jonathan friedman
@jonathanfriedman.com
Media, culture, and news strategist and nerd. Occasional producer. USC Marshall, Semafor, Bad Robot, CAA, Obama White House, The Verge, NYU Gallatin alum. Recovering tweeter @jonfriedman
Pinned
jonathan friedman
@jonathanfriedman.com
· Dec 23
2025 #GOODTV RANKINGS
1, ANDOR (s2, Disney)
Seemingly impossible feat to turn decades-old action-adventure sci-fi IP into a rich text of protest art, a spy/resistance thriller. But Tony Gilroy and co did it. All hail 🏆
1, ANDOR (s2, Disney)
Seemingly impossible feat to turn decades-old action-adventure sci-fi IP into a rich text of protest art, a spy/resistance thriller. But Tony Gilroy and co did it. All hail 🏆
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Breaking MS NOW:
In a major defeat for Mike Johnson, 3 House Republicans bucked their leaders to block legislation that would have restricted Congress' ability to strike down Trump’s tariffs.
The final tally was 214-217, with 3 Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
In a major defeat for Mike Johnson, 3 House Republicans bucked their leaders to block legislation that would have restricted Congress' ability to strike down Trump’s tariffs.
The final tally was 214-217, with 3 Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
House Republicans revolt over GOP’s attempt to hand Trump Congress’ tariff authority
In a rare defeat, three House Republicans bucked their leaders to block legislation that would have restricted Congress’ ability to strike down Trump’s tariffs.
www.ms.now
February 11, 2026 at 3:00 AM
Breaking MS NOW:
In a major defeat for Mike Johnson, 3 House Republicans bucked their leaders to block legislation that would have restricted Congress' ability to strike down Trump’s tariffs.
The final tally was 214-217, with 3 Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
In a major defeat for Mike Johnson, 3 House Republicans bucked their leaders to block legislation that would have restricted Congress' ability to strike down Trump’s tariffs.
The final tally was 214-217, with 3 Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
an AI can parse these sentences better than 99% of the quote posts
Researchers working with the A.I. system Claude have come to understand that the model’s selfhood, like our own, is a matter of both neurons and narratives. newyorkermag.visitlink.me/kEX1vV
February 11, 2026 at 6:31 AM
an AI can parse these sentences better than 99% of the quote posts
Reposted by jonathan friedman
that’s two headlines in the past 24 hours that hundreds of people here are just stubbornly refusing to understand
HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW: “.. In our in-progress research, we discovered that AI tools didn’t reduce work, they consistently intensified it.”
hbr.org/2026/02/ai-d...
hbr.org/2026/02/ai-d...
February 11, 2026 at 6:43 AM
that’s two headlines in the past 24 hours that hundreds of people here are just stubbornly refusing to understand
Reposted by jonathan friedman
There are only a handful of coal plants that directly power U.S. military installations: Eielson Air Force Base & Fort Wainwright, both in Alaska. But this isn’t about energy security at installations, it’s about intervening into the market for electricity & propping up uncompetitive coal resources.
Trump to direct Pentagon to buy coal to revive industry, Bloomberg News says reut.rs/46vkQiO
Trump to direct Pentagon to buy coal to revive industry, Bloomberg News says
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to direct the Pentagon to use government funding and Pentagon contracts to sustain U.S. coal-fired power plants, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing a White House official.
reut.rs
February 11, 2026 at 4:17 AM
There are only a handful of coal plants that directly power U.S. military installations: Eielson Air Force Base & Fort Wainwright, both in Alaska. But this isn’t about energy security at installations, it’s about intervening into the market for electricity & propping up uncompetitive coal resources.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
This is the Merchant's House Museum in the East Village: they are fighting a developer's ongoing effort to build a hotel next door which would damage the fragile building: merchantshouse.org/calltoarms/
February 11, 2026 at 5:05 AM
This is the Merchant's House Museum in the East Village: they are fighting a developer's ongoing effort to build a hotel next door which would damage the fragile building: merchantshouse.org/calltoarms/
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Short lived but not uninteresting Aaron Sorkin overworkplace dramedy. Oddly it premiered right about the same time as “30 Rock,”also on NBC and set backstage at a sketch comedy.
We carry the box set of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. New, original shrink-wrap, never been opened. 1 copy. mzs.press/Studio-60-on...
