Michael Li (李之樸)
@mcpli.bsky.social
Senior Counsel, Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law. Redistricting, voting rights, elections. From Texas.
Coming in 2026 from the USPS, a series of stamps to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
December 28, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Coming in 2026 from the USPS, a series of stamps to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
Until Trump began conspiracies about mail voting, Republicans were fully on board with GRACE PERIODS for ballots to arrive as long as postmarked by Election Day. They passed it overwhelmingly in KS, OH, & elsewhere.
But now Trump hates it.
So 4 red states—KS, OH, ND, UT—all banned it this year.
But now Trump hates it.
So 4 red states—KS, OH, ND, UT—all banned it this year.
Ohio Bans Grace Periods for Mail Ballots, Fulfilling Trump’s Wishes - Bolts
Ohio is the fourth GOP-run state this year to ban ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after. A Supreme Court case could force that policy nationwide next year.
boltsmag.org
December 27, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Until Trump began conspiracies about mail voting, Republicans were fully on board with GRACE PERIODS for ballots to arrive as long as postmarked by Election Day. They passed it overwhelmingly in KS, OH, & elsewhere.
But now Trump hates it.
So 4 red states—KS, OH, ND, UT—all banned it this year.
But now Trump hates it.
So 4 red states—KS, OH, ND, UT—all banned it this year.
Candidate filing for the 2026 midterms has now closed in 5 states: AR, IL, MS, NC, TX.
Next deadlines: KY (1/9), AL (1/23), and WV (1/31).
Next deadlines: KY (1/9), AL (1/23), and WV (1/31).
December 27, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Candidate filing for the 2026 midterms has now closed in 5 states: AR, IL, MS, NC, TX.
Next deadlines: KY (1/9), AL (1/23), and WV (1/31).
Next deadlines: KY (1/9), AL (1/23), and WV (1/31).
💯
December 27, 2025 at 1:51 AM
💯
Apparently there will be a second ball drop this year in NYC at midnight on July 4 to mark 250 years of national independence.
nypost.com/2025/12/26/u...
nypost.com/2025/12/26/u...
Times Square to hold second ball drop in July to mark America’s 250th birthday
For the first time ever in the tradition’s 120-year history, a second Times Square Ball Drop will take place outside of New Year’s Eve to mark the 250th anniversary of America’s f…
nypost.com
December 26, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Apparently there will be a second ball drop this year in NYC at midnight on July 4 to mark 250 years of national independence.
nypost.com/2025/12/26/u...
nypost.com/2025/12/26/u...
From The Times (London):
Apparently Tory shadow ministers are using AI clones of government ministers to prepare for parliamentary debates.
Apparently Tory shadow ministers are using AI clones of government ministers to prepare for parliamentary debates.
December 26, 2025 at 6:40 PM
From The Times (London):
Apparently Tory shadow ministers are using AI clones of government ministers to prepare for parliamentary debates.
Apparently Tory shadow ministers are using AI clones of government ministers to prepare for parliamentary debates.
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
NYC on track for near-record low number of homicides in 2025. gothamist.com/news/nyc-on-...
NYC on track for near-record low number of homicides in 2025
The number of homicides is in the same ballpark as 2018 and 2017, when the city recorded fewer than 300 killings.
gothamist.com
December 25, 2025 at 10:10 PM
NYC on track for near-record low number of homicides in 2025. gothamist.com/news/nyc-on-...
My forever take: The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is the best week of the year - no expectations, structure it however you want.
December 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM
My forever take: The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is the best week of the year - no expectations, structure it however you want.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
Merry Christmas! 🎄
Merry Christmas! 🎄
December 25, 2025 at 5:01 AM
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
Merry Christmas! 🎄
Merry Christmas! 🎄
An interesting look at where things stand as of today for next May’s Scottish Parliament election.
Despite a significantly reduced (projected) vote share compared to 2021, the SNP looks to finish in roughly the same place in terms of seats, though a lot of variables.
Despite a significantly reduced (projected) vote share compared to 2021, the SNP looks to finish in roughly the same place in terms of seats, though a lot of variables.
Final Scottish Parliament poll tracker of the year, before the Christmas holidays start in earnest. SNP projected one short of a majority.
Seats (+/- 2021):
SNP: 64 (-)
Lab: 18 (-4)
Ref: 18(+18)
Grn: 12 (+4)
Con: 9 (-22)
LD: 8 (+4)
Alba: 0 (-)
20 marginals: 16 SNP, 3 Labour, 1 Conservative.
