D. Leigh Henson
@aberhetorician.bsky.social
30 yrs. high school English teacher; 14 yrs. university tech writing professor; writer; anti-demagoguery&bigotry activist; Lincoln legacy proponent (conservative progressive). https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GCNotOcAAAAJ&hl=en
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
NEW: Vought is the architect of President Trump’s broader plan to fire civil servants, freeze government programs and dismantle entire agencies.
Here are some key things to know about the D.C. insider who wants to take a hatchet to the federal government.
Here are some key things to know about the D.C. insider who wants to take a hatchet to the federal government.
What You Should Know About Russ Vought, Trump’s Shadow President
Vought is the architect of President Trump’s broader plan to fire civil servants, freeze government programs and dismantle entire agencies. Here are some key things to know about the D.C. insider who wants to take a hatchet to the federal government.
www.propublica.org
October 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM
NEW: Vought is the architect of President Trump’s broader plan to fire civil servants, freeze government programs and dismantle entire agencies.
Here are some key things to know about the D.C. insider who wants to take a hatchet to the federal government.
Here are some key things to know about the D.C. insider who wants to take a hatchet to the federal government.
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
'Think it's bad now?' Ex-Trump lawyer flags last chance to stop president's total takeover
'Think it's bad now?' Ex-Trump lawyer flags last chance to stop president's total takeover
Michael Cohen, who served as President Donald Trump’s attorney from 2016 to 2018, issued a call to action Thursday, along with a dire warning that the 2026 midterms were “the only real chance” at avoiding a “permanent one-party rule” under the GOP.“If we don’t flip enough seats in the 2026 midterms,...
bit.ly
August 14, 2025 at 3:35 PM
'Think it's bad now?' Ex-Trump lawyer flags last chance to stop president's total takeover
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
In Missouri, overturning the will of voters has almost become the legislature’s main business.
Lawmakers wasted no time moving to undo a constitutional amendment that legalized abortion up to fetal viability.
By @jeremykohler.bsky.social
Lawmakers wasted no time moving to undo a constitutional amendment that legalized abortion up to fetal viability.
By @jeremykohler.bsky.social
Red State Voters Approved Progressive Measures. GOP Lawmakers Are Trying to Undermine Them.
In the wake of ballot measures that increased abortion access and improved sick leave for workers, a coordinated effort is unfolding across the country to restrict direct democracy — and shift power…
www.propublica.org
June 1, 2025 at 1:30 PM
In Missouri, overturning the will of voters has almost become the legislature’s main business.
Lawmakers wasted no time moving to undo a constitutional amendment that legalized abortion up to fetal viability.
By @jeremykohler.bsky.social
Lawmakers wasted no time moving to undo a constitutional amendment that legalized abortion up to fetal viability.
By @jeremykohler.bsky.social
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
NEW: Farmers are dying by suicide at the third-highest rate by vocation in Utah.
But after a federal program offering mental health support ran out of money, the state did not continue it.
By @jessicamiller.bsky.social, with @sltrib.com
But after a federal program offering mental health support ran out of money, the state did not continue it.
By @jessicamiller.bsky.social, with @sltrib.com
Utah Farmers Signed Up for Federally Funded Therapy. Then the Money Stopped.
Farmers are dying by suicide at the third-highest rate by vocation in Utah. But after a federal program offering mental health support ran out of money, the state did not continue it.
www.propublica.org
April 30, 2025 at 12:03 PM
NEW: Farmers are dying by suicide at the third-highest rate by vocation in Utah.
But after a federal program offering mental health support ran out of money, the state did not continue it.
By @jessicamiller.bsky.social, with @sltrib.com
But after a federal program offering mental health support ran out of money, the state did not continue it.
By @jessicamiller.bsky.social, with @sltrib.com
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
A Trump administration document, cited by news reports, proposes eliminating funding for Head Start, which is dedicated to early child care services. An advocate says the move would be "catastrophic."
Head Start advocates brace for possibility of Trump eliminating funding
A Trump administration document, cited by news reports, proposes eliminating funding for Head Start, which is dedicated to early child care services. An advocate says the move would be "catastrophic."
www.npr.org
April 19, 2025 at 2:02 PM
A Trump administration document, cited by news reports, proposes eliminating funding for Head Start, which is dedicated to early child care services. An advocate says the move would be "catastrophic."
