Ruth Murai
@ruthmurai.bsky.social
research editor @motherjones.com + @revealnews.org
she/her
she/her
"I think to heal politically, we really just need to pause and understand that the truth is helpful, even if it might hurt. In the end, it’s going to help to know it."
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Alabama's poet laureate reckons with personal and political grief
In her new book, Ashley M. Jones builds a monument for her late father, Alabama, and Black people in America.
www.motherjones.com
September 24, 2025 at 4:51 PM
"I think to heal politically, we really just need to pause and understand that the truth is helpful, even if it might hurt. In the end, it’s going to help to know it."
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Ruth Murai
"I hope people understand that the grieving process is lonely, but that nobody is alone in it."
In her new book, Ashley M. Jones, Alabama's poet laureate, builds a monument for the state, her late father, and Black people in America.
In her new book, Ashley M. Jones, Alabama's poet laureate, builds a monument for the state, her late father, and Black people in America.
Alabama's poet laureate reckons with personal and political grief
In her new book, Ashley M. Jones builds a monument for her late father, Alabama, and Black people in America.
www.motherjones.com
September 24, 2025 at 4:32 PM
"I hope people understand that the grieving process is lonely, but that nobody is alone in it."
In her new book, Ashley M. Jones, Alabama's poet laureate, builds a monument for the state, her late father, and Black people in America.
In her new book, Ashley M. Jones, Alabama's poet laureate, builds a monument for the state, her late father, and Black people in America.
Reposted by Ruth Murai
New from me: A rightwing influencer did ride along with Ice as they detained four people on Sunday in Chicago
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Rightwing influencer accompanied Ice agents during raids in Chicago
Ben Bergquam was with Ice agents during a raid on Sunday and yelled at protesters that they were ‘the enemy within’
www.theguardian.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:57 PM
New from me: A rightwing influencer did ride along with Ice as they detained four people on Sunday in Chicago
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Ruth Murai
How we've failed the promise of making “genocide” a crime
How we've failed the promise of making “genocide” a crime
The lawyer Raphael Lemkin hoped to use international law to curb abuses of power. But his efforts were curtailed from the start.
www.motherjones.com
July 24, 2025 at 1:13 PM
How we've failed the promise of making “genocide” a crime
Reposted by Ruth Murai
A sister as well as a friend of Neri Alvarado Borges confirm that he is now back in Venezuela.
Neri's wrongful imprisonment attracted international attention. He is the 25-year-old with an autism awareness ribbon tattooed on his leg. This is him leaving the plane.
Neri's wrongful imprisonment attracted international attention. He is the 25-year-old with an autism awareness ribbon tattooed on his leg. This is him leaving the plane.
July 19, 2025 at 1:37 AM
A sister as well as a friend of Neri Alvarado Borges confirm that he is now back in Venezuela.
Neri's wrongful imprisonment attracted international attention. He is the 25-year-old with an autism awareness ribbon tattooed on his leg. This is him leaving the plane.
Neri's wrongful imprisonment attracted international attention. He is the 25-year-old with an autism awareness ribbon tattooed on his leg. This is him leaving the plane.
Reposted by Ruth Murai
CONFIRMED: Arturo Suárez, the musician imprisoned by the Trump admin without due process in El Salvador for 4 months is FREE.
A video shows him telling his brother that while they were imprisoned, they were beaten daily by guards. Remember: this is the first ever mass release from CECOT.
A video shows him telling his brother that while they were imprisoned, they were beaten daily by guards. Remember: this is the first ever mass release from CECOT.
July 19, 2025 at 2:07 AM
CONFIRMED: Arturo Suárez, the musician imprisoned by the Trump admin without due process in El Salvador for 4 months is FREE.
A video shows him telling his brother that while they were imprisoned, they were beaten daily by guards. Remember: this is the first ever mass release from CECOT.
A video shows him telling his brother that while they were imprisoned, they were beaten daily by guards. Remember: this is the first ever mass release from CECOT.
Reposted by Ruth Murai
"The bitterness is still there. The anger about what happened to him is still there.”