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: The Complete Series )(DVD, NEW)
New, shrink-wrapped, never been opened. In the first episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip , he beleaguered executive producer of a long-running late-night sketch-comedy series interrupts the live ...
mzs.press
February 11, 2026 at 6:58 AM
Short lived but not uninteresting Aaron Sorkin overworkplace dramedy. Oddly it premiered right about the same time as “30 Rock,”also on NBC and set backstage at a sketch comedy.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Kinda Fucked Up that in our lifetimes we've gone from "never share personal info on the internet" to "hand over your identity to the most incompetent corporations imaginable".
February 9, 2026 at 6:25 PM
Kinda Fucked Up that in our lifetimes we've gone from "never share personal info on the internet" to "hand over your identity to the most incompetent corporations imaginable".
Reposted by jonathan friedman
NEW: Trump DOJ tries, fails to secure indictment over Democratic lawmakers' social media video on unlawful orders. www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...
Trump administration fails to secure indictment in connection with Democrats involved in 'illegal orders' video
President Donald Trump had accused six Democratic lawmakers of "seditious behavior" after they urged members of the military and intelligence communities to refuse unlawful orders.
www.nbcnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:13 AM
NEW: Trump DOJ tries, fails to secure indictment over Democratic lawmakers' social media video on unlawful orders. www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
A stunning detail the ICE chief shared in this hearing that was supposed to be a brag, except it isn't: ICE has arrested 379,000 people between Jan. 2025-Jan. 2026 -- but only 8,700 were suspected gang members or known suspected terrorists.
That's 2%! www.huffpost.com/entry/latest...
That's 2%! www.huffpost.com/entry/latest...
Congresswoman Uses Simple Math To Show How Broken ICE Is
www.huffpost.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:08 PM
A stunning detail the ICE chief shared in this hearing that was supposed to be a brag, except it isn't: ICE has arrested 379,000 people between Jan. 2025-Jan. 2026 -- but only 8,700 were suspected gang members or known suspected terrorists.
That's 2%! www.huffpost.com/entry/latest...
That's 2%! www.huffpost.com/entry/latest...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
NEW: The F.D.A. refused to accept an application from Moderna for its mRNA flu vaccine.
Its reason: The agency did not think Moderna compared the new vaccine to one of the best flu shots available. The company spent $750M+ on a 41,000 person study.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/h...
Its reason: The agency did not think Moderna compared the new vaccine to one of the best flu shots available. The company spent $750M+ on a 41,000 person study.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/h...
F.D.A. Refuses to Review Moderna Flu Vaccine
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:12 PM
NEW: The F.D.A. refused to accept an application from Moderna for its mRNA flu vaccine.
Its reason: The agency did not think Moderna compared the new vaccine to one of the best flu shots available. The company spent $750M+ on a 41,000 person study.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/h...
Its reason: The agency did not think Moderna compared the new vaccine to one of the best flu shots available. The company spent $750M+ on a 41,000 person study.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/h...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
NEW: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that the keto diet could cure schizophrenia — an unfounded claim that experts say vastly overstates preliminary research into whether a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet might help patients w/ the disorder.
via @sherylnyt.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/u...
via @sherylnyt.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/u...
Kennedy Makes Unfounded Claim That Keto Diet Can ‘Cure’ Schizophrenia
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 10:03 PM
NEW: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that the keto diet could cure schizophrenia — an unfounded claim that experts say vastly overstates preliminary research into whether a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet might help patients w/ the disorder.
via @sherylnyt.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/u...
via @sherylnyt.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/u...
The bridge is a perfect example of where Trump goes wrong
Facts of bridge are all good: Canada paid 100%, Michigan has partial ownership, 25% US steel to build it, big improvement for American workers/companies doing border crossing
Swayed by corruption and lies, Trump intervenes to block it
Facts of bridge are all good: Canada paid 100%, Michigan has partial ownership, 25% US steel to build it, big improvement for American workers/companies doing border crossing
Swayed by corruption and lies, Trump intervenes to block it
If you are a wealthy buddy of Trump’s, he uses American policy to help you out… to the detriment of the American public.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/w...
Bridge Owner Lobbied Administration Before Trump Blasted Competing Span to Canada
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:01 AM
The bridge is a perfect example of where Trump goes wrong
Facts of bridge are all good: Canada paid 100%, Michigan has partial ownership, 25% US steel to build it, big improvement for American workers/companies doing border crossing
Swayed by corruption and lies, Trump intervenes to block it
Facts of bridge are all good: Canada paid 100%, Michigan has partial ownership, 25% US steel to build it, big improvement for American workers/companies doing border crossing
Swayed by corruption and lies, Trump intervenes to block it
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Anna Wong: On jobs—We are expecting about 666k downward revisions to March 2025 payrolls level as part of the annual benchmarking. After all that's done (including birth and death model update in the post benchmark period), we expect Dec 2025 to see a downward revision near 1 mn.