1/3
Seats (+/- 2021):
SNP: 64 (-)
Lab: 18 (-4)
Ref: 18(+18)
Grn: 12 (+4)
Con: 9 (-22)
LD: 8 (+4)
Alba: 0 (-)
20 marginals: 16 SNP, 3 Labour, 1 Conservative.
1/3
December 24, 2025 at 8:07 PM
An interesting look at where things stand as of today for next May’s Scottish Parliament election.
Despite a significantly reduced (projected) vote share compared to 2021, the SNP looks to finish in roughly the same place in terms of seats, though a lot of variables.
Despite a significantly reduced (projected) vote share compared to 2021, the SNP looks to finish in roughly the same place in terms of seats, though a lot of variables.
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
NEW: By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to assist immigration agents. A majority holds that he likely lacks authority to do so. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissent. www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25p...
![The Government asked this Court to stay the District Court's order. After the response and reply were filed, JUSTICE BARRETT referred the application to the Court. We directed the parties to file supplemental letter briefs on an issue that the District Court had addressed but the parties' initial briefs had not: the meaning of the term "regular forces" in §12406(3). In its supplemental brief, the Government argues that the term refers to civilian law enforcement officers, such as those employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Federal Protective Service.
Respondents, echoing the District Court, maintain that the term refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary.
We conclude that the term "regular forces" in §12406(3) likely refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary. This interpretation means that to call the Guard into active federal service under §12406(3), the President must be "unable" with the regular military "to execute the laws of the United States." Because the statute requires an assessment of the military's ability to execute the laws, it likely applies only where the military could legally execute the laws. Such circumstances are exceptional: Under the Posse Comitatus Act, the military is prohibited from "execut[ing] the laws" "except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress."
18 U. S. C. §1385. So before the President can federalize the Guard under §12406(3), he likely must have statutory or constitutional authority to execute the laws with the regular military and must be "unable" with those forces to perform that function.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:6h7b2i6ttw3l4t7pvbvxdith/bafkreiftbhzwvn3vgwhqsi7k2paizvdw4t26ailljvovso3chqupnmj364@jpeg)
December 23, 2025 at 8:16 PM
NEW: By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to assist immigration agents. A majority holds that he likely lacks authority to do so. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissent. www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25p...
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
New @c-span.bsky.social data shows House retirements are at an all-time high: 43 announcements so far — and more are expected
In comparison, ahead of the 2024 elections, there were 45 *total* retirements
www.notus.org/congress/rep...
In comparison, ahead of the 2024 elections, there were 45 *total* retirements
www.notus.org/congress/rep...
These House Republicans Won’t Commit to Running in 2026
As retirement rumors swirl, NOTUS asked dozens of House Republicans whether they planned to run again. The answers were revealing.
www.notus.org
December 22, 2025 at 6:09 PM
New @c-span.bsky.social data shows House retirements are at an all-time high: 43 announcements so far — and more are expected
In comparison, ahead of the 2024 elections, there were 45 *total* retirements
www.notus.org/congress/rep...
In comparison, ahead of the 2024 elections, there were 45 *total* retirements
www.notus.org/congress/rep...
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
Excellent reporting on how donors have benefited after giving to President Trump’s super PAC and other initiatives, like the WH ballroom. Money quote from a fmr WH staffer-turned-lobbyist: “These people are not getting coerced. They are making business decisions.” www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Hundreds of Big Post-Election Donors Have Benefited From Trump’s Return to Office
Well into his second term, the president and his allies have continued aggressively raising money. Many donors have interests before his administration, The Times found.
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Excellent reporting on how donors have benefited after giving to President Trump’s super PAC and other initiatives, like the WH ballroom. Money quote from a fmr WH staffer-turned-lobbyist: “These people are not getting coerced. They are making business decisions.” www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Fourth Sunday of Advent: “Do not be afraid”
December 21, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Fourth Sunday of Advent: “Do not be afraid”
San Antonio native Cristina Rodríguez selected as the next dean of Yale Law School.
law.yale.edu/yls-today/ne...
law.yale.edu/yls-today/ne...
Cristina Rodríguez Selected as Next Dean of Yale Law School
Rodríguez will assume the deanship on Feb. 1, 2026, as the Sol and Lillian Goldman Dean and Professor of Law at Yale Law School.
law.yale.edu
December 21, 2025 at 6:38 PM
San Antonio native Cristina Rodríguez selected as the next dean of Yale Law School.
law.yale.edu/yls-today/ne...
law.yale.edu/yls-today/ne...
