Taniel
@taniel.bsky.social
Daniel Nichanian. Editor in chief of @boltsmag.org (follow us!). Elections, (local) politics, voting rights, criminal justice, and drag race.
Reposted by Taniel
NEW: Special elections in the razor-thin Democratic majority-Houses in Maine and Pennsylvania. Billions of dollars in funding for school. A congressional primary.
There are plenty of important elections right around corner, in FEBRUARY.
So i put together my monthly guide of elections to watch:
There are plenty of important elections right around corner, in FEBRUARY.
So i put together my monthly guide of elections to watch:
The 20 Elections to Watch This February - Bolts
Democrats hold the narrowest of majorities in Maine and Pennsylvania’s state Houses. They now need to defend vacant seats to retain their edge in each through the end of the... Read More
boltsmag.org
January 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM
NEW: Special elections in the razor-thin Democratic majority-Houses in Maine and Pennsylvania. Billions of dollars in funding for school. A congressional primary.
There are plenty of important elections right around corner, in FEBRUARY.
So i put together my monthly guide of elections to watch:
There are plenty of important elections right around corner, in FEBRUARY.
So i put together my monthly guide of elections to watch:
Reposted by Taniel
President Trump has filed a lawsuit against the IRS, in which he demands that the IRS, which he as president controls, pay him $10 billion.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
January 30, 2026 at 12:56 AM
President Trump has filed a lawsuit against the IRS, in which he demands that the IRS, which he as president controls, pay him $10 billion.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
One of the states most on top of it right now is Maryland, where Dem lawmakers appear to be racing to pass a ban on the infamous 287g contracts with ICE.
This nine months after Dems stood down at the last minute on doing the same; posted this at the time.
This nine months after Dems stood down at the last minute on doing the same; posted this at the time.
1️⃣ Maryland's GOP sheriffs are rushing to join an ICE program that's one of the most visible funnels into the deportation machinery.
State Democrats were on the verge of banning the program in Maryland—but chose to stand down.
@burness.bsky.social reports on what happened, & why it matters:
State Democrats were on the verge of banning the program in Maryland—but chose to stand down.
@burness.bsky.social reports on what happened, & why it matters:
“A Betrayal in Slow Motion”: Maryland Democrats Forgo Banning ICE Contracts - Bolts
The clock neared midnight on Monday, April 7, the final day of Maryland’s 2025 legislative session, and immigrant rights advocates, who’d been at the statehouse all day, and for many... Read More
boltsmag.org
January 30, 2026 at 1:05 AM
One of the states most on top of it right now is Maryland, where Dem lawmakers appear to be racing to pass a ban on the infamous 287g contracts with ICE.
This nine months after Dems stood down at the last minute on doing the same; posted this at the time.
This nine months after Dems stood down at the last minute on doing the same; posted this at the time.
Reposted by Taniel
We've still got some big special elections to close out January...but as soon as we do, February comes barreling in with their own set of crucial races.
Here is the @boltsmag.org guide to February Elections:
boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
Here is the @boltsmag.org guide to February Elections:
boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
The 20 Elections to Watch This February - Bolts
Democrats hold the narrowest of majorities in Maine and Pennsylvania’s state Houses. They now need to defend vacant seats to retain their edge in each through the end of the... Read More
boltsmag.org
January 29, 2026 at 5:51 PM
We've still got some big special elections to close out January...but as soon as we do, February comes barreling in with their own set of crucial races.
Here is the @boltsmag.org guide to February Elections:
boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
Here is the @boltsmag.org guide to February Elections:
boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
In Maine, masked federal agents stopped a car that contained a baby, and smashed a window. "Glass sprayed over the baby’s car seat." They took the baby's father who was driving, leaving the mother who does not have a driver's license alone in the car with the baby. On video:
ICE agents shatter window, leave 1-month-old baby, mother in car after Portland arrest
Video shows federal immigration agents leaving behind an infant and broken glass after detaining a Guinean immigrant with no known criminal history.
www.pressherald.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:14 PM
In Maine, masked federal agents stopped a car that contained a baby, and smashed a window. "Glass sprayed over the baby’s car seat." They took the baby's father who was driving, leaving the mother who does not have a driver's license alone in the car with the baby. On video:
Reposted by Taniel
My New One @slate.com: "Trump’s Continued Obsession With 2020 Is a Joke. His Raid on a Georgia Election Site Is Not."
slate.com/news-and-pol...
slate.com/news-and-pol...
