Reposted by v.t.n
Nenko Gantchev should still be alive—home with his family. After 30 years contributing to Chicagoland as a small business owner and taxpayer, ICE detained him, ignored his medical needs, and he died in custody. This system is cruel, reckless, and must be held accountable.
Bulgarian Chicago business owner dies in ICE custody, sparking calls for 'immediate investigation'
https://abc7chicago.com/post/bulgarian-chicago-business-owner-nenko-gantchev-dies-ice-custody-family-congresswoman-call-immediate-investigation/18301520/
https://abc7chicago.com/post/bulgarian-chicago-business-owner-nenko-gantchev-dies-ice-custody-family-congresswoman-call-immediate-investigation/18301520/
Bulgarian Chicago business owner dies in ICE custody, sparking calls for 'immediate investigation'
A Bulgarian man from Chicago arrested during an immigration enforcement 'blitz' has died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a Michigan private prison, the ABC7 I-Team has learned.
abc7chicago.com
December 20, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Nenko Gantchev should still be alive—home with his family. After 30 years contributing to Chicagoland as a small business owner and taxpayer, ICE detained him, ignored his medical needs, and he died in custody. This system is cruel, reckless, and must be held accountable.
Reposted by v.t.n
The Trump admin says it aims to file 100-200 denaturalization cases per month, a huge increase. But these cases are hard to file and win, and require a lot of DOJ resources, and the DOJ is incredibly stretched thin already. So we’ll see; I have serious doubts about their ability to do this.
What this will mean, in practice, that if you are deemed an enemy of the administration, they will pore through your citizenship application paperwork looking for some reason to retroactively disqualify you.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/17/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/17/u...
Trump Administration Aims to Strip More Foreign-Born Americans of Citizenship
www.nytimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:00 PM
The Trump admin says it aims to file 100-200 denaturalization cases per month, a huge increase. But these cases are hard to file and win, and require a lot of DOJ resources, and the DOJ is incredibly stretched thin already. So we’ll see; I have serious doubts about their ability to do this.
Reposted by v.t.n
USDA is legally required to use the contingency funds on SNAP benefits for November.
In July, President Trump and Congressional Republicans enacted the largest cuts to SNAP in history.
The reason they aren't planning on providing SNAP benefits is that they don't want to.
In July, President Trump and Congressional Republicans enacted the largest cuts to SNAP in history.
The reason they aren't planning on providing SNAP benefits is that they don't want to.
October 24, 2025 at 8:15 PM
USDA is legally required to use the contingency funds on SNAP benefits for November.
In July, President Trump and Congressional Republicans enacted the largest cuts to SNAP in history.
The reason they aren't planning on providing SNAP benefits is that they don't want to.
In July, President Trump and Congressional Republicans enacted the largest cuts to SNAP in history.
The reason they aren't planning on providing SNAP benefits is that they don't want to.
Reposted by v.t.n
Hegseth's words seem especially chilling in light of his whitewashing of the Wounded Knee Massacre as a heroic "battle" only a few days ago. The message would seem to be that the Trump Administration is willing to forgive any atrocity US troops may commit as an "earnest mistake."
Hegseth: "You should not pay for an earnest mistake for your entire career. That's why today, at my direction, we're making changes to the retention of adverse information on personnel records."
September 30, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Hegseth's words seem especially chilling in light of his whitewashing of the Wounded Knee Massacre as a heroic "battle" only a few days ago. The message would seem to be that the Trump Administration is willing to forgive any atrocity US troops may commit as an "earnest mistake."
Reposted by v.t.n
the president of the united states wants to use the american military to kill american citizens on american soil. that's the whole story!
September 30, 2025 at 2:43 PM
the president of the united states wants to use the american military to kill american citizens on american soil. that's the whole story!
Reposted by v.t.n
yeah, this is hegseth straightforwardly announcing that it is free play time for bigots in the ranks. and together with his comments on standards, he clearly wants to purge as many women, black and brown people as he can from the armed services. a white man's military.
