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
Pinned
stephen fowler
@stphnfwlr.com
· Sep 15
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
NPR is tracking the record number of Congressional lawmakers who have announced they do not plan to run for reelection to their current seats in 2026.
That number currently stands at 10 senators and 27 House members.
That number currently stands at 10 senators and 27 House members.
Reposted by stephen fowler
Sen. Mark Kelly told NPR "it just doesn't make any sense" for him to face a military court-martial after he and other Democratic lawmakers released a video reminding active-duty troops that they don't have to follow illegal orders.
Sen. Mark Kelly: Trump and Hegseth don't 'understand the Constitution'
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and other congressional Democrats released a video last week letting service members know they can refuse illegal orders. Kelly is now being investigated for misconduct.
n.pr
November 25, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Sen. Mark Kelly told NPR "it just doesn't make any sense" for him to face a military court-martial after he and other Democratic lawmakers released a video reminding active-duty troops that they don't have to follow illegal orders.
A survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation found the average price of food for a Thanksgiving feast is about 5% lower this year than last, largely thanks to a steep drop in the price of turkey.
Give thanks for the discounts: The feast will cost a little less this year
Shoppers can be thankful for discounts on turkey and stuffing this year. While overall grocery prices are up, this year's Thanksgiving meal should cost a bit less than last year's.
www.npr.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:47 PM
A survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation found the average price of food for a Thanksgiving feast is about 5% lower this year than last, largely thanks to a steep drop in the price of turkey.
From today’s @npr.org Up First: I talk to @steveinskeep.bsky.social about Marjorie Taylor Greene's planned resignation and how it’s forcing the Republican Party to reckon publicly with what the political landscape will look like when President Trump leaves the White House.
How Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation is changing the Republican party
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation is forcing the Republican party to reckon publicly with what the political landscape will look like when President Trump leaves the White House.
www.npr.org
November 25, 2025 at 12:08 AM
From today’s @npr.org Up First: I talk to @steveinskeep.bsky.social about Marjorie Taylor Greene's planned resignation and how it’s forcing the Republican Party to reckon publicly with what the political landscape will look like when President Trump leaves the White House.
From as far back as June, @shannonbond.bsky.social and I wrote about DOGE “shedding its high-profile and controversial leader Elon Musk while its remaining operatives embed more permanently in government.“
November 24, 2025 at 2:35 AM
From as far back as June, @shannonbond.bsky.social and I wrote about DOGE “shedding its high-profile and controversial leader Elon Musk while its remaining operatives embed more permanently in government.“
It is insane because... that didn't happen!
Numerous newsrooms had dedicated teams covering all the things DOGE did, including the legal challenges to its sweeping data access (and alledged theft), chaotic cuts to staffing that were reversed and the failure to meaningfully impact spending.
Numerous newsrooms had dedicated teams covering all the things DOGE did, including the legal challenges to its sweeping data access (and alledged theft), chaotic cuts to staffing that were reversed and the failure to meaningfully impact spending.
It remains insane to me that DOGE was treated at the time as an impressive shock and awe accomplishment - “you can’t deny he’s getting stuff done!” - and then instantly memory holed by the press once if became clear it was a total failure by every possible standard including Musk’s own
Difficult to overstate how profound a failure DOGE was. Spending in FY2025 was not only than in FY2024 – but higher than it was projected to be when Trump first took office.*
The little bit of spending DOGE cut has already killed hundreds of thousands and will eventually lead to millions of deaths.
The little bit of spending DOGE cut has already killed hundreds of thousands and will eventually lead to millions of deaths.
November 23, 2025 at 7:24 PM
It is insane because... that didn't happen!
Numerous newsrooms had dedicated teams covering all the things DOGE did, including the legal challenges to its sweeping data access (and alledged theft), chaotic cuts to staffing that were reversed and the failure to meaningfully impact spending.
Numerous newsrooms had dedicated teams covering all the things DOGE did, including the legal challenges to its sweeping data access (and alledged theft), chaotic cuts to staffing that were reversed and the failure to meaningfully impact spending.
But I was promised by partisan commentator and discourse accounts that this was the real secret unreported reason the mainstream media was hiding from me about Greene’s decision!!!
How much would Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene R-GA get in a pension for 5 years in Congress?
She can't draw it until age 62 (she is 51).
Her pension is 5% of her $174,000 salary (1% times 5 years served) = $8,700 per year.
She can't draw it until age 62 (she is 51).
Her pension is 5% of her $174,000 salary (1% times 5 years served) = $8,700 per year.
November 23, 2025 at 1:20 PM
But I was promised by partisan commentator and discourse accounts that this was the real secret unreported reason the mainstream media was hiding from me about Greene’s decision!!!
Reposted by stephen fowler
The latest emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate show communications with a vast web of influential figures in politics, academia, business and more, even after he registered as a sex offender.