January 29, 2026 at 7:47 PM
My New One @slate.com: "Trump’s Continued Obsession With 2020 Is a Joke. His Raid on a Georgia Election Site Is Not."
slate.com/news-and-pol...
slate.com/news-and-pol...
Reposted by Taniel
Bolts is really an indispensable part of the American media landscape. Just so much great info about what’s at stake in elections big and small.
Should be required reading for every American.
Should be required reading for every American.
NEW: Special elections in the razor-thin Democratic majority-Houses in Maine and Pennsylvania. Billions of dollars in funding for school. A congressional primary.
There are plenty of important elections right around corner, in FEBRUARY.
So i put together my monthly guide of elections to watch:
There are plenty of important elections right around corner, in FEBRUARY.
So i put together my monthly guide of elections to watch:
The 20 Elections to Watch This February - Bolts
Democrats hold the narrowest of majorities in Maine and Pennsylvania’s state Houses. They now need to defend vacant seats to retain their edge in each through the end of the... Read More
boltsmag.org
January 29, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Bolts is really an indispensable part of the American media landscape. Just so much great info about what’s at stake in elections big and small.
Should be required reading for every American.
Should be required reading for every American.
Reposted by Taniel
If you read one thing today, make it this. These February elections will shape power, funding, and representation far beyond their states. This is where the next fights are decided.
The 20 Elections to Watch This February - Bolts
Democrats hold the narrowest of majorities in Maine and Pennsylvania’s state Houses. They now need to defend vacant seats to retain their edge in each through the end of the... Read More
boltsmag.org
January 29, 2026 at 3:41 PM
If you read one thing today, make it this. These February elections will shape power, funding, and representation far beyond their states. This is where the next fights are decided.
NEW: Special elections in the razor-thin Democratic majority-Houses in Maine and Pennsylvania. Billions of dollars in funding for school. A congressional primary.
There are plenty of important elections right around corner, in FEBRUARY.
So i put together my monthly guide of elections to watch:
There are plenty of important elections right around corner, in FEBRUARY.
So i put together my monthly guide of elections to watch:
The 20 Elections to Watch This February - Bolts
Democrats hold the narrowest of majorities in Maine and Pennsylvania’s state Houses. They now need to defend vacant seats to retain their edge in each through the end of the... Read More
boltsmag.org
January 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM
NEW: Special elections in the razor-thin Democratic majority-Houses in Maine and Pennsylvania. Billions of dollars in funding for school. A congressional primary.
There are plenty of important elections right around corner, in FEBRUARY.
So i put together my monthly guide of elections to watch:
There are plenty of important elections right around corner, in FEBRUARY.
So i put together my monthly guide of elections to watch:
I hope some of you are ready for more elections, because February is around the corner, and our preview/primer of what you need to know is about to drop. An interesting month!
January 29, 2026 at 3:25 PM
I hope some of you are ready for more elections, because February is around the corner, and our preview/primer of what you need to know is about to drop. An interesting month!
just a reminder as we look at whether Congress increases ICE funding: Congress already sent funding SOARING last summer. this is from then: boltsmag.org/how-the-gop-...
January 29, 2026 at 3:16 PM
just a reminder as we look at whether Congress increases ICE funding: Congress already sent funding SOARING last summer. this is from then: boltsmag.org/how-the-gop-...
Homan is basically saying the crackdown will 'ease' if Minnesota and/or its counties joined ICE's 287(g) program (which people who follow me on here will know well).
Breaking News: President Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, said the immigration crackdown in Minnesota could ease if federal agents gained broader access to state jails.
Live Updates: Trump's Border Chief Says He Is In Minnesota to 'Regain Law and Order'
Tom Homan, now in charge of ICE’s immigration operation in the state, held a news conference outside Minneapolis as the agency faced growing pressure over its tactics.
nyti.ms
January 29, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Homan is basically saying the crackdown will 'ease' if Minnesota and/or its counties joined ICE's 287(g) program (which people who follow me on here will know well).
Police in Helena, Montana, is withdrawing from a regional law enforcement task force because the task force is tied to the border patrol: apnews.com/article/hele...
January 29, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Police in Helena, Montana, is withdrawing from a regional law enforcement task force because the task force is tied to the border patrol: apnews.com/article/hele...
