Denise Lee
@dadavies.bsky.social
Writer, creative & technical. Lifelong learner, sometime teacher. Passionate about rule of law, democracy, women’s autonomy. And go Dawgs.
Reposted by Denise Lee
Washington Post is shuttering its book section, part of the ongoing war against literacy & knowledge.
We at Current Affairs want to pick up the slack by expanding book reviews. Writers: pitch us anytime! And if you subscribe/donate we'll use the funding to commission book coverage.
We at Current Affairs want to pick up the slack by expanding book reviews. Writers: pitch us anytime! And if you subscribe/donate we'll use the funding to commission book coverage.
February 4, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Washington Post is shuttering its book section, part of the ongoing war against literacy & knowledge.
We at Current Affairs want to pick up the slack by expanding book reviews. Writers: pitch us anytime! And if you subscribe/donate we'll use the funding to commission book coverage.
We at Current Affairs want to pick up the slack by expanding book reviews. Writers: pitch us anytime! And if you subscribe/donate we'll use the funding to commission book coverage.
Reposted by Denise Lee
2/Why the CIA ended a public resource—rather arbitrarily and capriciously—I might note—should be poked at a bit more. I say this b/c Judge Reyes in her TPS case focused on public information provided the State Department and the CIA to refute the notion Haiti was a sunny vacation spot.
February 5, 2026 at 3:34 AM
2/Why the CIA ended a public resource—rather arbitrarily and capriciously—I might note—should be poked at a bit more. I say this b/c Judge Reyes in her TPS case focused on public information provided the State Department and the CIA to refute the notion Haiti was a sunny vacation spot.
Reposted by Denise Lee
Reposted by Denise Lee
Americans, we are living in a time of viciousness.
We are living in a time where speaking the “wrong” language or having the “wrong” skin color puts you in danger.
Congress must disband ICE and impeach Kristi Noem.
We are living in a time where speaking the “wrong” language or having the “wrong” skin color puts you in danger.
Congress must disband ICE and impeach Kristi Noem.
February 5, 2026 at 1:10 AM
Americans, we are living in a time of viciousness.
We are living in a time where speaking the “wrong” language or having the “wrong” skin color puts you in danger.
Congress must disband ICE and impeach Kristi Noem.
We are living in a time where speaking the “wrong” language or having the “wrong” skin color puts you in danger.
Congress must disband ICE and impeach Kristi Noem.
Reposted by Denise Lee
It's the Winter Olympics, so my once-every-four-years chance to note that my wife's aunt was once the head of the Canadian curling federation.
Her husband? A leader in the Mounties.
If this family were any more Canadian, they'd be maple-flavored.
Her husband? A leader in the Mounties.
If this family were any more Canadian, they'd be maple-flavored.
February 5, 2026 at 1:10 AM
It's the Winter Olympics, so my once-every-four-years chance to note that my wife's aunt was once the head of the Canadian curling federation.
Her husband? A leader in the Mounties.
If this family were any more Canadian, they'd be maple-flavored.
Her husband? A leader in the Mounties.
If this family were any more Canadian, they'd be maple-flavored.
Reposted by Denise Lee
We've lived under the Citizens United regime for almost 20 years and we all just have to shrug our shoulders and accept this indignity like it's some inevitable feature of democratic politics.
Super PACs powered by unknown funders are roiling Democratic politics in Illinois, diving into a trio of open House primaries six weeks before voters effectively pick their new members of Congress in these deep blue-district primary elections.
Secret money roils Democratic primaries
New super PACs are pouring money into open Democratic House primaries in Chicago. It's unclear who's funding them — and opposing campaigns are furious.
nbcnews.to
February 5, 2026 at 1:08 AM
We've lived under the Citizens United regime for almost 20 years and we all just have to shrug our shoulders and accept this indignity like it's some inevitable feature of democratic politics.
Reposted by Denise Lee
In 1943, the Saturday Evening Post published series of works called "The Unconquerables." They consist of odes dedicated to various peoples who suffered under Nazi occupation. This illustration is an homage to that. I'm not a poet, this I know-it - but an attempt was made! 1/n
February 4, 2026 at 4:08 PM
In 1943, the Saturday Evening Post published series of works called "The Unconquerables." They consist of odes dedicated to various peoples who suffered under Nazi occupation. This illustration is an homage to that. I'm not a poet, this I know-it - but an attempt was made! 1/n
Reposted by Denise Lee
our government used a Blackhawk helicopter in a major American city, detained children and zip-tied U.S. citizens all to target... squatters
and the alleged Tren de Aragua presence? "It was a brutal lie against the American public."