After four months, more than 200 men sent to El Salvador have been released from CECOT and returned to Venezuela. @nlanard.bsky.social and I spoke with family members and friends waiting to be reunited with them.
After four months, more than 200 men sent to El Salvador have been released from CECOT and returned to Venezuela. @nlanard.bsky.social and I spoke with family members and friends waiting to be reunited with them.
"We were kidnapped"
On Friday, more than 200 Venezuelans disappeared to a megaprison in El Salvador returned home. The horror stories are already emerging.
www.motherjones.com
July 19, 2025 at 2:08 AM
"The bitterness is still there. The anger about what happened to him is still there.”
After four months, more than 200 men sent to El Salvador have been released from CECOT and returned to Venezuela. @nlanard.bsky.social and I spoke with family members and friends waiting to be reunited with them.
After four months, more than 200 men sent to El Salvador have been released from CECOT and returned to Venezuela. @nlanard.bsky.social and I spoke with family members and friends waiting to be reunited with them.
Reposted by Ruth Murai
NEW: We spoke with the families of some of the men returned to Venezuela tonight after Trump disappeared to El Salvador in March. Horror stories are already emerging.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
"We were kidnapped"
On Friday, more than 200 Venezuelans disappeared to a megaprison in El Salvador returned home. The horror stories are already emerging.
www.motherjones.com
July 19, 2025 at 1:27 AM
NEW: We spoke with the families of some of the men returned to Venezuela tonight after Trump disappeared to El Salvador in March. Horror stories are already emerging.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Ruth Murai
Earlier today, the mother of Julio Zambrano, one of the Venezuelans sent to CECOT, was told to go to Caracas for some "good news." She's at the airport in anticipation of her son's arrival after four long months. @nlanard.bsky.social and I are in touch with other families as they wait for more news.
Her husband is trapped in a Salvadoran prison. She has no idea how to get him back.
Ripped apart by Trump, one Venezuelan family endures another hell: silence.
www.motherjones.com
July 18, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Earlier today, the mother of Julio Zambrano, one of the Venezuelans sent to CECOT, was told to go to Caracas for some "good news." She's at the airport in anticipation of her son's arrival after four long months. @nlanard.bsky.social and I are in touch with other families as they wait for more news.
Reposted by Ruth Murai
To mark the 3-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, I published a guide on all the ways doctors, nonprofits, pilots, and ordinary people are helping people from banned states access reproductive healthcare. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Funder, pilot, survivor, physician: Inside the network assisting abortion journeys
And some women who took them.
www.motherjones.com
June 23, 2025 at 5:18 PM
To mark the 3-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, I published a guide on all the ways doctors, nonprofits, pilots, and ordinary people are helping people from banned states access reproductive healthcare. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Ruth Murai
“What’s the big deal about allowing them to opt out?” Justice Sam Alito asked yesterday about a district not allowing parents to opt their children out of LGBTQ storybooks. The big deal, educators warn, is that today, it’s LGBTQ books. Tomorrow, it’s evolution. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The parental Rights movement has a big day at the Supreme Court
Conservative justices seem poised to declare that kids' exposure to LGBTQ books can violate a parent's religious expression.
www.motherjones.com
April 23, 2025 at 3:14 PM
“What’s the big deal about allowing them to opt out?” Justice Sam Alito asked yesterday about a district not allowing parents to opt their children out of LGBTQ storybooks. The big deal, educators warn, is that today, it’s LGBTQ books. Tomorrow, it’s evolution. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Ruth Murai
Want to apply to our Ben Bagdikian Fellowship program but not sure where to start?
Join us on April 17, 1:00 p.m. EST for a virtual Q&A where our editors will talk about what the role looks like, how it can help you grow, and answer any questions you have.
Join us on April 17, 1:00 p.m. EST for a virtual Q&A where our editors will talk about what the role looks like, how it can help you grow, and answer any questions you have.
The Ben Bagdikian Fellowship Program
www.motherjones.com
April 15, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Want to apply to our Ben Bagdikian Fellowship program but not sure where to start?
Join us on April 17, 1:00 p.m. EST for a virtual Q&A where our editors will talk about what the role looks like, how it can help you grow, and answer any questions you have.