February 10, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Anna Wong: On jobs—We are expecting about 666k downward revisions to March 2025 payrolls level as part of the annual benchmarking. After all that's done (including birth and death model update in the post benchmark period), we expect Dec 2025 to see a downward revision near 1 mn.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Alarming new revelations about ICE's use of administrative subpoenas to get information about people the administration wanted to detain and deport because of their protests against government policies. theintercept.com/2026/02/10/g...
Google Handed ICE Student Journalist’s Bank and Credit Card Numbers
Amandla Thomas-Johnson didn't know how much information ICE requested in a subpoena now. Google never gave him a chance to fight it.
theintercept.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Alarming new revelations about ICE's use of administrative subpoenas to get information about people the administration wanted to detain and deport because of their protests against government policies. theintercept.com/2026/02/10/g...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
The entire conceit of "reforming" ICE, ensuring only targeted operations, nothing without a warrant, etc., is incongruous with the $75 billion cash infusion for the agency. They're going to spend that money on *something*. Like a network of local offices.
In Philadelphia, ICE will share office space with a DMV. A proposed ICE office in Portland, Maine is within walking distance of 8 places of worship. Today WIRED is publishing the locations of dozens of planned ICE offices across the US, part of a major expansion. from @leahfeiger.bsky.social
ICE Is Expanding Across the US at Breakneck Speed. Here’s Where It’s Going Next
ICE plans to lease offices throughout the US as part of a secret, months-long expansion campaign. WIRED is publishing dozens of these locations.
www.wired.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:02 PM
The entire conceit of "reforming" ICE, ensuring only targeted operations, nothing without a warrant, etc., is incongruous with the $75 billion cash infusion for the agency. They're going to spend that money on *something*. Like a network of local offices.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
I’ve seen people say, “oh so you have to stand in line for a little bit longer, wah wah.” believe me, both women I’ve spoken to felt the same -that’s not a problem.
The problem is the federal gov’t punishing US citizens based on 1A protected behavior. And they’re starting small. These are tests.
The problem is the federal gov’t punishing US citizens based on 1A protected behavior. And they’re starting small. These are tests.
I spoke to another woman who lost her Global Entry status after a confrontation with CBP.
Another legal observer loses her Global Entry clearance
Losing My Perspicacity, February 10, 2026
losingmyperspicacity.beehiiv.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:50 PM
I’ve seen people say, “oh so you have to stand in line for a little bit longer, wah wah.” believe me, both women I’ve spoken to felt the same -that’s not a problem.
The problem is the federal gov’t punishing US citizens based on 1A protected behavior. And they’re starting small. These are tests.
The problem is the federal gov’t punishing US citizens based on 1A protected behavior. And they’re starting small. These are tests.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Because none of that stuff -- other than voting -- is a right guaranteed to all citizens in the United States Constitution.
You useless, hollow shitheel hack of a lying politician.
You useless, hollow shitheel hack of a lying politician.
Mike Johnson: "Americans need an ID to drive, to open a bank account, to buy cold medicine, to file govt assistance, even to attend the DNC. So why would voting be any different? They can't answer that question."
February 10, 2026 at 4:52 PM
Because none of that stuff -- other than voting -- is a right guaranteed to all citizens in the United States Constitution.
You useless, hollow shitheel hack of a lying politician.
You useless, hollow shitheel hack of a lying politician.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
A pride flag was removed from New York City’s Stonewall National Monument after the National Park Service issued new guidance on the display of flags at federal landmarks.
Pride Flag Removed From Stonewall After New Federal Guidance
The Manhattan borough president vows return of the flag to the birthplace of the LGBTQ civil-rights movement.
on.wsj.com
February 10, 2026 at 9:00 PM
A pride flag was removed from New York City’s Stonewall National Monument after the National Park Service issued new guidance on the display of flags at federal landmarks.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Listen to this. Not a penny more for this. Abolish and prosecute anyone who had anything to do with it.
"A modern-day concentration camp ... People have been killed by the staff here." Irish citizen Seamus Culleton has been in ICE detention since September, despite having a valid work permit and his own business in the US.