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
and the alleged Tren de Aragua presence? "It was a brutal lie against the American public."
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
The Real Story Behind the Midnight Immigration Raid on a Chicago Apartment Building
The Trump administration has claimed the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua had taken over the building. But new documents make no mention of the gang and reveal federal agents had information about “ille...
www.propublica.org
February 4, 2026 at 11:46 PM
our government used a Blackhawk helicopter in a major American city, detained children and zip-tied U.S. citizens all to target... squatters
and the alleged Tren de Aragua presence? "It was a brutal lie against the American public."
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
and the alleged Tren de Aragua presence? "It was a brutal lie against the American public."
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
Reposted by Denise Lee
Top Senate negotiators say an effort to renew expired healthcare subsidies has effectively collapsed www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Negotiators Say Talks to Restore ACA Subsidies Likely Dead
New, higher health-insurance bills are kicking in for many households.
www.wsj.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:14 AM
Top Senate negotiators say an effort to renew expired healthcare subsidies has effectively collapsed www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by Denise Lee
"According to a police report, the marble obelisk that bears the names of Athens soldiers killed during the American Civil War was spray-painted in red with the words Fuck ICE." www.classiccitynews.com/post/athens-...
Athens Confederate war memorial defaced with anti-ICE message
By Joe Johnson Someone vandalized the Athens Confederate Monument in an apparent act of protest against the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement operations.According to a police r...
www.classiccitynews.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:18 AM
"According to a police report, the marble obelisk that bears the names of Athens soldiers killed during the American Civil War was spray-painted in red with the words Fuck ICE." www.classiccitynews.com/post/athens-...
Reposted by Denise Lee
ugh
ICYMI: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution laid off staff last night
The AJC to cut staff as it continues digital transformation
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said Tuesday it will lay off staffers in the newsroom and other segments of the business.
www.ajc.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:19 AM
ugh
Reposted by Denise Lee
So, is Nicolas Maduro getting the Ghislaine Maxwell deal to lie that Venezuela magically hacked the 2020 election (don’t ask how) or at least to not contradict it?
Decent chance this is dumber and less planned than that, like other attempts to validate something obviously false Trump made up.)
Decent chance this is dumber and less planned than that, like other attempts to validate something obviously false Trump made up.)
The latest on Gabbard as fringe conspiracy drives her voting investigation: “The sources said the goal was to work with the FBI to investigate claims that Venezuela had hacked voting machines in Puerto Rico.”
Exclusive: US spy chief's office investigated voting machines in Puerto Rico
A team working for President Donald Trump's spy chief, Tulsi Gabbard, last spring led an investigation into Puerto Rico's voting machines, said Gabbard's office and three sources familiar with the pre...
www.reuters.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:24 AM
So, is Nicolas Maduro getting the Ghislaine Maxwell deal to lie that Venezuela magically hacked the 2020 election (don’t ask how) or at least to not contradict it?
Decent chance this is dumber and less planned than that, like other attempts to validate something obviously false Trump made up.)
Decent chance this is dumber and less planned than that, like other attempts to validate something obviously false Trump made up.)
Reposted by Denise Lee
Barry Loudermilk retiring in an R+12 district should absolutely freak the hell out of Mike Johnson and House Republicans. He’s only 62—and if he’s worried about re-election, a reckoning is coming this November.
February 4, 2026 at 11:48 PM
Barry Loudermilk retiring in an R+12 district should absolutely freak the hell out of Mike Johnson and House Republicans. He’s only 62—and if he’s worried about re-election, a reckoning is coming this November.
Reposted by Denise Lee
Plenty of mechanisms not to pay the king ain't no one on collection duty I guess
Watch this space: After Trump & Musk gutted the IRS of employees who process tax returns, provide customer service, & hold corporate fat cats accountable, they're understaffed for tax season.
What does that mean? Corporate cheats skate by & your returns get messed up & delayed.
What does that mean? Corporate cheats skate by & your returns get messed up & delayed.
'Setting this agency up for failure': Amid staffing crunch, IRS taps employees with no relevant experience to assist during filing season
The tax agency is taking unusual steps to prepare for its busy season after watchdog finds it is severely underprepared.
www.govexec.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:28 AM
Plenty of mechanisms not to pay the king ain't no one on collection duty I guess
Reposted by Denise Lee
A large CAVA bag stuffed with what it says is $50,000 for White House Border Czar Tom Homan.
It’s been reported Homan took bribery money when he was recorded by the FBI accepting a bag full of $50,000 in cash.