Reposted by Taniel
“If you support ICE, my content is not for you. I don’t want my recipes bringing joy to fascists,” said one baking account. newrepublic.com/article/2058...
How Minneapolis Is Making Social Media More Political
As the scenes of ICE violence take over our screens, more and more people whose lives are lived online are finding it impossible to stay on the sidelines.
newrepublic.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:18 PM
“If you support ICE, my content is not for you. I don’t want my recipes bringing joy to fascists,” said one baking account. newrepublic.com/article/2058...
the thing is, the party that is protecting the agents who we all saw shoot to kill is going to run nonstop ads all fall accusing their opponents of being ‘soft on crime’
January 29, 2026 at 5:00 AM
the thing is, the party that is protecting the agents who we all saw shoot to kill is going to run nonstop ads all fall accusing their opponents of being ‘soft on crime’
Two specials this Saturday:
There’s a congressional special in Houston between two Dems.
And a legislative special where a book ban activist is looking to join the Texas Senate.
Details in my guide: boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
There’s a congressional special in Houston between two Dems.
And a legislative special where a book ban activist is looking to join the Texas Senate.
Details in my guide: boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
January 29, 2026 at 4:35 AM
Two specials this Saturday:
There’s a congressional special in Houston between two Dems.
And a legislative special where a book ban activist is looking to join the Texas Senate.
Details in my guide: boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
There’s a congressional special in Houston between two Dems.
And a legislative special where a book ban activist is looking to join the Texas Senate.
Details in my guide: boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
Reposted by Taniel
I felt obliged to write up an overview of all of the Fulton County fraud claims that have already been made — and dismissed. Let me know if I forgot any. www.pbump.net/o/some-thing...
Some things you should know about Fulton County, Georgia
The county has already seen numerous claims about election fraud — all debunked. There's no reason to think that Kash Patel's FBI will find something new.
www.pbump.net
January 29, 2026 at 3:59 AM
I felt obliged to write up an overview of all of the Fulton County fraud claims that have already been made — and dismissed. Let me know if I forgot any. www.pbump.net/o/some-thing...
Reposted by Taniel
One of the country’s highest-ranking Catholic leaders, and a top ally of Pope Leo, is sharply criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement, calling ICE a “lawless organization." https://to.pbs.org/3LRVzZd
U.S. cardinal urges defunding of ICE: 'We need to see what's happening in front of us'
One of the country’s highest-ranking Catholic leaders, and a top ally of Pope Leo, is sharply criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement, calling ICE a “lawless organization." Card...
to.pbs.org
January 29, 2026 at 3:00 AM
One of the country’s highest-ranking Catholic leaders, and a top ally of Pope Leo, is sharply criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement, calling ICE a “lawless organization." https://to.pbs.org/3LRVzZd
Reposted by Taniel
“Refugees have a legal right to be in the United States, a right to work, a right to live peacefully—and importantly, a right not to be subjected to the terror of being arrested and detained without warrants or cause in their homes or on their way to religious services or to buy groceries.“
REAKING: A federal judge in Minnesota has barred the Trump administration from arresting / detaining the state's 5,600 refugees while they await lawful permanent resident status. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
January 28, 2026 at 11:30 PM
“Refugees have a legal right to be in the United States, a right to work, a right to live peacefully—and importantly, a right not to be subjected to the terror of being arrested and detained without warrants or cause in their homes or on their way to religious services or to buy groceries.“
Reposted by Taniel
in ≈20 states this year, sheriffs who have joined ICE's 287(g) program are up for reelection
i found that a small number of sheriffs are actually representing counties that rejected Trump & voted Harris in 2024.
and they're up for reelection in 2026.
Learn more: boltsmag.org/criminal-jus...
i found that a small number of sheriffs are actually representing counties that rejected Trump & voted Harris in 2024.
and they're up for reelection in 2026.
Learn more: boltsmag.org/criminal-jus...
January 27, 2026 at 7:13 PM
in ≈20 states this year, sheriffs who have joined ICE's 287(g) program are up for reelection
i found that a small number of sheriffs are actually representing counties that rejected Trump & voted Harris in 2024.
and they're up for reelection in 2026.
Learn more: boltsmag.org/criminal-jus...
i found that a small number of sheriffs are actually representing counties that rejected Trump & voted Harris in 2024.
and they're up for reelection in 2026.
Learn more: boltsmag.org/criminal-jus...