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
A grassroots-led campaign has hundreds of protests and events scheduled across the U.S. on Saturday. Organizers say the momentum built on resistance against the Trump administration has not slowed.
Anti-Trump protests this weekend turn focus to community action
A grassroots-led campaign has hundreds of protests and events scheduled across the U.S. on Saturday. Organizers say the momentum built on resistance against the Trump administration has not slowed.
www.npr.org
April 19, 2025 at 3:51 PM
A grassroots-led campaign has hundreds of protests and events scheduled across the U.S. on Saturday. Organizers say the momentum built on resistance against the Trump administration has not slowed.
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
A presidential effort to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status could run up against a number of challenges, including violating federal law.
History shows revoking Harvard's tax status won't be easy — or fast
A presidential effort to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status could run up against a number of challenges, including violating federal law.
www.npr.org
April 18, 2025 at 8:47 PM
A presidential effort to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status could run up against a number of challenges, including violating federal law.
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
NEW: A little-known firm with investors linked to JD Vance, Elon Musk and Trump could get a piece of the federal expense card system — and its hundreds of millions in fees.
“This goes against all the normal contracting safeguards,” one expert said.
By @chrisbing.bsky.social & Avi Asher-Schapiro
“This goes against all the normal contracting safeguards,” one expert said.
By @chrisbing.bsky.social & Avi Asher-Schapiro
Trump Team Eyes Politically Connected Startup to Overhaul $700 Billion Government Payments Program
A little-known firm with investors linked to JD Vance, Elon Musk and Trump could get a piece of the federal expense card system — and its hundreds of millions in fees. “This goes against all the norma...
www.propublica.org
April 17, 2025 at 2:32 PM
NEW: A little-known firm with investors linked to JD Vance, Elon Musk and Trump could get a piece of the federal expense card system — and its hundreds of millions in fees.
“This goes against all the normal contracting safeguards,” one expert said.
By @chrisbing.bsky.social & Avi Asher-Schapiro
“This goes against all the normal contracting safeguards,” one expert said.
By @chrisbing.bsky.social & Avi Asher-Schapiro
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
Trump hopes to deport and imprison U.S. citizens abroad. Critics say the concept is unconstitutional and dangerous.
'Homegrowns are next:' Trump hopes to deport and jail U.S. citizens abroad
Trump hopes to deport and imprison U.S. citizens abroad. Critics say the concept is unconstitutional and dangerous.
www.npr.org
April 16, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Trump hopes to deport and imprison U.S. citizens abroad. Critics say the concept is unconstitutional and dangerous.
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
JUST IN: Judge finds 'probable cause' to hold U.S. in contempt over Alien Enemies Act deportations
Judge: 'Probable cause' to hold U.S. in contempt over Alien Enemies Act deportations
The government sent several planeloads of alleged gang members to El Salvador, including 137 people under the act, the White House said at the time.
www.npr.org
April 16, 2025 at 4:43 PM
JUST IN: Judge finds 'probable cause' to hold U.S. in contempt over Alien Enemies Act deportations
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
“No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue,” Alan Garber, Harvard’s president, said about President Trump's demands. nyti.ms/4jzSS9W
April 14, 2025 at 8:46 PM
“No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue,” Alan Garber, Harvard’s president, said about President Trump's demands. nyti.ms/4jzSS9W
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
The US economy is set to lose billions of dollars in revenue in 2025 from a pullback in foreign tourism and boycotts of American products.
US Economy Is Set to Lose Billions as Foreign Tourists Stay Away
The US economy is set to lose billions of dollars in revenue in 2025 from a pullback in foreign tourism and boycotts of American products, adding to a growing list of headwinds keeping recession risk ...
www.bloomberg.com
April 15, 2025 at 11:45 AM
The US economy is set to lose billions of dollars in revenue in 2025 from a pullback in foreign tourism and boycotts of American products.
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
With the abrupt shutdown of USAID funding, many clinics, including those serving women in remote areas, have shuttered. Midwives are reporting that mothers and babies are dying as a result.
A midwife says of the aid cuts in Afghanistan: 'No one prioritizes women's lives.'