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
Gentle reminder as we close out the fall semester that you should submit that abstract/idea/working paper for the 15th Annual Fed Courts Junior Scholars conference. More details at the link below. Reach out w/ questions, & *please share this widely.* We have an amazing lineup of senior scholars!
Call for Papers for 15th Annual Fed Courts Junior Scholars conference is now up: law.ku.edu/junior-facul.... Lots of advanced notice, hope you will consider submitting!
Will work on distributing this to various listservs and blogs, but please share if you are able.
Will work on distributing this to various listservs and blogs, but please share if you are able.
15th Annual Junior Faculty Federal Courts Workshop
April 24, 2026| KU School of Law
law.ku.edu
December 1, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Gentle reminder as we close out the fall semester that you should submit that abstract/idea/working paper for the 15th Annual Fed Courts Junior Scholars conference. More details at the link below. Reach out w/ questions, & *please share this widely.* We have an amazing lineup of senior scholars!
A bit of SCOTUS history I didn’t know. The Court held its first Christmas party in 1946 (a segregated event). When the following year, law clerks proposed inviting the Court’s Black employees, the Court stopped having Christmas parties for 12 years.
ballsandstrikes.substack.com/p/the-alarmi...
ballsandstrikes.substack.com/p/the-alarmi...
The Alarmingly Racist History of the Supreme Court’s Canceled 1947 Christmas Party
The Court held its first-ever office Christmas party in 1946. The following year, the clerks suggested inviting Black employees. It did not go over well.
ballsandstrikes.substack.com
December 20, 2025 at 10:14 PM
A bit of SCOTUS history I didn’t know. The Court held its first Christmas party in 1946 (a segregated event). When the following year, law clerks proposed inviting the Court’s Black employees, the Court stopped having Christmas parties for 12 years.
ballsandstrikes.substack.com/p/the-alarmi...
ballsandstrikes.substack.com/p/the-alarmi...
Removing the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords and other reforms to the chamber seem closer than ever to happening. A new report on where things stand:
researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CB...
researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CB...
December 20, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Removing the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords and other reforms to the chamber seem closer than ever to happening. A new report on where things stand:
researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CB...
researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CB...
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
@stateline.org probes the deal the Justice Department has offered multiple states on their voter rolls. It would allow the federal government to identify voters to be dropped. That's unprecedented and dangerous. Our Eileen O'Connor weighs in. stateline.org/2025/12/18/t...
Trump’s DOJ offers states confidential deal to remove voters flagged by feds • Stateline
The U.S. Department of Justice has sent confidential draft agreements on voter data sharing to more than a dozen states, part of the Trump administration’s effort to obtain unredacted voter rolls, wit...
stateline.org
December 20, 2025 at 8:04 PM
@stateline.org probes the deal the Justice Department has offered multiple states on their voter rolls. It would allow the federal government to identify voters to be dropped. That's unprecedented and dangerous. Our Eileen O'Connor weighs in. stateline.org/2025/12/18/t...
A full renovation and restoration of the Palace of Westminster would require relocating the British Parliament to a temporary location for 19-28 years and cost upwards of £15 billion.
www.politico.eu/article/mp-q...
www.politico.eu/article/mp-q...
MPs quitting UK parliament for restoration ‘would cost £15B’
Multi-billion pound price tag attached to proposal for a ‘full decant’ of MPs and peers off the crumbling Westminster estate.
www.politico.eu
December 20, 2025 at 6:29 PM
A full renovation and restoration of the Palace of Westminster would require relocating the British Parliament to a temporary location for 19-28 years and cost upwards of £15 billion.
www.politico.eu/article/mp-q...
www.politico.eu/article/mp-q...
Reposted by Michael Li (李之樸)
Birthright citizenship has been part of our constitution for over 150 years. The Trump administration wants to change that. Here are the facts: bit.ly/44Tm6Mn
Birthright Citizenship Under the U.S. Constitution
The 14th Amendment has long been understood to grant American citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
www.brennancenter.org
December 20, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Birthright citizenship has been part of our constitution for over 150 years. The Trump administration wants to change that. Here are the facts: bit.ly/44Tm6Mn
The latest Canadian government controversy:
The federal government has started spelling -ize words the British way (e.g., emphasise rather emphasize).
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/w...
The federal government has started spelling -ize words the British way (e.g., emphasise rather emphasize).
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/w...
Canadian Linguists Rise Up Against the Letter ‘S’
www.nytimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 4:10 PM
The latest Canadian government controversy:
The federal government has started spelling -ize words the British way (e.g., emphasise rather emphasize).
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/w...
The federal government has started spelling -ize words the British way (e.g., emphasise rather emphasize).
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/w...