stephen fowler
@stphnfwlr.com
political reporter in ATL covering the south + future of GOP/Dem parties + ??? for @npr.org | always thinking of bourbon, biscuits and buc-ee’s
newsletter: stphnfwlr.substack.com
stories: https://www.npr.org/people/1219684807/stephen-fowler
newsletter: stphnfwlr.substack.com
stories: https://www.npr.org/people/1219684807/stephen-fowler
Reposted by stephen fowler
Commissioned by NPR in December in partnership with Ipsos, the share of people who believe the U.S. is a moral leader dropped to 39% from 60% in a similar poll conducted in 2017. n.pr/3Z3IbnD
Many Americans say the U.S. is not a moral leader but want it to be: NPR/Ipsos poll
Commissioned by NPR in December in partnership with Ipsos, the share of people who believe the U.S. is a moral leader dropped to 39% from 60% in a similar poll conducted in 2017.
n.pr
January 9, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Commissioned by NPR in December in partnership with Ipsos, the share of people who believe the U.S. is a moral leader dropped to 39% from 60% in a similar poll conducted in 2017. n.pr/3Z3IbnD
Reposted by stephen fowler
NEW: Here is the alleged video from Jonathan Ross's cell phone synched with the main eyewitness video we've all seen. As you can see it synchs perfectly. I don't think any internal cuts were made.
I have left audio for both videos in this synch so that you can hear them aligned.
I have left audio for both videos in this synch so that you can hear them aligned.
January 9, 2026 at 6:44 PM
NEW: Here is the alleged video from Jonathan Ross's cell phone synched with the main eyewitness video we've all seen. As you can see it synchs perfectly. I don't think any internal cuts were made.
I have left audio for both videos in this synch so that you can hear them aligned.
I have left audio for both videos in this synch so that you can hear them aligned.
Reposted by stephen fowler
Iranian protesters shouted and marched through the streets into Friday morning, despite Iran's theocracy cutting off the nation from the internet and international telephone calls. n.pr/4jxqne9
Protests sweep Iran despite internet shutdown as state TV warns of casualties
Iranian protesters shouted and marched through the streets into Friday morning, despite Iran's theocracy cutting off the nation from the internet and international telephone calls.
n.pr
January 9, 2026 at 9:33 AM
Iranian protesters shouted and marched through the streets into Friday morning, despite Iran's theocracy cutting off the nation from the internet and international telephone calls. n.pr/4jxqne9
While the agent wore a mask in videos taken of the event, he appeared to be unmasked in many social media posts.
That image appeared to have been generated by xAI's generative AI chatbot, Grok.
That image appeared to have been generated by xAI's generative AI chatbot, Grok.
AI images and internet rumors spread confusion about ICE agent involved in shooting
While the agent wore a mask in videos taken of the event, he appeared to be unmasked in many social media posts. That image appeared to have been generated by xAI's generative AI chatbot, Grok.
www.npr.org
January 9, 2026 at 1:07 AM
While the agent wore a mask in videos taken of the event, he appeared to be unmasked in many social media posts.
That image appeared to have been generated by xAI's generative AI chatbot, Grok.
That image appeared to have been generated by xAI's generative AI chatbot, Grok.
Reposted by stephen fowler
Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes district-wide for the remainder of the week “due to safety concerns,” following the killing of a woman Wednesday by an ICE agent. The district said it was acting “out of an abundance of caution.”
Minneapolis schools cancel classes after Border Patrol clash disrupts dismissal at Roosevelt
Minneapolis schools closed for the week citing safety concerns after an encounter involving armed Border Patrol agents near Roosevelt High School.
www.mprnews.org
January 8, 2026 at 11:06 AM
Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes district-wide for the remainder of the week “due to safety concerns,” following the killing of a woman Wednesday by an ICE agent. The district said it was acting “out of an abundance of caution.”
Reposted by stephen fowler
With Rep. Steny Hoyer's announcement he's retiring after more than 40 years in the House, the @npr.org retirement tracker is up to 56 current House/Senate members retiring or running for higher office.
Still a record number this far out from an election.
www.npr.org/2025/09/15/n...
Still a record number this far out from an election.
www.npr.org/2025/09/15/n...
A record number of congressional lawmakers aren't running for reelection in 2026. Here's the list
NPR is tracking the record number of lawmakers in Congress who have already announced they don't plan to run for reelection ahead of the 2026 midterms.
www.npr.org
January 8, 2026 at 10:34 AM
With Rep. Steny Hoyer's announcement he's retiring after more than 40 years in the House, the @npr.org retirement tracker is up to 56 current House/Senate members retiring or running for higher office.