Hegseth: "We are overhauling an inspector general process that has been weaponized, putting complainers and poor performers in the driver seat. We are doing the same with the equal opportunity policies. No more frivolous complaints, no more anonymous complains ... no more walking on eggshells."
September 30, 2025 at 12:54 PM
yeah, this is hegseth straightforwardly announcing that it is free play time for bigots in the ranks. and together with his comments on standards, he clearly wants to purge as many women, black and brown people as he can from the armed services. a white man's military.
Reposted by v.t.n
JUST IN: President Trump has told top U.S. commanders that the military would be used against "enemy within."
Trump defends use of U.S. military against 'enemy within'
Earlier, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the purpose of the department would exclusively be "war fighting."
n.pr
September 30, 2025 at 3:25 PM
JUST IN: President Trump has told top U.S. commanders that the military would be used against "enemy within."
Reposted by v.t.n
Here's my column on how shutdowns work. It's my best attempt at explaining what keeps going, what keeps going only for a short period of time, and what stops immediately.
Shutdowns are complicated, but I tried my best here.
www.americanprogress.org/article/what...
Shutdowns are complicated, but I tried my best here.
www.americanprogress.org/article/what...
What Happens During a Government Shutdown?
Learn how a government shutdown affects you.
www.americanprogress.org
September 29, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Here's my column on how shutdowns work. It's my best attempt at explaining what keeps going, what keeps going only for a short period of time, and what stops immediately.
Shutdowns are complicated, but I tried my best here.
www.americanprogress.org/article/what...
Shutdowns are complicated, but I tried my best here.
www.americanprogress.org/article/what...
Reposted by v.t.n
I’m personally shocked that the administration that said there should be less bipartisanship in budget deals has failed to find a bipartisan solution
September 29, 2025 at 9:48 PM
I’m personally shocked that the administration that said there should be less bipartisanship in budget deals has failed to find a bipartisan solution
Reposted by v.t.n
These are calls for mass political violence, against all Democrats. They openly call for the bombing of "Democrat" cities and for the jailing or killing of Democratic politicians. They are from some of the most influential voices in right-wing politics. Will anyone say anything?
September 11, 2025 at 3:11 AM
These are calls for mass political violence, against all Democrats. They openly call for the bombing of "Democrat" cities and for the jailing or killing of Democratic politicians. They are from some of the most influential voices in right-wing politics. Will anyone say anything?
Reposted by v.t.n
Question for Senate Democrats is: should they give up all budget leverage to fix *just* this problem *only until the midterms*, after which the problem returns?
Republicans hope Dems do; they know this will produce a big voter backlash against them.
I think Dems should demand much, much more.
Republicans hope Dems do; they know this will produce a big voter backlash against them.
I think Dems should demand much, much more.
This undersells what insurance exchange policyholders will feel if Congress doesn't act. The 18 percent increase is on the raw cost of insurance. But many will also lose enhanced subsidies that expire at the end of December. Those people will feel an average increase of *more than 75%.*
September 8, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Question for Senate Democrats is: should they give up all budget leverage to fix *just* this problem *only until the midterms*, after which the problem returns?
Republicans hope Dems do; they know this will produce a big voter backlash against them.
I think Dems should demand much, much more.
Republicans hope Dems do; they know this will produce a big voter backlash against them.
I think Dems should demand much, much more.
Reposted by v.t.n
Good evening, I’m out here in Los Angeles near MacArthur Park, where protestors have taken to the streets to protest the recent raids across the city, despite a TRO prohibiting them
August 9, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Good evening, I’m out here in Los Angeles near MacArthur Park, where protestors have taken to the streets to protest the recent raids across the city, despite a TRO prohibiting them
Reposted by v.t.n
House Republicans proposed providing $89.9 billion in discretionary funding in the Transportation-HUD spending bill, which is a 4.7% decrease from the fiscal 2025 level, according to a GOP summary.
House GOP Lawmakers Eye Deep Cuts to Transit in Spending Bill
House Republicans proposed providing $89.9 billion in discretionary funding in the Transportation-HUD spending bill, which is a 4.7% decrease from the fiscal 2025 level, according to a GOP summary.
bit.ly
July 14, 2025 at 4:05 AM
House Republicans proposed providing $89.9 billion in discretionary funding in the Transportation-HUD spending bill, which is a 4.7% decrease from the fiscal 2025 level, according to a GOP summary.