“ICE GTFO OF MN”
Minneapolis February 4, 2026
It’s been reported Homan took bribery money when he was recorded by the FBI accepting a bag full of $50,000 in cash.
“ICE GTFO OF MN”
Minneapolis February 4, 2026
February 4, 2026 at 11:07 PM
A large CAVA bag stuffed with what it says is $50,000 for White House Border Czar Tom Homan.
It’s been reported Homan took bribery money when he was recorded by the FBI accepting a bag full of $50,000 in cash.
“ICE GTFO OF MN”
Minneapolis February 4, 2026
It’s been reported Homan took bribery money when he was recorded by the FBI accepting a bag full of $50,000 in cash.
“ICE GTFO OF MN”
Minneapolis February 4, 2026
Reposted by Denise Lee
🚨 Munitions inventory leaked to me shows Border Patrol is stockpiling over 35,000 weapons in Minneapolis for crowd control.
Full inventory here:
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/in-ices-wa...
Full inventory here:
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/in-ices-wa...
In ICE’s War, the Public Is Winning
After stockpiling 35,000 weapons in Minneapolis, ICE suddenly withdraws
www.kenklippenstein.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:48 PM
🚨 Munitions inventory leaked to me shows Border Patrol is stockpiling over 35,000 weapons in Minneapolis for crowd control.
Full inventory here:
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/in-ices-wa...
Full inventory here:
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/in-ices-wa...
Reposted by Denise Lee
NEW: since last year, a pair of "highly trained" feds have been involved in an array of incidents attacking crowds with chemical weapons.
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
Identified: the El Paso BORTAC crew rampaging through the Midwest
One violent duo in particular, U.S. Border Patrol agents Michael Sveum (EZ-2) and Edgar Vazquez (EZ-17), have been frequently seen alongside former commander-at-large Greg Bovino terrorizing crowds wi...
unraveledpress.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:24 PM
NEW: since last year, a pair of "highly trained" feds have been involved in an array of incidents attacking crowds with chemical weapons.
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
We used public records and open source analysis to identify Edgar Vazquez and Michael Sveum, alongside some other members of their tactical team.
Read more:
Reposted by Denise Lee
Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen has handed over confidential voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice, which has asked the state to remove, upon demand, any voters who may be deemed ineligible by federal officials.
Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen complies with federal demand for Montana voter data
Trump and U.S. Department of Justice assert authority to determine voter eligibility in the state.
montanafreepress.org
February 4, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen has handed over confidential voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice, which has asked the state to remove, upon demand, any voters who may be deemed ineligible by federal officials.
Reposted by Denise Lee
They closed the CIA World Factbook and deleted it entirely.
February 4, 2026 at 10:06 PM
They closed the CIA World Factbook and deleted it entirely.
Reposted by Denise Lee
First, a story about a St. Paul woman who was detained by ICE. They keep coming back to her house
After ICE release St. Paul woman, she says agents keep returning to her home
Thi Dua Vang legally came to the U.S. two years ago. So when ICE showed up, she thought it must have been a mistake.
www.kare11.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:33 PM
First, a story about a St. Paul woman who was detained by ICE. They keep coming back to her house
Reposted by Denise Lee
The widespread targeting of Native Americans demonstrates its not about legal status, its about racial profiling. ictnews.org/news/fearing...
Fearing ICE, Native Americans rush to prove their right to belong in the US - ICT
As Native Americans around the country rush to secure documents proving their right to live in the United States, many see a bitter irony.
ictnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:59 PM
The widespread targeting of Native Americans demonstrates its not about legal status, its about racial profiling. ictnews.org/news/fearing...
Reposted by Denise Lee
I taught a class on “hope” last year and the few theorists who’ve written on it all point out that hope is the harder choice - that despair is easy and too often fashionable
Too many people on Bluesky think that relentless expressions of despair are a sign of intellectual sophistication.
February 4, 2026 at 9:24 PM
I taught a class on “hope” last year and the few theorists who’ve written on it all point out that hope is the harder choice - that despair is easy and too often fashionable
Reposted by Denise Lee
I wanna keep doing this work, in any form (podcast! newsletter! movie? AI literacy class!). Pls msg me on Signal at nitasha.10 if you need someone who’s well-sourced in AI & SV, worked hard to understand the technology + ideas + players, cares about getting it right and informing the public
February 4, 2026 at 7:40 PM
I wanna keep doing this work, in any form (podcast! newsletter! movie? AI literacy class!). Pls msg me on Signal at nitasha.10 if you need someone who’s well-sourced in AI & SV, worked hard to understand the technology + ideas + players, cares about getting it right and informing the public