Still a record number this far out from an election.
www.npr.org/2025/09/15/n...
Still a record number this far out from an election.
www.npr.org/2025/09/15/n...
With Rep. Steny Hoyer's announcement he's retiring after more than 40 years in the House, the @npr.org retirement tracker is up to 56 current House/Senate members retiring or running for higher office.
Still a record number this far out from an election.
www.npr.org/2025/09/15/n...
Still a record number this far out from an election.
www.npr.org/2025/09/15/n...
A record number of congressional lawmakers aren't running for reelection in 2026. Here's the list
NPR is tracking the record number of lawmakers in Congress who have already announced they don't plan to run for reelection ahead of the 2026 midterms.
www.npr.org
January 8, 2026 at 10:34 AM
With Rep. Steny Hoyer's announcement he's retiring after more than 40 years in the House, the @npr.org retirement tracker is up to 56 current House/Senate members retiring or running for higher office.
Still a record number this far out from an election.
www.npr.org/2025/09/15/n...
Still a record number this far out from an election.
www.npr.org/2025/09/15/n...
Reposted by stephen fowler
how false narratives spread by social media influencers & AI chatbots derailed CA's response to the LA fires, by @juliaradio.bsky.social
www.npr.org/2026/01/07/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/07/n...
After the LA fires, false narratives on social media impacted state policy
Misinformation spread quickly after the wildfires in Los Angeles last year. Some of these false narratives on social media had an impact on California policy.
www.npr.org
January 7, 2026 at 5:44 PM
how false narratives spread by social media influencers & AI chatbots derailed CA's response to the LA fires, by @juliaradio.bsky.social
www.npr.org/2026/01/07/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/07/n...
Reposted by stephen fowler
A golden phone that President Donald Trump's family business promised to release last year remains mysteriously under wraps as the technology industry serves up a glut of new gadgets at CES in Las Vegas this week. n.pr/49aPcJl
Trump Mobile's golden phone remains nowhere to be found
A golden phone that President Donald Trump's family business promised to release last year remains mysteriously under wraps as the technology industry serves up a glut of new gadgets at CES in Las Vegas this week.
n.pr
January 7, 2026 at 8:12 AM
A golden phone that President Donald Trump's family business promised to release last year remains mysteriously under wraps as the technology industry serves up a glut of new gadgets at CES in Las Vegas this week. n.pr/49aPcJl
Happy 2 years at @npr.org to me!
Since then, I've taken reporting trips to 15 different states, woken up at 4:30 a.m. to record Up First nearly three dozen times and gained several new gray/white hairs covering politics.
Here's to many, many more!
(pic from my first day, when I had more energy)
Since then, I've taken reporting trips to 15 different states, woken up at 4:30 a.m. to record Up First nearly three dozen times and gained several new gray/white hairs covering politics.
Here's to many, many more!
(pic from my first day, when I had more energy)
January 6, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Happy 2 years at @npr.org to me!
Since then, I've taken reporting trips to 15 different states, woken up at 4:30 a.m. to record Up First nearly three dozen times and gained several new gray/white hairs covering politics.
Here's to many, many more!
(pic from my first day, when I had more energy)
Since then, I've taken reporting trips to 15 different states, woken up at 4:30 a.m. to record Up First nearly three dozen times and gained several new gray/white hairs covering politics.
Here's to many, many more!
(pic from my first day, when I had more energy)
Reposted by stephen fowler
ICYMI: There is a very weak relationship between economic growth and House seat change in midterm elections. Midterms are a backlash, not a referendum www.gelliottmorris.com/p/midterms-a...
January 6, 2026 at 4:31 PM
ICYMI: There is a very weak relationship between economic growth and House seat change in midterm elections. Midterms are a backlash, not a referendum www.gelliottmorris.com/p/midterms-a...
Reposted by stephen fowler
The review, outlined in a Pentagon memo obtained by NPR, comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told admirals and generals in September that women must meet the "highest male standard." n.pr/49n8NEN
Pentagon will begin review of 'effectiveness' of women in ground combat positions
The review, outlined in a Pentagon memo obtained by NPR, comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told admirals and generals in September that women must meet the "highest male standard."
n.pr
January 6, 2026 at 11:25 AM
The review, outlined in a Pentagon memo obtained by NPR, comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told admirals and generals in September that women must meet the "highest male standard." n.pr/49n8NEN
From @mprnews.org:
Gov. Tim Walz scheduled a news conference for Monday morning without a predetermined topic, fanning speculation he is reassessing his reelection campaign.