Join us on April 17, 1:00 p.m. EST for a virtual Q&A where our editors will talk about what the role looks like, how it can help you grow, and answer any questions you have.
Reposted by Ruth Murai
For those interested in the @motherjones.com fellowship, there's a webinar on Thursday to learn more. motherjones.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Editorial Fellowship Q&A. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join us for an information session on our Editorial Fellowship. We'll talk about what the role looks like, how it can help you grow, and answer any questions you have.
For more information, or to fi...
motherjones.zoom.us
April 15, 2025 at 6:46 PM
For those interested in the @motherjones.com fellowship, there's a webinar on Thursday to learn more. motherjones.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by Ruth Murai
I’m proud to say Mother Jones is reinforcing its fact-checking operations!
As part of that, my colleagues are looking for smart and curious early-career journalists to join the newsroom for a yearlong crash course in fact-checking investigative journalism: www.motherjones.com/careers/fell...
As part of that, my colleagues are looking for smart and curious early-career journalists to join the newsroom for a yearlong crash course in fact-checking investigative journalism: www.motherjones.com/careers/fell...
The Ben Bagdikian Fellowship Program
www.motherjones.com
April 15, 2025 at 6:55 PM
I’m proud to say Mother Jones is reinforcing its fact-checking operations!
As part of that, my colleagues are looking for smart and curious early-career journalists to join the newsroom for a yearlong crash course in fact-checking investigative journalism: www.motherjones.com/careers/fell...
As part of that, my colleagues are looking for smart and curious early-career journalists to join the newsroom for a yearlong crash course in fact-checking investigative journalism: www.motherjones.com/careers/fell...
Nothing @sophiemurguia.bsky.social and I like more than talking about the Editorial Fellowship program at Mother Jones/CIR, so we'll be hosting an information session on Thursday at 10AM PT to answer your questions!
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Editorial Fellowship Q&A. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join us for an information session on our Editorial Fellowship. We'll talk about what the role looks like, how it can help you grow, and answer any questions you have.
For more information, or to fi...
motherjones.zoom.us
April 15, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Nothing @sophiemurguia.bsky.social and I like more than talking about the Editorial Fellowship program at Mother Jones/CIR, so we'll be hosting an information session on Thursday at 10AM PT to answer your questions!
Reposted by Ruth Murai
A BBC study of AI tools found that "51% of all AI answers to questions about the news were judged to have significant issues of some form" and "13% of the quotes sourced from BBC articles were either altered or didn’t actually exist in that article" www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/...
April 8, 2025 at 3:28 PM
A BBC study of AI tools found that "51% of all AI answers to questions about the news were judged to have significant issues of some form" and "13% of the quotes sourced from BBC articles were either altered or didn’t actually exist in that article" www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/...
Reposted by Ruth Murai
Do some journalism with us! 📰 🧑💻📝
Fellowship applications are OPEN!! Come work with me on our incredible fact-checking ressearch team 😎 motherjones.com/careers/fellowships/
The Ben Bagdikian Fellowship Program
www.motherjones.com
April 7, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Do some journalism with us! 📰 🧑💻📝
Reposted by Ruth Murai
Hello, CIR is hiring our next Editorial Fellowship class—we're looking for smart and curious early-career journalists to join us for a yearlong crash course in fact-checking investigative journalism. I did it, it's a great program. And now a union gig w/ benefits motherjones.com/careers/fellowships/
The Ben Bagdikian Fellowship Program
motherjones.com
April 7, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Hello, CIR is hiring our next Editorial Fellowship class—we're looking for smart and curious early-career journalists to join us for a yearlong crash course in fact-checking investigative journalism. I did it, it's a great program. And now a union gig w/ benefits motherjones.com/careers/fellowships/
Fellowship applications are OPEN!! Come work with me on our incredible fact-checking ressearch team 😎 motherjones.com/careers/fellowships/
The Ben Bagdikian Fellowship Program
www.motherjones.com
April 7, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Fellowship applications are OPEN!! Come work with me on our incredible fact-checking ressearch team 😎 motherjones.com/careers/fellowships/
Reposted by Ruth Murai
I’ve had an incredible experience as a fellow at Mother Jones. It’s a real opportunity to work with some first-class reporters and editors in such a welcoming, supportive environment. I can’t recommend it enough. Happy to answer any q’s in my DMs :))
Are you a smart, early-career journalist with an interest in fact-checking? Join our team as an editorial fellow!
