alex nguyen
@alexjn.bsky.social
Contributing writer @motherjones.com | reporting on labor and politics, fact checker | posts on good art sometimes
Email: alexajn@proton.me
Signal: anguyen.91
Email: alexajn@proton.me
Signal: anguyen.91
Reposted by alex nguyen
If it clarifies what was lost this week:
Philip Kennicott and Monica Hesse remain as arts critics at The Washington Post
Eliminated:
art critic
arts editor
arts/film editor
classical critic
pop critic
television critic
theater critic
all editors/reporters in Book World including two book critics
Philip Kennicott and Monica Hesse remain as arts critics at The Washington Post
Eliminated:
art critic
arts editor
arts/film editor
classical critic
pop critic
television critic
theater critic
all editors/reporters in Book World including two book critics
February 7, 2026 at 9:23 PM
If it clarifies what was lost this week:
Philip Kennicott and Monica Hesse remain as arts critics at The Washington Post
Eliminated:
art critic
arts editor
arts/film editor
classical critic
pop critic
television critic
theater critic
all editors/reporters in Book World including two book critics
Philip Kennicott and Monica Hesse remain as arts critics at The Washington Post
Eliminated:
art critic
arts editor
arts/film editor
classical critic
pop critic
television critic
theater critic
all editors/reporters in Book World including two book critics
Reposted by alex nguyen
ok, whoa. the DOJ just told me that the unredacted version of the document in question contains an image of a victim’s face overlayed on the face of the Mona Lisa image. so, that's why it's redacted. jesus christ
cool. glad we protected her identity at least www.404media.co/the-doj-reda...
The DOJ Redacted a Photo of the Mona Lisa in the Epstein Files
While Epstein’s victims endure the fallout of their photos and names being exposed in the Department of Justice’s latest tranche of files, investigators redacted the identity of the most famous portra...
www.404media.co
February 5, 2026 at 10:26 PM
ok, whoa. the DOJ just told me that the unredacted version of the document in question contains an image of a victim’s face overlayed on the face of the Mona Lisa image. so, that's why it's redacted. jesus christ
Reposted by alex nguyen
oh hell yes
www.architecturaldigest.com/story/kriste...
www.architecturaldigest.com/story/kriste...
Kristen Stewart’s Bold Plan to Bring a Beloved Los Angeles Theater Back to Life
How the actor-director is restoring the historic Highland Theatre as a community-centered home for adventurous cinema in LA
www.architecturaldigest.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:14 PM
oh hell yes
www.architecturaldigest.com/story/kriste...
www.architecturaldigest.com/story/kriste...
Rep. Pat Ryan says he will donate all campaign funds he accepted from execs at companies with ICE contracts to local immigrant groups, per the Daily Freeman.
This came just days after For the Many, a Hudson Valley org advancing progressive policies, called for Ryan to turn over Palantir money.
This came just days after For the Many, a Hudson Valley org advancing progressive policies, called for Ryan to turn over Palantir money.
February 5, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Rep. Pat Ryan says he will donate all campaign funds he accepted from execs at companies with ICE contracts to local immigrant groups, per the Daily Freeman.
This came just days after For the Many, a Hudson Valley org advancing progressive policies, called for Ryan to turn over Palantir money.
This came just days after For the Many, a Hudson Valley org advancing progressive policies, called for Ryan to turn over Palantir money.
Reposted by alex nguyen
ICE tear gassed a bunch of children on Saturday. This was a massive escalation of force. They were shooting tear gas at the back of the crowd, it took these unmasked people maybe 3-5 minutes in the cloud of tear gas to escape in without trampling. www.theverge.com/policy/87278...
ICE is afraid of children protesting
“Next time, I’ll be back with a gas mask.”
www.theverge.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:11 PM
ICE tear gassed a bunch of children on Saturday. This was a massive escalation of force. They were shooting tear gas at the back of the crowd, it took these unmasked people maybe 3-5 minutes in the cloud of tear gas to escape in without trampling. www.theverge.com/policy/87278...
Reposted by alex nguyen
they should make a movie series about how it’s irresponsible to use technology to mess with the natural order of things for profit
Xfinity has just released its Jurassic Park-themed Super Bowl ad that features a digitally de-aged Sam Neil, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum. https://bit.ly/4rmRhrK
February 3, 2026 at 3:32 AM
they should make a movie series about how it’s irresponsible to use technology to mess with the natural order of things for profit
Reposted by alex nguyen
SCOOP: Palantir's AI has been deployed at HHS since last March to audit grants, grant applications, & job descriptions for anything related to "DEI" or "gender ideology"
The goal was to ensure compliance with 2 of Trump's executive orders:
www.wired.com/story/hhs-is...
The goal was to ensure compliance with 2 of Trump's executive orders:
www.wired.com/story/hhs-is...
HHS Is Using AI Tools From Palantir to Target ‘DEI’ and ‘Gender Ideology’ in Grants
Since March of 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services has been using tools from Palantir and the startup Credal AI to weed out perceived alignment with “DEI” or “gender ideology.”
www.wired.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:04 PM
SCOOP: Palantir's AI has been deployed at HHS since last March to audit grants, grant applications, & job descriptions for anything related to "DEI" or "gender ideology"
The goal was to ensure compliance with 2 of Trump's executive orders:
www.wired.com/story/hhs-is...