Gov. Tim Walz scheduled a news conference for Monday morning without a predetermined topic, fanning speculation he is reassessing his reelection campaign.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to hold news conference as speculation about his reelection bid swirls
Since Gov. Tim Walz last appeared in public, attention on potential fraud in Minnesota programs has dominated political conversation. President Donald Trump has boosted his personal attacks on Walz as...
www.mprnews.org
January 5, 2026 at 12:12 PM
From @mprnews.org:
Gov. Tim Walz scheduled a news conference for Monday morning without a predetermined topic, fanning speculation he is reassessing his reelection campaign.
Gov. Tim Walz scheduled a news conference for Monday morning without a predetermined topic, fanning speculation he is reassessing his reelection campaign.
Reposted by stephen fowler
Wrote this before yesterday but it gets at what undergirds that (and lots of other things in politics).
"The internet universalized subjectivity instead of objectivity. … We have reverted from acting on what we *know* to acting on what we *think*."
"The internet universalized subjectivity instead of objectivity. … We have reverted from acting on what we *know* to acting on what we *think*."
Opinion | How the internet fractured the information ago — and drove down regard for actual facts and education
Philip Bump: We have reverted from acting on what we know to acting on what we think.
www.ms.now
January 4, 2026 at 1:16 PM
Wrote this before yesterday but it gets at what undergirds that (and lots of other things in politics).
"The internet universalized subjectivity instead of objectivity. … We have reverted from acting on what we *know* to acting on what we *think*."
"The internet universalized subjectivity instead of objectivity. … We have reverted from acting on what we *know* to acting on what we *think*."
Reposted by stephen fowler
Trump's decision to depose Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has drawn praise inside the U.S., especially from Republican leaders. But the invasion also faces significant opposition from elected officials across the political spectrum.
Here's a partial list of U.S. elected officials opposing Trump's invasion of Venezuela
Trump's decision to depose Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has drawn praise inside the U.S., especially from Republican leaders. But the invasion also faces significant opposition from elected officials across the political spectrum.
n.pr
January 4, 2026 at 4:52 PM
Trump's decision to depose Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has drawn praise inside the U.S., especially from Republican leaders. But the invasion also faces significant opposition from elected officials across the political spectrum.
Reposted by stephen fowler
@wlrnnews.bsky.social
Venezuelans interviewed in Weston and Doral — cities with the largest concentration of Venezuelan-Americans in the U.S. — said they are ecstatic over Maduro’s ouster, and are hopeful of a promising future.
Venezuelans interviewed in Weston and Doral — cities with the largest concentration of Venezuelan-Americans in the U.S. — said they are ecstatic over Maduro’s ouster, and are hopeful of a promising future.
Jubilation. Joy. Hope. Venezuelans in South Florida celebrate Maduro's ouster with guarded optimism
Venezuelans interviewed in Weston and Doral — cities with the largest concentration of Venezuelan-Americans in the nation — said they are ecstatic over Maduro’s ouster from their beloved homeland, and...
www.wlrn.org
January 3, 2026 at 8:40 PM
@wlrnnews.bsky.social
Venezuelans interviewed in Weston and Doral — cities with the largest concentration of Venezuelan-Americans in the U.S. — said they are ecstatic over Maduro’s ouster, and are hopeful of a promising future.
Venezuelans interviewed in Weston and Doral — cities with the largest concentration of Venezuelan-Americans in the U.S. — said they are ecstatic over Maduro’s ouster, and are hopeful of a promising future.
Reposted by stephen fowler
President Trump claims that the United States carried out airstrikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro, following a series of explosions and fires reported around Caracas in the early hours of the morning.
n.pr/3Ymyqkg
n.pr/3Ymyqkg
Trump claims U.S. strikes, Maduro captured as explosions hit Caracas
President Donald Trump claimed overnight that the United States carried out airstrikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro.
n.pr
January 3, 2026 at 10:37 AM
President Trump claims that the United States carried out airstrikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro, following a series of explosions and fires reported around Caracas in the early hours of the morning.
n.pr/3Ymyqkg
n.pr/3Ymyqkg
The Justice Department is facing pushback from lawmakers and the public for its failure to release all of its files on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
After a limited release of Epstein files leaves many unsatisfied, what's next?
The Justice Department is facing pushback from lawmakers and the public for its failure to release all of its files on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
www.npr.org
January 2, 2026 at 10:57 PM
The Justice Department is facing pushback from lawmakers and the public for its failure to release all of its files on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Reposted by stephen fowler
The Justice Department hasn't indicated how many Epstein files remain, how many will be released or whether any information it *does* release will be factually accurate.
Some of the investigative files released in the last two weeks include unverified fantastical claims about Trump, Epstein+others.