February 10, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Listen to this. Not a penny more for this. Abolish and prosecute anyone who had anything to do with it.
Need to get @mattbelloni.bsky.social on the case of the “fake OpenAI ad”
It’s the best AI-generated video I’ve seen, and that’s a story in and of itself… if that’s what it is
But looks like a real Skarsgård to me, and the “fake news” comments feel… incomplete
It’s the best AI-generated video I’ve seen, and that’s a story in and of itself… if that’s what it is
But looks like a real Skarsgård to me, and the “fake news” comments feel… incomplete
Someone just made it as a hoax? And this isn’t actually Skarsgård, it’s just an AI creation? That’s been confirmed by Skarsgård’s reps?
If so, raises other questions like what tools were able to generate Skarsgård so accurately… tbh looks better than any AI-generated video I’ve seen…
If so, raises other questions like what tools were able to generate Skarsgård so accurately… tbh looks better than any AI-generated video I’ve seen…
February 10, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Need to get @mattbelloni.bsky.social on the case of the “fake OpenAI ad”
It’s the best AI-generated video I’ve seen, and that’s a story in and of itself… if that’s what it is
But looks like a real Skarsgård to me, and the “fake news” comments feel… incomplete
It’s the best AI-generated video I’ve seen, and that’s a story in and of itself… if that’s what it is
But looks like a real Skarsgård to me, and the “fake news” comments feel… incomplete
“When’s the last time you felt nervous?”
“I don’t get nervous.”
Nice @jessicatesta.bsky.social invu w Vogue stewards
“I don’t get nervous.”
Nice @jessicatesta.bsky.social invu w Vogue stewards
Watch: A Conversation With Anna Wintour and Her U.S. Vogue Successor, Chloe Malle
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:41 PM
“When’s the last time you felt nervous?”
“I don’t get nervous.”
Nice @jessicatesta.bsky.social invu w Vogue stewards
“I don’t get nervous.”
Nice @jessicatesta.bsky.social invu w Vogue stewards
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Habeas cases filed by immigrants claiming their detention is illegal have taken off to levels we have never seen before. Just look at that chart.
www.propublica.org/article/habe...
www.propublica.org/article/habe...
February 10, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Habeas cases filed by immigrants claiming their detention is illegal have taken off to levels we have never seen before. Just look at that chart.
www.propublica.org/article/habe...
www.propublica.org/article/habe...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Turns out one of the benefits of mass deportation is low growth and anemic job creation.
Peter Navarro: "The jobs report comes out tomorrow. We have to revise our expectations down significantly for what a monthly job number should look like ... Wall Street has to adjust for the fact that we're deporting millions of illegals out of the job market."
February 10, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Turns out one of the benefits of mass deportation is low growth and anemic job creation.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
The SAVE Act would require American citizens to show documents like a passport or birth certificate to register to vote.
More than 21 million Americans lack ready access to those documents, effectively meaning they wouldn't be able to cast their ballots.
More than 21 million Americans lack ready access to those documents, effectively meaning they wouldn't be able to cast their ballots.
How this Trump-backed bill could impact 21 million voters ahead of midterms
The Brennan Center estimates that more than 21 million Americans could be impacted if the SAVE America Act goes through.
www.axios.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:06 PM
The SAVE Act would require American citizens to show documents like a passport or birth certificate to register to vote.
More than 21 million Americans lack ready access to those documents, effectively meaning they wouldn't be able to cast their ballots.
More than 21 million Americans lack ready access to those documents, effectively meaning they wouldn't be able to cast their ballots.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
96% of the funds in MAGA Inc. came from donors that gave $1 million or more.
Trump is going to flood the midterms with millions so he can avoid accountability at the ballot box and continue advancing an agenda that keeps his Big Money donors rich at the expense of working people.
Trump is going to flood the midterms with millions so he can avoid accountability at the ballot box and continue advancing an agenda that keeps his Big Money donors rich at the expense of working people.
NEWS: Republican Cash Edge Threatens to Swamp Democrats in the Midterms
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...
Republican Cash Edge Threatens to Swamp Democrats in the Midterms
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:10 PM
96% of the funds in MAGA Inc. came from donors that gave $1 million or more.
Trump is going to flood the midterms with millions so he can avoid accountability at the ballot box and continue advancing an agenda that keeps his Big Money donors rich at the expense of working people.
Trump is going to flood the midterms with millions so he can avoid accountability at the ballot box and continue advancing an agenda that keeps his Big Money donors rich at the expense of working people.