The latest Epstein emails reveal the powerful people who sought his counsel
The latest emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate show communications with a vast web of influential figures in politics, academia, business and more, even after he registered as a sex offender.
n.pr
November 23, 2025 at 12:04 AM
The latest emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate show communications with a vast web of influential figures in politics, academia, business and more, even after he registered as a sex offender.
Another good thing to do would be to find reporters/outlets/mediums that are helpful at explaining *why* both of these things are happening — and aren’t surprising developments in the bigger picture of politics right now — rather than focus on the spectacle of each one.
In the span of 12 hours Trump called MTG a "traitor" and posted photos from his playdate with Zohran Mamdani. The only lesson I can take away is that anytime you find yourself trying to predict the future just stop
November 22, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Another good thing to do would be to find reporters/outlets/mediums that are helpful at explaining *why* both of these things are happening — and aren’t surprising developments in the bigger picture of politics right now — rather than focus on the spectacle of each one.
Reposted by stephen fowler
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of President Trump's most outspoken supporters. But she is planning to leave office following a growing rift with the president. n.pr/3K4iJdW
How Marjorie Taylor Greene went from a top Trump ally to choosing to resign
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of President Trump's most outspoken supporters. But she is planning to leave office following a growing rift with the president.
n.pr
November 22, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of President Trump's most outspoken supporters. But she is planning to leave office following a growing rift with the president. n.pr/3K4iJdW
Reposted by stephen fowler
Even before the president's falling out with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., over the Epstein files, some Republicans questioned Trump's policy interpretation of what "America First" means.
The Epstein files are just the latest fracture in Trump's MAGA coalition
Even before the president's falling out with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., over the Epstein files, some Republicans questioned Trump's policy interpretation of what "America First" means.
n.pr
November 22, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Even before the president's falling out with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., over the Epstein files, some Republicans questioned Trump's policy interpretation of what "America First" means.
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of President Trump's most outspoken supporters. But she is planning to leave office following a growing rift with the president.
How Marjorie Taylor Greene went from a top Trump ally to choosing to resign
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of President Trump's most outspoken supporters. But she is planning to leave office following a growing rift with the president.
www.npr.org
November 22, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of President Trump's most outspoken supporters. But she is planning to leave office following a growing rift with the president.
BREAKING @npr.org: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia Republican who rose to prominence as one of President Trump's biggest defenders and recently became one of his biggest critics, is leaving Congress effective 1/5/26.
After break with Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene will resign
Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, an "America First" conservative who has clashed with President Trump and her party, said Friday she would resign from Congress Jan. 5, 2026.
www.npr.org
November 22, 2025 at 1:43 AM
BREAKING @npr.org: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia Republican who rose to prominence as one of President Trump's biggest defenders and recently became one of his biggest critics, is leaving Congress effective 1/5/26.
Reposted by stephen fowler
President Trump lavished praise on New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani as the two met for the first time in the Oval Office after a history of trading political insults.
Trump and Mamdani share a cordial White House meeting after months of trading attacks
President Trump lavished praise on New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani as the two met for the first time in the Oval Office after a history of trading political insults.
n.pr
November 21, 2025 at 10:13 PM
President Trump lavished praise on New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani as the two met for the first time in the Oval Office after a history of trading political insults.
With Rep. Nydia Velázquez' retirement announcement and Mikie Sherrill's official resignation, NPR's Congressional Retirement Tracker is up to 49 lawmakers who don't plan to return to their current seats after the 2026 midterms.
Full list:
Full list:
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
November 21, 2025 at 2:46 PM
With Rep. Nydia Velázquez' retirement announcement and Mikie Sherrill's official resignation, NPR's Congressional Retirement Tracker is up to 49 lawmakers who don't plan to return to their current seats after the 2026 midterms.
Full list:
Full list:
Reposted by stephen fowler
Good morning. I've got a banger new post out today that develops a new method for placing voters on the left-right ideological spectrum, and adds a new, "non-ideological"/affordability axis to usual way we chart & think about US voters (esp swing voters). www.gelliottmorris.com/p/not-just-l...
Not just left vs right: Most voters think about affordability and material wellbeing, not in ideological terms
Most voters want a party that emphasizes cost of living issues and makes the world a better place. Few Americans think in solidly ideologically terms. "Moderates" are mostly non-ideological.
www.gelliottmorris.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Good morning. I've got a banger new post out today that develops a new method for placing voters on the left-right ideological spectrum, and adds a new, "non-ideological"/affordability axis to usual way we chart & think about US voters (esp swing voters). www.gelliottmorris.com/p/not-just-l...
Reposted by stephen fowler
The latest emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate show communications with a vast web of influential figures in politics, academia, business and more, even after he registered as a sex offender. n.pr/3LNga0k
The latest Epstein emails reveal the powerful people who sought his counsel
The latest emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate show communications with a vast web of influential figures in politics, academia, business and more, even after he registered as a sex offender.
n.pr
November 20, 2025 at 10:22 AM
The latest emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate show communications with a vast web of influential figures in politics, academia, business and more, even after he registered as a sex offender. n.pr/3LNga0k
New on @npr.org : The latest emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate show communications with a vast web of influential figures in politics, academia, business and more, even after he registered as a sex offender.
