executing search warrant at Georgia election office related to 2020 vote, law enforcement official says
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is executing a search warrant at a Fulton County election office in Georgia related to the 2020 election, a law enforcement official familiar with the matter said o...
www.reuters.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:36 PM
The Trump regime is wasting our government's resources to try to magically transform their 2020 election lie into the “truth.”
Reposted by Mark Jacob
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 5:02 PM
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Reposted by Mark Jacob
"This doesn't end until Trump and Trumpism ends," George Conway told me. "We're not going to last three years if we don't get rid of this guy. And the framers of the Constitution provided for a mechanism to get rid of an evil, self-serving, grifting tyrant." www.americaamerica.news/p/a-conversa...
A Conversation with George Conway
A recording from Steven Beschloss's live video
www.americaamerica.news
January 28, 2026 at 5:15 PM
"This doesn't end until Trump and Trumpism ends," George Conway told me. "We're not going to last three years if we don't get rid of this guy. And the framers of the Constitution provided for a mechanism to get rid of an evil, self-serving, grifting tyrant." www.americaamerica.news/p/a-conversa...
Mark your calendars for the next No Kings protest on March 28. We were 7 million strong back in October. Let‘s do even better this time. Bring your family and friends.
The date for the next No Kings Day is set.
But this is a save the date, not a “sit back and wait.” 🧵
But this is a save the date, not a “sit back and wait.” 🧵
January 28, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Mark your calendars for the next No Kings protest on March 28. We were 7 million strong back in October. Let‘s do even better this time. Bring your family and friends.