Stephanie Mencimer
@smencimer.bsky.social
Senior reporter Mother Jones. Utah native. Send me tips at [email protected] or securely on Signal at smencimer.48 or [email protected]
Apropos of nothing... William Shatner is 94 years old.
Help me out here. Hasn't Star Trek always had "aliens" and non-traditional women?
I mean, sure, Uhuru was sexualized, but she was a smart-as-shit officer BEFORE women were admitted to West Point and non-white; she's the kind of person Stephen Miller is trying to denaturalize.
I mean, sure, Uhuru was sexualized, but she was a smart-as-shit officer BEFORE women were admitted to West Point and non-white; she's the kind of person Stephen Miller is trying to denaturalize.
January 16, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Apropos of nothing... William Shatner is 94 years old.
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
“Lifeless… foam around his mouth. Nobody wants to see their kids like that.”
ICE attacked a family trying to LEAVE the besieged neighborhood and hospitalized a 6 month old baby that couldn’t breathe.
ICE attacked a family trying to LEAVE the besieged neighborhood and hospitalized a 6 month old baby that couldn’t breathe.
January 16, 2026 at 2:14 PM
“Lifeless… foam around his mouth. Nobody wants to see their kids like that.”
ICE attacked a family trying to LEAVE the besieged neighborhood and hospitalized a 6 month old baby that couldn’t breathe.
ICE attacked a family trying to LEAVE the besieged neighborhood and hospitalized a 6 month old baby that couldn’t breathe.
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
“Asking scientists to spy on and report on their fellow co-authors” is a “classic hallmark of authoritarianism," said Dr Jennifer Jones, Director of the Center for Science & Democracy at UCS.
Trump Administration Orders USDA Employees to Investigate Foreign Researchers They Work With
The new directive asks workers to check the backgrounds of foreign nationals collaborating with the department’s scientists for evidence of “subversive or criminal activity.” Their names are being sen...
www.propublica.org
January 16, 2026 at 3:10 PM
“Asking scientists to spy on and report on their fellow co-authors” is a “classic hallmark of authoritarianism," said Dr Jennifer Jones, Director of the Center for Science & Democracy at UCS.
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
Small peeve: Punditry (or GOP boosterism) that pretends Greenland would be the 51st state.
Of course it wouldn't. We bought the Virgin Islands from Denmark a century ago. More than 2x the population of Greenland. It's a territory, and its citizens don't have voting DC reps. Neither would Greenland.
Of course it wouldn't. We bought the Virgin Islands from Denmark a century ago. More than 2x the population of Greenland. It's a territory, and its citizens don't have voting DC reps. Neither would Greenland.
January 16, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Small peeve: Punditry (or GOP boosterism) that pretends Greenland would be the 51st state.
Of course it wouldn't. We bought the Virgin Islands from Denmark a century ago. More than 2x the population of Greenland. It's a territory, and its citizens don't have voting DC reps. Neither would Greenland.
Of course it wouldn't. We bought the Virgin Islands from Denmark a century ago. More than 2x the population of Greenland. It's a territory, and its citizens don't have voting DC reps. Neither would Greenland.
Chilling thread
"After the Kapp putsch in 1920 the [German] government charged 705 persons with high treason; only one, the police president of Berlin, received a sentence—five years of 'honorary confinement.'"
Shirer, William L. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (p. 109).
Shirer, William L. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (p. 109).
January 14, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Chilling thread
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
I'm seeing more and more people on here talking about not paying federal taxes, and I totally get why. But I talked to some experts and it seems the feds have got us by the tail feathers. You can try a tax strike, sure, but historically, the outcomes haven't been great for the tax striker.
Sorry Geese: If you don't pay your taxes, Uncle Sam may have you plucked
Liberals—and hip Brooklyn bands—can fantasize about tax strikes, but the IRS holds all the cards.
www.motherjones.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:10 PM
I'm seeing more and more people on here talking about not paying federal taxes, and I totally get why. But I talked to some experts and it seems the feds have got us by the tail feathers. You can try a tax strike, sure, but historically, the outcomes haven't been great for the tax striker.
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
Today at 34 & Park in Minneapolis, a woman tried to drive down the street where a protest had broken out in front of a home ICE was raiding, saying she had a doctor apt to get to. ICE agents busted out her windows, cut off her seatbelt, and pulled her out before arresting her.
January 13, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Today at 34 & Park in Minneapolis, a woman tried to drive down the street where a protest had broken out in front of a home ICE was raiding, saying she had a doctor apt to get to. ICE agents busted out her windows, cut off her seatbelt, and pulled her out before arresting her.
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
Protester blinded, skull fractured by DHS agent during Santa Ana demonstration, family says
Protester blinded, skull fractured by DHS agent during Santa Ana demonstration, family says
A young protester narrowly avoided being killed but was left permanently blind after a Department of Homeland Security agent fired a nonlethal round at close range during a Santa Ana protest last week, according to family of the victim.
www.latimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Protester blinded, skull fractured by DHS agent during Santa Ana demonstration, family says
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
Agree w Garrett, w this footnote:
In my memory, as child watching news from Birmingham on our black-and-white TV, Bull Connor's squad was brutal in retaliation. But they didn't seem as clearly to be *provoking* or inciting a reaction.