With the abrupt shutdown of USAID funding, many clinics, including those serving women in remote areas, have shuttered. Midwives are reporting that mothers and babies are dying as a result.
www.npr.org
April 1, 2025 at 12:22 AM
With the abrupt shutdown of USAID funding, many clinics, including those serving women in remote areas, have shuttered. Midwives are reporting that mothers and babies are dying as a result.
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
Guess who showed up to defend Tesla? The Proud Boys, armed militias, and at one event in Idaho, and a guy dressed as Hitler.
More on the "Tesla Takedown" protests here:
More on the "Tesla Takedown" protests here:
The Proud Boys and Militias Come to Tesla’s Defense
After weeks of “Tesla Takedown” protests, the Proud Boys and other far-right extremist groups are showing up to back Elon Musk's beleaguered car company.
www.wired.com
March 31, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Guess who showed up to defend Tesla? The Proud Boys, armed militias, and at one event in Idaho, and a guy dressed as Hitler.
More on the "Tesla Takedown" protests here:
More on the "Tesla Takedown" protests here:
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
NEW: DOGE is trying to gift itself a building worth $500 million, court filings show. It's the culmination of a dramatic battle between DOGE and the United States Institute of Peace, a Congressionally funded think tank. www.wired.com/story/doge-t...
DOGE Is Trying to Gift Itself a $500 Million Building, Court Filings Show
The documents reveal a DOGE affiliate is attempting to transfer the headquarters of an independent think tank, the United States Institute of Peace, to the government at no cost.
www.wired.com
April 1, 2025 at 12:07 AM
NEW: DOGE is trying to gift itself a building worth $500 million, court filings show. It's the culmination of a dramatic battle between DOGE and the United States Institute of Peace, a Congressionally funded think tank. www.wired.com/story/doge-t...
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
This week, as the number of confirmed measles cases rose to 483, the CDC buried a report that would’ve stressed the importance of getting vaccinated.
The move was “not normal at all,” one agency staff member said.
By @sheinvestigates.bsky.social
The move was “not normal at all,” one agency staff member said.
By @sheinvestigates.bsky.social
The CDC Buried a Measles Forecast That Stressed the Need for Vaccinations
The move — along with the CDC’s explanation — is a sign that the nation’s top public health agency may be falling in line under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime critic of vaccines.
propub.li
March 30, 2025 at 3:00 AM
This week, as the number of confirmed measles cases rose to 483, the CDC buried a report that would’ve stressed the importance of getting vaccinated.
The move was “not normal at all,” one agency staff member said.
By @sheinvestigates.bsky.social
The move was “not normal at all,” one agency staff member said.
By @sheinvestigates.bsky.social
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
Dozens more pregnant and postpartum women have died in Texas hospitals since the state banned abortion, our analysis shows.
As the maternal mortality rate dropped nationally, it rose in Texas by 33%.
As the maternal mortality rate dropped nationally, it rose in Texas by 33%.
Texas Banned Abortion. Then Sepsis Rates Soared.
ProPublica’s first-of-its-kind analysis is the most detailed look yet into a rise in life-threatening complications for women experiencing pregnancy loss under Texas’ abortion ban.
propub.li
March 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Dozens more pregnant and postpartum women have died in Texas hospitals since the state banned abortion, our analysis shows.
As the maternal mortality rate dropped nationally, it rose in Texas by 33%.
As the maternal mortality rate dropped nationally, it rose in Texas by 33%.
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
DOGE has spent the last six weeks on a supposed crusade to audit the government and stop fraud, waste, and abuse.
But two federal auditors with years of experience say that DOGE’s actions are the furthest thing from what an actual audit looks like.
wrd.cm/420UPoq
But two federal auditors with years of experience say that DOGE’s actions are the furthest thing from what an actual audit looks like.
wrd.cm/420UPoq
‘It’s a Heist’: Real Federal Auditors Are Horrified by DOGE
WIRED talked to actual federal auditors about how government auditing works—and how DOGE is doing the opposite.
www.wired.com
March 18, 2025 at 8:29 PM
DOGE has spent the last six weeks on a supposed crusade to audit the government and stop fraud, waste, and abuse.