The goal was to ensure compliance with 2 of Trump's executive orders:
www.wired.com/story/hhs-is...
Reposted by alex nguyen
Oscar nominated co-writer of It Was Just An Accident has just been arrested in Iran. Statement by Jafar Panahi:
February 1, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Oscar nominated co-writer of It Was Just An Accident has just been arrested in Iran. Statement by Jafar Panahi:
Reposted by alex nguyen
SCOOP: 404 Media is publishing a version of the user guide for ELITE, a tool Palantir made for ICE which brings up dossiers on individual people and provides a “confidence score” of their address.
The full user guide here:
The full user guide here:
Here is the User Guide for ELITE, the Tool Palantir Made for ICE
404 Media is publishing a version of the user guide for ELITE, which lets ICE bring up dossiers on individual people and provides a “confidence score” of their address.
www.404media.co
January 30, 2026 at 2:50 PM
SCOOP: 404 Media is publishing a version of the user guide for ELITE, a tool Palantir made for ICE which brings up dossiers on individual people and provides a “confidence score” of their address.
The full user guide here:
The full user guide here:
Reposted by alex nguyen
For some reporting, looking to talk to people who have experienced job searching alongside a close family member. (For ex., job searching at the same time a parent is, or vice versa.) Looking to connect with folks of different ages/fields/household & familial configurations. Email & Signal in bio!
January 28, 2026 at 9:39 PM
For some reporting, looking to talk to people who have experienced job searching alongside a close family member. (For ex., job searching at the same time a parent is, or vice versa.) Looking to connect with folks of different ages/fields/household & familial configurations. Email & Signal in bio!
Reposted by alex nguyen
2 weeks of ICE funding is 2 too many
🚨 The Senate has agreed to a deal to vote on 5/6 full appropriations bills and replace the DHS funding measure with a 2-week stopgap bill, per multiple sources. That gives time to negotiate on the Dem demands for ICE and CBP restraints.
January 29, 2026 at 10:52 PM
2 weeks of ICE funding is 2 too many
Reposted by alex nguyen
We tried the carrot. Here’s the stick.
#ICE is ramping up attacks against immigrants and American citizens— and #Palantir is their surveillance backbone.
Go to www.purgepalantir.com/the-palantir-payroll/ for the list of dirty politicians trading our rights for Palantir $$$ — then call them out.
#ICE is ramping up attacks against immigrants and American citizens— and #Palantir is their surveillance backbone.
Go to www.purgepalantir.com/the-palantir-payroll/ for the list of dirty politicians trading our rights for Palantir $$$ — then call them out.
January 29, 2026 at 9:14 PM
We tried the carrot. Here’s the stick.
#ICE is ramping up attacks against immigrants and American citizens— and #Palantir is their surveillance backbone.
Go to www.purgepalantir.com/the-palantir-payroll/ for the list of dirty politicians trading our rights for Palantir $$$ — then call them out.
#ICE is ramping up attacks against immigrants and American citizens— and #Palantir is their surveillance backbone.
Go to www.purgepalantir.com/the-palantir-payroll/ for the list of dirty politicians trading our rights for Palantir $$$ — then call them out.
Palantir is spending its revenue from ICE contracts on our elected officials.
The top 5 leaderboard:
1. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)- $286,801
2. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)- $148,500
3. Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.)- $134,600
4. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.)- $106,051
5. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)- $105,350
The top 5 leaderboard:
1. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)- $286,801
2. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)- $148,500
3. Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.)- $134,600
4. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.)- $106,051
5. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)- $105,350
Who takes Palantir’s money? A new tracker finds out.
Who takes Palantir's money? A new tracker finds out.
ICE relies on the firm for deportation tech—and its PAC pays it forward to Congress.
www.motherjones.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:48 PM
Palantir is spending its revenue from ICE contracts on our elected officials.
The top 5 leaderboard:
1. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)- $286,801
2. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)- $148,500
3. Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.)- $134,600
4. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.)- $106,051
5. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)- $105,350
The top 5 leaderboard:
1. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)- $286,801
2. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)- $148,500
3. Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.)- $134,600
4. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.)- $106,051
5. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)- $105,350
Reposted by alex nguyen
What do mirrors reflect back to ICE agents who dress up for war? When they outfit themselves in dramatic camo and hats for jungle warfare in...Minneapolis?
I wrote about the inherent theatrics in ICE's tunnel vision of violence and the real identities behind the body armor.
I wrote about the inherent theatrics in ICE's tunnel vision of violence and the real identities behind the body armor.
ICE’s theater of war
Camo and hats for jungle combat do not make sense in American cities. But they are key to dressing for the war ICE has imagined.
www.motherjones.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:53 PM
What do mirrors reflect back to ICE agents who dress up for war? When they outfit themselves in dramatic camo and hats for jungle warfare in...Minneapolis?
I wrote about the inherent theatrics in ICE's tunnel vision of violence and the real identities behind the body armor.