They were intimidators. CBP/ICE are provocateurs (Eg Reichstag)
In my memory, as child watching news from Birmingham on our black-and-white TV, Bull Connor's squad was brutal in retaliation. But they didn't seem as clearly to be *provoking* or inciting a reaction.
They were intimidators. CBP/ICE are provocateurs (Eg Reichstag)
We must stress: The only violence is coming from CBP/ICE. They are rioting in the face of sustained nonviolent protests by thousands of Americans across the country.
They are today’s Alabama State Troopers at the Selma bridge. They are Bull Connor’s police with firehoses in Birmingham.
They are today’s Alabama State Troopers at the Selma bridge. They are Bull Connor’s police with firehoses in Birmingham.
Protester blinded, skull fractured by DHS agent during Santa Ana demonstration, family says
January 13, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Agree w Garrett, w this footnote:
In my memory, as child watching news from Birmingham on our black-and-white TV, Bull Connor's squad was brutal in retaliation. But they didn't seem as clearly to be *provoking* or inciting a reaction.
They were intimidators. CBP/ICE are provocateurs (Eg Reichstag)
In my memory, as child watching news from Birmingham on our black-and-white TV, Bull Connor's squad was brutal in retaliation. But they didn't seem as clearly to be *provoking* or inciting a reaction.
They were intimidators. CBP/ICE are provocateurs (Eg Reichstag)
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
A few months ago, ICE hired me
I didn't sign and submit any paperwork. I almost certainly failed the drug test. I'm real outspoken about my opposition to the Trump administration, and I am extremely googlable
And yet, there it was, in plain English. "Welcome to ICE!"
My latest for Slate
I didn't sign and submit any paperwork. I almost certainly failed the drug test. I'm real outspoken about my opposition to the Trump administration, and I am extremely googlable
And yet, there it was, in plain English. "Welcome to ICE!"
My latest for Slate
You’ve Heard About Who ICE Is Recruiting. The Truth Is Far Worse. I’m the Proof.
What happens when you do minimal screening before hiring agents, arming them, and sending them into the streets? We're all finding out.
slate.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:11 PM
A few months ago, ICE hired me
I didn't sign and submit any paperwork. I almost certainly failed the drug test. I'm real outspoken about my opposition to the Trump administration, and I am extremely googlable
And yet, there it was, in plain English. "Welcome to ICE!"
My latest for Slate
I didn't sign and submit any paperwork. I almost certainly failed the drug test. I'm real outspoken about my opposition to the Trump administration, and I am extremely googlable
And yet, there it was, in plain English. "Welcome to ICE!"
My latest for Slate
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
🚨 In Nov., Trump's Labor Dept. lowered the minimum wage for foreign farmworkers.
A month later, Trump's winery filed to hire 36 foreign, temporary workers.
The rate? Almost $2/hour less than in 2025.
1/
me, for @forbes.com
A month later, Trump's winery filed to hire 36 foreign, temporary workers.
The rate? Almost $2/hour less than in 2025.
1/
me, for @forbes.com
Trump Vineyard Seeks To Hire Foreign Workers At Lower Wages
Records show the Trump Organization has requested over 2,000 foreign workers since 2008. Its latest request seeks a $13.90 hourly wage—the lowest the winery has offered since 2021.
www.forbes.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:59 PM
🚨 In Nov., Trump's Labor Dept. lowered the minimum wage for foreign farmworkers.
A month later, Trump's winery filed to hire 36 foreign, temporary workers.
The rate? Almost $2/hour less than in 2025.
1/
me, for @forbes.com
A month later, Trump's winery filed to hire 36 foreign, temporary workers.
The rate? Almost $2/hour less than in 2025.
1/
me, for @forbes.com
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
In the midst of all this ugliness it's hard to think books, but consider coming to The University Club in St. Paul tomorrow Tues, Jan 13, 7pm, to hear me & author Kawai Strong Washburn talk Tigers Between Empires, about people from different backgrounds enacting change & saving a species. Free.
January 12, 2026 at 2:45 PM
In the midst of all this ugliness it's hard to think books, but consider coming to The University Club in St. Paul tomorrow Tues, Jan 13, 7pm, to hear me & author Kawai Strong Washburn talk Tigers Between Empires, about people from different backgrounds enacting change & saving a species. Free.
you have to wonder why anyone would trust Bill Ackman with their money
This appears to be the man in Michigan who created the fundraiser. I've asked him how people can be sure he will be giving the money to Ross's family.
January 12, 2026 at 2:38 PM
you have to wonder why anyone would trust Bill Ackman with their money
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
I always thought the term "cosplaying" was overused until ICE/CBP started showing up everywhere. Look at this guy, does he think it's Fallujah? (It's a high school in Minneapolis).