But two federal auditors with years of experience say that DOGE’s actions are the furthest thing from what an actual audit looks like.
wrd.cm/420UPoq
But two federal auditors with years of experience say that DOGE’s actions are the furthest thing from what an actual audit looks like.
wrd.cm/420UPoq
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
Symphony orchestra audiences aren't known for their rowdiness, but the Vice President and Second Lady Usha Vance were loudly booed by the crowd as they entered the Concert Hall Thursday night.
Vice President JD Vance gets booed at The Kennedy Center
Symphony orchestra audiences aren't known for their rowdiness, but the Vice President and Second Lady Usha Vance were loudly booed by the crowd as they entered the Concert Hall Thursday night.
www.npr.org
March 14, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Symphony orchestra audiences aren't known for their rowdiness, but the Vice President and Second Lady Usha Vance were loudly booed by the crowd as they entered the Concert Hall Thursday night.
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
"Elon Musk and other Trump allies have called for federal judges who have ruled against the president to be impeached and removed from the bench.
Here's what you need to know about the growing threats against the judiciary."
Here's what you need to know about the growing threats against the judiciary."
Musk, Trump Allies Use Impeachment Threats to Intimidate Federal Judges — What You Need To Know
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
March 15, 2025 at 3:30 AM
"Elon Musk and other Trump allies have called for federal judges who have ruled against the president to be impeached and removed from the bench.
Here's what you need to know about the growing threats against the judiciary."
Here's what you need to know about the growing threats against the judiciary."
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
Trump and Russell Vought, a Project 2025 alum, plan to impound federal spending in direct violation of the 1974 Impoundment Control Act.
This would prompt a legal fight very likely decided by SCOTUS—and threaten the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution.
This would prompt a legal fight very likely decided by SCOTUS—and threaten the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution.
Trump Drafts Plans to Take Over Congress’s Spending Powers
Donald Trump plans to make massive cuts to spending—after Congress decides on the budget.
newrepublic.com
March 14, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Trump and Russell Vought, a Project 2025 alum, plan to impound federal spending in direct violation of the 1974 Impoundment Control Act.
This would prompt a legal fight very likely decided by SCOTUS—and threaten the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution.
This would prompt a legal fight very likely decided by SCOTUS—and threaten the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution.
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
NEW: National Park Service staff have received talking points ordering them to describe layoffs as “workforce management actions” and to reassure visitors that changes resulting from the cuts won’t impede “memorable and meaningful experiences for all.”
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
Curious How Trump’s Cost Cutting Could Affect Your National Park Visit? You Might Not Get a Straight Answer.
National Park Service staff have received talking points ordering them to describe layoffs as “workforce management actions” and to reassure visitors that changes resulting from the cuts won’t impede…
propub.li
March 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM
NEW: National Park Service staff have received talking points ordering them to describe layoffs as “workforce management actions” and to reassure visitors that changes resulting from the cuts won’t impede “memorable and meaningful experiences for all.”
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
Tesla is getting crushed in China, its most important market outside the U.S. and one that it had dominated for years.
China Cools on Musk: ‘Two Cars for the Price of One Tesla’
Elon Musk, the company’s chief executive, is fast losing out to Chinese electric carmakers in Tesla’s second-most-important market.
www.nytimes.com
March 13, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Tesla is getting crushed in China, its most important market outside the U.S. and one that it had dominated for years.
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
"By rejecting passivity, Sanders is also doing more to actually put Republicans—who’ve recently been ordered to abandon town halls in the wake of mounting anger from their own voters—under pressure."
Bernie Sanders Is Showing Democrats How It’s Done
The Vermont senator is taking his anti-Trump tour to red America—and it’s a smash hit.
newrepublic.com
March 12, 2025 at 3:56 AM
"By rejecting passivity, Sanders is also doing more to actually put Republicans—who’ve recently been ordered to abandon town halls in the wake of mounting anger from their own voters—under pressure."
Reposted by D. Leigh Henson
Out of Putin’s war and Trump’s treachery, a new Europe is being born | Nathalie Tocci
Out of Putin’s war and Trump’s treachery, a new Europe is being born | Nathalie Tocci
The EU has its Trojan horses and Nato’s cornerstone has crumbled. But European allies, including the UK, are bound by an urgent shared purpose, says Guardian Europe columnist Nathalie Tocci
www.theguardian.com
March 12, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Out of Putin’s war and Trump’s treachery, a new Europe is being born | Nathalie Tocci