Reposted by v.t.n
For my friends that are worried about HUD funding:
Congress' appropriation draft is posted and while there is a cut to the overall budget, it appears to keep current assistance levels in place. This is a much better starting place than I was bracing for.
Congress' appropriation draft is posted and while there is a cut to the overall budget, it appears to keep current assistance levels in place. This is a much better starting place than I was bracing for.
July 14, 2025 at 12:19 PM
For my friends that are worried about HUD funding:
Congress' appropriation draft is posted and while there is a cut to the overall budget, it appears to keep current assistance levels in place. This is a much better starting place than I was bracing for.
Congress' appropriation draft is posted and while there is a cut to the overall budget, it appears to keep current assistance levels in place. This is a much better starting place than I was bracing for.
Reposted by v.t.n
Just heard Bill Kristol, former chief of staff for Dan Quayle, say he thinks ICE should be defunded and that the entire DHS should probably be disbanded, which puts him to the left of maybe the majority of elected Democrats. Truly wild times we’re living in.
July 1, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Just heard Bill Kristol, former chief of staff for Dan Quayle, say he thinks ICE should be defunded and that the entire DHS should probably be disbanded, which puts him to the left of maybe the majority of elected Democrats. Truly wild times we’re living in.
Reposted by v.t.n
The bottom line is that to support this bill, the Freedom Caucus would have to ignore their professed core beliefs and render their entire political project completely irrelevant—and I expect them all to do that.
I would personally be very surprised if the House GOP didn't eat the Senate bill. You will get some kicking and screaming, and maybe some fighting over who gets to vote no, but I'd feel good laying 4-1 this passes by the weekend.
July 1, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The bottom line is that to support this bill, the Freedom Caucus would have to ignore their professed core beliefs and render their entire political project completely irrelevant—and I expect them all to do that.
Reposted by v.t.n
What voters think nativism will mean: stop giving benefits to others, so you can focus resources on citizens
What it actually means in practice: stop giving citizens benefits, so you can focus resources on punishing others
What it actually means in practice: stop giving citizens benefits, so you can focus resources on punishing others
July 1, 2025 at 4:51 PM
What voters think nativism will mean: stop giving benefits to others, so you can focus resources on citizens
What it actually means in practice: stop giving citizens benefits, so you can focus resources on punishing others
What it actually means in practice: stop giving citizens benefits, so you can focus resources on punishing others
Reposted by v.t.n
"It’s notable, but not surprising, that the Biden administration itself asked the Court to decide whether nationwide injunctions are lawful, only for the Court to decline the request."
www.offmessage.net/p/supreme-co...
www.offmessage.net/p/supreme-co...
Don't Applaud Supreme Court Conservatives For Doing Trump Special Favors
It's hard to view the Court's latest 6-3 ruling as anything other than a politically-motivated gift.
www.offmessage.net
July 1, 2025 at 1:03 PM
"It’s notable, but not surprising, that the Biden administration itself asked the Court to decide whether nationwide injunctions are lawful, only for the Court to decline the request."
www.offmessage.net/p/supreme-co...
www.offmessage.net/p/supreme-co...
Reposted by v.t.n
If you imagine the safety net as an actual piece of tattered fabric, earlier repeal efforts looked like cutting wide swathes from the edges, more explicitly shrinking eligibility and spending.
This bill leaves leaves the edges largely intact — but adds new holes and makes the existing ones bigger.
This bill leaves leaves the edges largely intact — but adds new holes and makes the existing ones bigger.
The Senate has just passed what amounts to the biggest health reform plan since the ACA, rolling back many of the health insurance coverage increases achieved by the ACA.
July 1, 2025 at 4:34 PM
If you imagine the safety net as an actual piece of tattered fabric, earlier repeal efforts looked like cutting wide swathes from the edges, more explicitly shrinking eligibility and spending.
This bill leaves leaves the edges largely intact — but adds new holes and makes the existing ones bigger.