The latest Epstein emails reveal the powerful people who sought his counsel
The latest emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate show communications with a vast web of influential figures in politics, academia, business and more, even after he registered as a sex offender.
www.npr.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:29 PM
New on @npr.org : The latest emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate show communications with a vast web of influential figures in politics, academia, business and more, even after he registered as a sex offender.
MIAMI – A federal grand jury in Miami has returned an indictment charging Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants with stealing federal disaster funds, laundering the proceeds, and using the money to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
www.justice.gov/opa/pr/south...
www.justice.gov/opa/pr/south...
South Florida Congresswoman Charged with Stealing $5 Million in FEMA Funds and Making Illegal Campaign Contributions
MIAMI – A federal grand jury in Miami has returned an indictment charging Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants with stealing federal disaster funds, laundering the procee...
www.justice.gov
November 20, 2025 at 1:13 AM
MIAMI – A federal grand jury in Miami has returned an indictment charging Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants with stealing federal disaster funds, laundering the proceeds, and using the money to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
www.justice.gov/opa/pr/south...
www.justice.gov/opa/pr/south...
Reposted by stephen fowler
In the latest poll, Democrats lead Republicans 55%-41% when people were asked who they would vote for in their district if the election for Congress were held today.
It's the largest Democratic advantage in the Marist poll since November 2017.
It's the largest Democratic advantage in the Marist poll since November 2017.
November 19, 2025 at 11:26 AM
In the latest poll, Democrats lead Republicans 55%-41% when people were asked who they would vote for in their district if the election for Congress were held today.
It's the largest Democratic advantage in the Marist poll since November 2017.
It's the largest Democratic advantage in the Marist poll since November 2017.
Reposted by stephen fowler
NEW: A new @npr.org/PBS News/Marist poll shows some major warning signs for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as Americans want the president to focus on lowering prices.
Poll: Democrats have biggest advantage for control of Congress in 8 years
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows some major warning signs for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as Americans want the president to focus on lowering prices.
www.npr.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:26 AM
NEW: A new @npr.org/PBS News/Marist poll shows some major warning signs for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as Americans want the president to focus on lowering prices.
Reposted by stephen fowler
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows some major warning signs for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as Americans want the president to focus on lowering prices. n.pr/4phc0w1
Poll: Democrats have biggest advantage for control of Congress in 8 years
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows some major warning signs for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as Americans want the president to focus on lowering prices.
n.pr
November 19, 2025 at 10:16 AM
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows some major warning signs for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as Americans want the president to focus on lowering prices. n.pr/4phc0w1
NEW: A new @npr.org/PBS News/Marist poll shows some major warning signs for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as Americans want the president to focus on lowering prices.
Poll: Democrats have biggest advantage for control of Congress in 8 years
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows some major warning signs for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as Americans want the president to focus on lowering prices.
www.npr.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:26 AM
NEW: A new @npr.org/PBS News/Marist poll shows some major warning signs for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as Americans want the president to focus on lowering prices.
An Atlanta resident has bequeathed @wabe.org a $3 million donation, the largest one-time individual donation in the nonprofit media operation’s 76-year history.
Donor leaves WABE $3 million, largest individual gift in station’s history
An Atlanta resident has bequeathed WABE a $3 million donation, the largest one-time individual donation in the nonprofit media operation’s 76-year history.
www.ajc.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:49 PM
An Atlanta resident has bequeathed @wabe.org a $3 million donation, the largest one-time individual donation in the nonprofit media operation’s 76-year history.
A few weeks ago I turned 32 and spent it in a way that somehow made sense for me: making wild gestures during a panel for NPR donors about my government restructuring reporting, dealing with airport chaos and (not pictured) nerds gummy clusters
November 18, 2025 at 9:41 PM
A few weeks ago I turned 32 and spent it in a way that somehow made sense for me: making wild gestures during a panel for NPR donors about my government restructuring reporting, dealing with airport chaos and (not pictured) nerds gummy clusters
One thing worth reiterating: Marjorie Taylor Greene hasn't suddenly changed her ideology or "pivoted" away from her conservative populism.
She's just noting ways that Trump + Republicans haven't lived up to her views.
She's just noting ways that Trump + Republicans haven't lived up to her views.
The Epstein files are just the latest fracture hitting Trump's MAGA coalition
Even before the president's falling out with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., over the Epstein files, some Republicans questioned Trump's policy interpretation of what "America First" means.
www.npr.org
November 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM
One thing worth reiterating: Marjorie Taylor Greene hasn't suddenly changed her ideology or "pivoted" away from her conservative populism.
She's just noting ways that Trump + Republicans haven't lived up to her views.
She's just noting ways that Trump + Republicans haven't lived up to her views.