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
January 8, 2026 at 3:33 PM
I always thought the term "cosplaying" was overused until ICE/CBP started showing up everywhere. Look at this guy, does he think it's Fallujah? (It's a high school in Minneapolis).
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
The NYT visual investigations team’s frame by frame analysis of ICE murder www.nytimes.com/video/us/100...
Video: Videos Contradict Trump Administration Account of ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
An analysis of footage from three camera angles show that the vehicle appears to be turning away from a federal officer as he opened fire.
www.nytimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:35 PM
The NYT visual investigations team’s frame by frame analysis of ICE murder www.nytimes.com/video/us/100...
How Jazz Great Chuck Redd Gave American Culture a Gift This Christmas newrepublic.com/article/2047... via @newrepublic.com and @addiestan.bsky.social
How Jazz Great Chuck Redd Gave American Culture a Gift This Christmas
In canceling his traditional Christmas Eve show at the Kennedy Center, the vibraphonist showed how to stand up to culture-hating bullies.
newrepublic.com
December 30, 2025 at 5:25 PM
How Jazz Great Chuck Redd Gave American Culture a Gift This Christmas newrepublic.com/article/2047... via @newrepublic.com and @addiestan.bsky.social
A Florida sheriff had a message for Kyle Rittenhouse: "I think you’re a joke" www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
A Florida sheriff had a message for Kyle Rittenhouse: "I think you’re a joke"
The once-famous teenage shooter's comeback lasted exactly one week.
www.motherjones.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:36 PM
A Florida sheriff had a message for Kyle Rittenhouse: "I think you’re a joke" www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The 24 best books we read in 2025 www.motherjones.com/media/2025/1...
The 24 best books we read in 2025
New nonfiction and fiction titles we loved, plus some older ones that were just right for the moment.
www.motherjones.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:39 PM
The 24 best books we read in 2025 www.motherjones.com/media/2025/1...
I'm a veteran criminal justice reporter. I've never seen anything like ICE-occupied Memphis. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
I'm a veteran criminal justice reporter. I've never seen anything like ICE-occupied Memphis.
“It’s about as sad as you can possibly imagine."
www.motherjones.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:22 PM
I'm a veteran criminal justice reporter. I've never seen anything like ICE-occupied Memphis. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
all i'm saying is that there were better options
December 12, 2025 at 5:25 AM
all i'm saying is that there were better options
seems on brand. they'd rather waste taxpayer money on dodgy companies promising to build mobile nuclear plants. (and what could go wrong?)
Utah Leaders Are Hindering Efforts to Develop Solar Despite a Goal to Double the State’s Energy Supply, by @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
Utah Leaders Are Hindering Efforts to Develop Solar Despite a Goal to Double the State’s Energy Supply
Solar power accounts for two-thirds of the new projects waiting to connect to the state’s power grid. Utah Republicans’ hard turn against solar mirrors President Donald Trump’s hostile approach to the...
www.propublica.org
December 12, 2025 at 3:30 PM
seems on brand. they'd rather waste taxpayer money on dodgy companies promising to build mobile nuclear plants. (and what could go wrong?)
Reposted by Stephanie Mencimer
New from me: Whooping cough cases are skyrocketing, but CDC is silent—plus the agency's new second-in-command is the former Louisiana surgeon general, a vaccine critic who waited till two babies died of whooping cough to sent out an alert to his state. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The new CDC leader’s whooping cough scandal
“It continues to be appalling, the type of people RFK Jr. is putting into high-level positions in CDC.”
www.motherjones.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:44 PM
New from me: Whooping cough cases are skyrocketing, but CDC is silent—plus the agency's new second-in-command is the former Louisiana surgeon general, a vaccine critic who waited till two babies died of whooping cough to sent out an alert to his state. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
when my 80-year-old father recently faceplanted and cut his head open at 10:30 pm on a Friday, my first thought was definitely: hold on Dad while I call a few ERs and ask them how much they will charge you for the week in the neuro ICU we didn't know you needed so we can get the best price.
Roger Marshall: "We want patients to become consumers again. We want patients to see what the actual prices are. We believe that if we would add the price tags to this bill, that it would save the country a trillion dollars a year."
December 11, 2025 at 3:44 PM
when my 80-year-old father recently faceplanted and cut his head open at 10:30 pm on a Friday, my first thought was definitely: hold on Dad while I call a few ERs and ask them how much they will charge you for the week in the neuro ICU we didn't know you needed so we can get the best price.
My @motherjones.com colleague @dfriedman.bsky.social was working on a story about a top aide to Pete Hegseth. Then Pizzagate promoter Jack Posobiec threatened to write a scurrilous story about him. ow.ly/EpQp50XHpYo
I asked the Pentagon about Pete Hegseth's mentor. Then the threats started.
Journalism in the second Trump administration gets personal.
ow.ly
December 11, 2025 at 3:32 PM
My @motherjones.com colleague @dfriedman.bsky.social was working on a story about a top aide to Pete Hegseth. Then Pizzagate promoter Jack Posobiec threatened to write a scurrilous story about him. ow.ly/EpQp50XHpYo