Some of the investigative files released in the last two weeks include unverified fantastical claims about Trump, Epstein+others.
With few Epstein files released, conspiracy theories flourish and questions remain
President Trump's changing messaging, Congress' unprecedented demands and the Justice Department's piecemeal release of information haven't quieted the questions. Here's what we know — and don't.
www.npr.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:18 PM
The Justice Department hasn't indicated how many Epstein files remain, how many will be released or whether any information it *does* release will be factually accurate.
Some of the investigative files released in the last two weeks include unverified fantastical claims about Trump, Epstein+others.
Some of the investigative files released in the last two weeks include unverified fantastical claims about Trump, Epstein+others.
Reposted by stephen fowler
Trump's about-face on releasing the Epstein files and the trickle of information have spawned new conspiracy theories by some Trump opponents who have seized on salacious and unverified claims released in the document dump.
With few Epstein files released, conspiracy theories flourish and questions remain
President Trump's changing messaging, Congress' unprecedented demands and the Justice Department's piecemeal release of information haven't quieted the questions. Here's what we know — and don't.
www.npr.org
January 2, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Trump's about-face on releasing the Epstein files and the trickle of information have spawned new conspiracy theories by some Trump opponents who have seized on salacious and unverified claims released in the document dump.
Reposted by stephen fowler
With few Epstein files released, conspiracy theories flourish and questions remain (Stephen Fowler/NPR)
Main Link | memeorandum Permalink
Main Link | memeorandum Permalink
January 2, 2026 at 12:05 PM
With few Epstein files released, conspiracy theories flourish and questions remain (Stephen Fowler/NPR)
Main Link | memeorandum Permalink
Main Link | memeorandum Permalink
Trump's about-face on releasing the Epstein files and the trickle of information have spawned new conspiracy theories by some Trump opponents who have seized on salacious and unverified claims released in the document dump.
With few Epstein files released, conspiracy theories flourish and questions remain
President Trump's changing messaging, Congress' unprecedented demands and the Justice Department's piecemeal release of information haven't quieted the questions. Here's what we know — and don't.
www.npr.org
January 2, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Trump's about-face on releasing the Epstein files and the trickle of information have spawned new conspiracy theories by some Trump opponents who have seized on salacious and unverified claims released in the document dump.
Reposted by stephen fowler
President Trump's changing messaging, Congress' unprecedented demands and the Justice Department's piecemeal release of information haven't quieted the questions. Here's what we know — and don't. n.pr/3LsZQSz
With few Epstein files released, conspiracy theories flourish and questions remain
President Trump's changing messaging, Congress' unprecedented demands and the Justice Department's piecemeal release of information haven't quieted the questions. Here's what we know — and don't.
n.pr
January 2, 2026 at 10:49 AM
President Trump's changing messaging, Congress' unprecedented demands and the Justice Department's piecemeal release of information haven't quieted the questions. Here's what we know — and don't. n.pr/3LsZQSz
The Justice Department hasn't indicated how many Epstein files remain, how many will be released or whether any information it *does* release will be factually accurate.
Some of the investigative files released in the last two weeks include unverified fantastical claims about Trump, Epstein+others.
Some of the investigative files released in the last two weeks include unverified fantastical claims about Trump, Epstein+others.
With few Epstein files released, conspiracy theories flourish and questions remain
President Trump's changing messaging, Congress' unprecedented demands and the Justice Department's piecemeal release of information haven't quieted the questions. Here's what we know — and don't.
www.npr.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:18 PM
The Justice Department hasn't indicated how many Epstein files remain, how many will be released or whether any information it *does* release will be factually accurate.
Some of the investigative files released in the last two weeks include unverified fantastical claims about Trump, Epstein+others.
Some of the investigative files released in the last two weeks include unverified fantastical claims about Trump, Epstein+others.
Reposted by stephen fowler
During the 2024 election, Trump promised to release the Epstein files as part of a campaign message arguing the government was run by powerful people hiding the truth from Americans.
In 2026, many people agree — and believe that he’s now one of them.
In 2026, many people agree — and believe that he’s now one of them.
With few Epstein files released, conspiracy theories flourish and questions remain
President Trump's changing messaging, Congress' unprecedented demands and the Justice Department's piecemeal release of information haven't quieted the questions. Here's what we know — and don't.
www.npr.org
January 2, 2026 at 2:33 PM
During the 2024 election, Trump promised to release the Epstein files as part of a campaign message arguing the government was run by powerful people hiding the truth from Americans.
In 2026, many people agree — and believe that he’s now one of them.
In 2026, many people agree — and believe that he’s now one of them.