Reposted by Taniel
The @boltsmag.org team wants to hear from you: Do you have questions about how local leaders, state officials and activists on the ground are responding to ICE?
Let us know and we will do our best to answer them.
boltsmag.org/send-us-your...
Let us know and we will do our best to answer them.
boltsmag.org/send-us-your...
Send Us Your Questions on Local and State Responses to ICE - Bolts
The killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and other scenes of violence by ICE and Border Patrol agents this month are startling reminders of the turmoil that... Read More
boltsmag.org
January 28, 2026 at 3:48 PM
The @boltsmag.org team wants to hear from you: Do you have questions about how local leaders, state officials and activists on the ground are responding to ICE?
Let us know and we will do our best to answer them.
boltsmag.org/send-us-your...
Let us know and we will do our best to answer them.
boltsmag.org/send-us-your...
Reposted by Taniel
If you have questions be sure to get it submitted so you can help!!
JUST OUT: We have put a call for Qs about local & state responses to ICE.
We're hearing you ask variations of what could be done about instances of brutality, about how police helps ICE.
So let us know anything you're wondering; we'll do our best to answer: boltsmag.org/send-us-your...
We're hearing you ask variations of what could be done about instances of brutality, about how police helps ICE.
So let us know anything you're wondering; we'll do our best to answer: boltsmag.org/send-us-your...
Send Us Your Questions on Local and State Responses to ICE - Bolts
The killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and other scenes of violence by ICE and Border Patrol agents this month are startling reminders of the turmoil that... Read More
boltsmag.org
January 28, 2026 at 3:57 AM
If you have questions be sure to get it submitted so you can help!!
Reposted by Taniel
Continuously thankful for @boltsmag.org’s practical, actionable, local coverage. They’ve filled a real gap in the media world. boltsmag.org/criminal-jus...
In Criminal Justice Elections This Year, ICE Contracts Are on the Hot Seat - Bolts
With roughly 2,400 elections for prosecutor and sheriff this year, Bolts reviews the map and early hotspots that will shape criminal punishment and law enforcement practices.
boltsmag.org
January 27, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Continuously thankful for @boltsmag.org’s practical, actionable, local coverage. They’ve filled a real gap in the media world. boltsmag.org/criminal-jus...
Reposted by Taniel
I interviewed Alex Pretti's next-door neighbor, Chris Gray, a teachers' union activist.
He describes the mood in the neighborhood, organizing for a general strike & the importance of organizing Target workers to achieve more leverage in another general strike.
paydayreport.com/alex-prettis...
He describes the mood in the neighborhood, organizing for a general strike & the importance of organizing Target workers to achieve more leverage in another general strike.
paydayreport.com/alex-prettis...
Alex Pretti’s Next-Door Neighbor Talks Grief, Community Meetings, & Organizing Target Workers
As Chris spoke of his grief, it combined with excitement and resolve about the organizing ideas that he heard at the meeting that day.
paydayreport.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:28 PM
I interviewed Alex Pretti's next-door neighbor, Chris Gray, a teachers' union activist.
He describes the mood in the neighborhood, organizing for a general strike & the importance of organizing Target workers to achieve more leverage in another general strike.
paydayreport.com/alex-prettis...
He describes the mood in the neighborhood, organizing for a general strike & the importance of organizing Target workers to achieve more leverage in another general strike.
paydayreport.com/alex-prettis...
Reposted by Taniel
This is great! @taniel.bsky.social and @boltsmag.org are putting together a big Q&A for people who want to know more about state and local response to ICE operations.
Send them your questions!
Send them your questions!
JUST OUT: We have put a call for Qs about local & state responses to ICE.
We're hearing you ask variations of what could be done about instances of brutality, about how police helps ICE.
So let us know anything you're wondering; we'll do our best to answer: boltsmag.org/send-us-your...
We're hearing you ask variations of what could be done about instances of brutality, about how police helps ICE.
So let us know anything you're wondering; we'll do our best to answer: boltsmag.org/send-us-your...
Send Us Your Questions on Local and State Responses to ICE - Bolts
The killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and other scenes of violence by ICE and Border Patrol agents this month are startling reminders of the turmoil that... Read More
boltsmag.org
January 28, 2026 at 3:25 AM
This is great! @taniel.bsky.social and @boltsmag.org are putting together a big Q&A for people who want to know more about state and local response to ICE operations.
Send them your questions!
Send them your questions!