This bill leaves leaves the edges largely intact — but adds new holes and makes the existing ones bigger.
Reposted by v.t.n
I beg your everloving pardon
July 1, 2025 at 4:37 PM
I beg your everloving pardon
Reposted by v.t.n
I asked a Cuban Democrat in Florida, former Congressman Joe Garcia, how Cubans are taking this news. He said it's making the rounds, but in a muted way.
"Remember this is Vichy France," he told me, speaking of Cuban Florida. "This is occupied territory."
"Remember this is Vichy France," he told me, speaking of Cuban Florida. "This is occupied territory."
Just awful: A 75-year-old man just died in ICE custody, ICE has revealed in a notice to Congress.
But here's the rub: This man, a Cuban national, was first paroled into the US in 1966—nearly 60 years ago! They were set to deport him anyway.
Details in my new piece:
newrepublic.com/article/1974...
But here's the rub: This man, a Cuban national, was first paroled into the US in 1966—nearly 60 years ago! They were set to deport him anyway.
Details in my new piece:
newrepublic.com/article/1974...
Why Did a 75-Year-Old Man in Poor Health Just Die in ICE Custody?
Isidro Perez came to the United States from Cuba nearly 60 years ago. This is who Stephen Miller is going after now?
newrepublic.com
June 30, 2025 at 7:44 PM
I asked a Cuban Democrat in Florida, former Congressman Joe Garcia, how Cubans are taking this news. He said it's making the rounds, but in a muted way.
"Remember this is Vichy France," he told me, speaking of Cuban Florida. "This is occupied territory."
"Remember this is Vichy France," he told me, speaking of Cuban Florida. "This is occupied territory."
Reposted by v.t.n
Trump's HUD Secretary is asking to cut funding for housing by nearly HALF.
It's absurd to claim we can't afford basic programs to keep people off the streets, but we can afford TRILLIONS in tax cuts for billionaires & giant corporations.
I'm tossing Trump's budget in the trash.
It's absurd to claim we can't afford basic programs to keep people off the streets, but we can afford TRILLIONS in tax cuts for billionaires & giant corporations.
I'm tossing Trump's budget in the trash.
June 12, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Trump's HUD Secretary is asking to cut funding for housing by nearly HALF.
It's absurd to claim we can't afford basic programs to keep people off the streets, but we can afford TRILLIONS in tax cuts for billionaires & giant corporations.
I'm tossing Trump's budget in the trash.
It's absurd to claim we can't afford basic programs to keep people off the streets, but we can afford TRILLIONS in tax cuts for billionaires & giant corporations.
I'm tossing Trump's budget in the trash.
Reposted by v.t.n
NEW: Though Elon Musk is gone, DOGE is here to stay. Russell Vought, a Christian nationalist and Project 2025 architect, appears to be at the helm of the faux-agency — and the slash-and-burn effort against the federal government may be on the cusp of an even darker turn.
by: @jaknutson.bsky.social
by: @jaknutson.bsky.social
Meet Russell Vought, the New Face of the DOGE Agenda
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
June 4, 2025 at 8:47 PM
NEW: Though Elon Musk is gone, DOGE is here to stay. Russell Vought, a Christian nationalist and Project 2025 architect, appears to be at the helm of the faux-agency — and the slash-and-burn effort against the federal government may be on the cusp of an even darker turn.
by: @jaknutson.bsky.social
by: @jaknutson.bsky.social
Reposted by v.t.n
It’s hard to keep track of everything going on in Congress right now, but one thing not to miss: the House just released an agriculture appropriations bill that fails to fully fund WIC + would cut fruit & vegetable benefits for 5+ million new & expecting moms & young kids.
CBPP's Zoe Neuberger posted a thread on X outlining the harmful cuts to WIC in the House Republicans' newly released agriculture appropriations bill: x.com/zoeneuberger...
June 4, 2025 at 8:08 PM
It’s hard to keep track of everything going on in Congress right now, but one thing not to miss: the House just released an agriculture appropriations bill that fails to fully fund WIC + would cut fruit & vegetable benefits for 5+ million new & expecting moms & young kids.