Fellows receive $26.67/hour, plus benefits including health, dental, and vision.
Applications are due April 20 at 11:59 PST:
Fellows receive $26.67/hour, plus benefits including health, dental, and vision.
Applications are due April 20 at 11:59 PST:
The Ben Bagdikian Fellowship Program
www.motherjones.com
April 5, 2025 at 2:28 PM
I’ve had an incredible experience as a fellow at Mother Jones. It’s a real opportunity to work with some first-class reporters and editors in such a welcoming, supportive environment. I can’t recommend it enough. Happy to answer any q’s in my DMs :))
Reposted by Ruth Murai
Research shows Latino-led films sell more tickets. Then why are there so few?
@melvisacosta.bsky.social dives into some fascinating numbers about Hollywood ahead of their big night.
@melvisacosta.bsky.social dives into some fascinating numbers about Hollywood ahead of their big night.
Research shows Latino-led films sell more tickets. Then why are there so few? #oscars #latino #film
YouTube video by Mother Jones
youtube.com
March 2, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Research shows Latino-led films sell more tickets. Then why are there so few?
@melvisacosta.bsky.social dives into some fascinating numbers about Hollywood ahead of their big night.
@melvisacosta.bsky.social dives into some fascinating numbers about Hollywood ahead of their big night.
Reposted by Ruth Murai
For @motherjones.com, I wrote about how Musk and Trump's DOGE is just a Big Tech version of the tired GOP goal of attacking poor folks by blaming an "entitlement" culture. But it wasn't always this way—during the New Deal, Americans earned these "entitlements."
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
January 23, 2025 at 4:10 PM
For @motherjones.com, I wrote about how Musk and Trump's DOGE is just a Big Tech version of the tired GOP goal of attacking poor folks by blaming an "entitlement" culture. But it wasn't always this way—during the New Deal, Americans earned these "entitlements."
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Ruth Murai
For @motherjones.com: Today, the Trump administration put federal DEI workers on leave, asserting that DEI is “discrimination” threatening “American values of hard work.” This argument over merit is everywhere on the right—from DEI to welfare. But the question they need to answer is: Merit for whom?
Trump shuts down diversity programs across government
The president is demanding that federal workers inform on colleagues who violate his decree.
www.motherjones.com
January 22, 2025 at 9:49 PM
For @motherjones.com: Today, the Trump administration put federal DEI workers on leave, asserting that DEI is “discrimination” threatening “American values of hard work.” This argument over merit is everywhere on the right—from DEI to welfare. But the question they need to answer is: Merit for whom?
Reposted by Ruth Murai
For @motherjones.com
Latino-led films sell more tickets and win more awards. Why are there so few?
www.motherjones.com/media/2025/0...
Latino-led films sell more tickets and win more awards. Why are there so few?
www.motherjones.com/media/2025/0...
More money, better stories: Why Hollywood needs more Latinos
Research shows that Latino-led films sell more tickets. Why are there so few?
www.motherjones.com
January 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
For @motherjones.com
Latino-led films sell more tickets and win more awards. Why are there so few?
www.motherjones.com/media/2025/0...
Latino-led films sell more tickets and win more awards. Why are there so few?
www.motherjones.com/media/2025/0...
Reposted by Ruth Murai
Thrilled to hear that President Biden's record-breaking commutations today included Celeste Blair, who has a truly incredible story, and who I profiled a couple of years ago: www.motherjones.com/criminal-jus...
The incarcerated woman who wishes MeToo had arrived earlier
Celeste Blair landed in prison after a series of abusive relationships. She hopes the movement saves younger women from a similar fate.
www.motherjones.com
January 18, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Thrilled to hear that President Biden's record-breaking commutations today included Celeste Blair, who has a truly incredible story, and who I profiled a couple of years ago: www.motherjones.com/criminal-jus...