I wrote about the inherent theatrics in ICE's tunnel vision of violence and the real identities behind the body armor.
Reposted by alex nguyen
Journo Request: I’m looking for people who have placed bets with Kalshi, on their climate markets. Get in touch (there’s a form on my website) if you have!
January 29, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Journo Request: I’m looking for people who have placed bets with Kalshi, on their climate markets. Get in touch (there’s a form on my website) if you have!
Reposted by alex nguyen
Why is the governor of Louisiana volunteering to help Trump take over Greenland? (Hint: $ and resources)
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Here’s who could profit from Trump’s pursuit of Greenland
These US companies, with connections to Republican politicians, see big money to be gained from MAGA imperialism.
www.motherjones.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Why is the governor of Louisiana volunteering to help Trump take over Greenland? (Hint: $ and resources)
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by alex nguyen
Here's how to identify some crowd control munitions, canisters of which federal agents have left on the ground after deploying them against people in Minnesota. bit.ly/3YWp1jE
Graphic by Mark Boswell/The Minnesota Star Tribune
Graphic by Mark Boswell/The Minnesota Star Tribune
January 26, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Here's how to identify some crowd control munitions, canisters of which federal agents have left on the ground after deploying them against people in Minnesota. bit.ly/3YWp1jE
Graphic by Mark Boswell/The Minnesota Star Tribune
Graphic by Mark Boswell/The Minnesota Star Tribune
Reposted by alex nguyen
A new video contradicts the Trump administration's account of the Minneapolis shooting
Video contradicts Trump administration account of Minneapolis killing
Once again, DHS appears to be lying.
www.motherjones.com
January 24, 2026 at 8:55 PM
A new video contradicts the Trump administration's account of the Minneapolis shooting
Reposted by alex nguyen
An overhead view of protesters gathering at the scene of the shooting.
Live coverage: www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
📽️ Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune
Live coverage: www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
📽️ Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune
January 24, 2026 at 9:46 PM
An overhead view of protesters gathering at the scene of the shooting.
Live coverage: www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
📽️ Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune
Live coverage: www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
📽️ Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune
Reposted by alex nguyen
Update: The man shot by federal agents in Minneapolis has died, according to Police Chief Brian O'Hara.
Breaking: Federal agents shot and killed a man in Minneapolis this morning
Agents shot the man several times after wrestling him to the ground.
www.motherjones.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Update: The man shot by federal agents in Minneapolis has died, according to Police Chief Brian O'Hara.
Reposted by alex nguyen
This must be weird news to see if you’re one of the literally hundreds or even thousands of university administrators who preemptively censored faculty, scrubbed websites, changed the names of centers, etc.
Trump administration drops legal appeal over anti-DEI funding threat to schools and colleges. This leaves in place a federal judge's ruling that the anti-DEI effort violated the First Amendment and federal procedural rules. (Via AP) apnews.com/article/dei-... #ncpol #nced
Trump administration drops legal appeal over anti-DEI funding threat to schools and colleges
The Trump administration is dropping its appeal of a federal court ruling that blocked a campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion threatening federal funding to the nation’s schools and colle...
apnews.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:45 PM
This must be weird news to see if you’re one of the literally hundreds or even thousands of university administrators who preemptively censored faculty, scrubbed websites, changed the names of centers, etc.
Amazing, product becoming art
January 23, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Amazing, product becoming art
Reposted by alex nguyen
Iran has been a point of focus for Trump, who has threatened strikes and urged protesters to “Make Iran Great Again.”
To try to understand how the government and people of Iran fit in this picture, @alexjn.bsky.social spoke with Behrooz Ghamari, author and Iranian scholar.
To try to understand how the government and people of Iran fit in this picture, @alexjn.bsky.social spoke with Behrooz Ghamari, author and Iranian scholar.
The long arc of Donald Trump's obsession with Iran
Iranians are demanding economic justice, says historian Behrooz Ghamari—but Trump is just demanding their oil.
www.motherjones.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Iran has been a point of focus for Trump, who has threatened strikes and urged protesters to “Make Iran Great Again.”
To try to understand how the government and people of Iran fit in this picture, @alexjn.bsky.social spoke with Behrooz Ghamari, author and Iranian scholar.
To try to understand how the government and people of Iran fit in this picture, @alexjn.bsky.social spoke with Behrooz Ghamari, author and Iranian scholar.
This was always likely without a whip on the vote from Democratic leadership.
The DHS funding bill was also separated from a vote on three other House appropriations bills, making an overwhelming Republican majority and some Democratic "yes" votes quite easy.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The DHS funding bill was also separated from a vote on three other House appropriations bills, making an overwhelming Republican majority and some Democratic "yes" votes quite easy.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
January 22, 2026 at 10:42 PM
This was always likely without a whip on the vote from Democratic leadership.
The DHS funding bill was also separated from a vote on three other House appropriations bills, making an overwhelming Republican majority and some Democratic "yes" votes quite easy.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The DHS funding bill was also separated from a vote on three other House appropriations bills, making an overwhelming Republican majority and some Democratic "yes" votes quite easy.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...