Melissa
@melissadotcom.bsky.social
Avid reader, life-long North Carolinian, believer in Democracy.
Reposted by Melissa
SCOOP: The Trump administration plans to ramp up efforts to strip some naturalized Americans of their citizenship, according to internal guidance obtained by The New York Times.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/17/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/17/u...
Trump Administration Aims to Strip More Foreign-Born Americans of Citizenship
www.nytimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:18 PM
SCOOP: The Trump administration plans to ramp up efforts to strip some naturalized Americans of their citizenship, according to internal guidance obtained by The New York Times.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/17/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/17/u...
Reposted by Melissa
218 members signed the discharge petition to force a vote to extend ACA tax credits.
If Speaker Johnson refuses to bring forth the vote, he’s telling the American people loud and clear that rising health care costs are acceptable to him.
If Speaker Johnson refuses to bring forth the vote, he’s telling the American people loud and clear that rising health care costs are acceptable to him.
December 17, 2025 at 4:58 PM
218 members signed the discharge petition to force a vote to extend ACA tax credits.
If Speaker Johnson refuses to bring forth the vote, he’s telling the American people loud and clear that rising health care costs are acceptable to him.
If Speaker Johnson refuses to bring forth the vote, he’s telling the American people loud and clear that rising health care costs are acceptable to him.
Reposted by Melissa
The little orange bars on the right are what Trump is calling “the greatest economy in history.”
December 16, 2025 at 11:03 PM
The little orange bars on the right are what Trump is calling “the greatest economy in history.”
Reposted by Melissa
As data centers pop up in every corner of the country, their electricity demands are spiking rates for everyone.
But why on Earth should you be covering the electricity bill of a billion-dollar tech giant?
This week, @warren.senate.gov, @blumenthal.senate.gov, & I are asking big tech just that.
But why on Earth should you be covering the electricity bill of a billion-dollar tech giant?
This week, @warren.senate.gov, @blumenthal.senate.gov, & I are asking big tech just that.
Senators Investigate Role of A.I. Data Centers in Rising Electricity Costs
www.nytimes.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:23 PM
As data centers pop up in every corner of the country, their electricity demands are spiking rates for everyone.
But why on Earth should you be covering the electricity bill of a billion-dollar tech giant?
This week, @warren.senate.gov, @blumenthal.senate.gov, & I are asking big tech just that.
But why on Earth should you be covering the electricity bill of a billion-dollar tech giant?
This week, @warren.senate.gov, @blumenthal.senate.gov, & I are asking big tech just that.
Reposted by Melissa
NEW: Mike Johnson says he WON'T call a House vote on extending ACA funding this week
Weekend talks with centrist Republicans on a health care amendment collapsed.
Enhanced tax credits will expire, raising costs in 2026.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Weekend talks with centrist Republicans on a health care amendment collapsed.
Enhanced tax credits will expire, raising costs in 2026.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
House Republican leaders ditch vote on ACA funding, all but ensuring premiums will rise
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Republicans worked on the issue throughout the weekend but could not come to an agreement with a group of members who want the funds extended.
www.nbcnews.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:13 PM
NEW: Mike Johnson says he WON'T call a House vote on extending ACA funding this week
Weekend talks with centrist Republicans on a health care amendment collapsed.
Enhanced tax credits will expire, raising costs in 2026.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Weekend talks with centrist Republicans on a health care amendment collapsed.
Enhanced tax credits will expire, raising costs in 2026.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Reposted by Melissa
Usually, when I need an appointment at the VA, I can get one within 2 weeks. Today, I called for an appointment and the next available is in May, 2026. Firing 35K people will do that. The Trump administration hates veterans.
December 15, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Usually, when I need an appointment at the VA, I can get one within 2 weeks. Today, I called for an appointment and the next available is in May, 2026. Firing 35K people will do that. The Trump administration hates veterans.
Reposted by Melissa
The measles outbreak in South Carolina is “accelerating” with no end in sight following Thanksgiving and other large gatherings, state health officials say.
South Carolina measles outbreak is 'accelerating,' driving hundreds into quarantine
Some students who remain unvaccinated are now in a second 21-day quarantine since the beginning of the school year.
nbcnews.to
December 10, 2025 at 10:20 PM
The measles outbreak in South Carolina is “accelerating” with no end in sight following Thanksgiving and other large gatherings, state health officials say.
Reposted by Melissa
On October 10th, 2025, Dayanne was assaulted and kidnapped by masked ICE agents. They gave no reason why.
She is beyond brave for sharing her story and reliving her trauma, in hopes that someone will listen—that there will be change. Do not turn a blind eye to her pain.
She is beyond brave for sharing her story and reliving her trauma, in hopes that someone will listen—that there will be change. Do not turn a blind eye to her pain.
December 10, 2025 at 6:33 PM
On October 10th, 2025, Dayanne was assaulted and kidnapped by masked ICE agents. They gave no reason why.
She is beyond brave for sharing her story and reliving her trauma, in hopes that someone will listen—that there will be change. Do not turn a blind eye to her pain.
She is beyond brave for sharing her story and reliving her trauma, in hopes that someone will listen—that there will be change. Do not turn a blind eye to her pain.
Reposted by Melissa
A memo obtained by NPR shows the Justice Department is telling inspectors to stop evaluating prisons using standards designed to protect trans and other LGBTQ community members from sexual violence. n.pr/44K1Tb9
DOJ orders prison inspectors to stop considering LGBTQ safety standards
A memo obtained by NPR shows the Justice Department is telling inspectors to stop evaluating prisons using standards designed to protect trans and other LGBTQ community members from sexual violence.
n.pr
December 5, 2025 at 2:29 AM
A memo obtained by NPR shows the Justice Department is telling inspectors to stop evaluating prisons using standards designed to protect trans and other LGBTQ community members from sexual violence. n.pr/44K1Tb9
Reposted by Melissa
Musk’s Wealth
2012: $2 billion
2025: $493.8 billion
Bezos’ Wealth
2012: $18.4 billion
2025: $240.9 billion
Zuckerberg’s Wealth
2012: $17.5 billion
2025: $226.9 billion
Federal Minimum Wage
2012: $7.25
2025: $7.25
It’s not the start of an oligarchy. — We’re in the thick of it.
2012: $2 billion
2025: $493.8 billion
Bezos’ Wealth
2012: $18.4 billion
2025: $240.9 billion
Zuckerberg’s Wealth
2012: $17.5 billion
2025: $226.9 billion
Federal Minimum Wage
2012: $7.25
2025: $7.25
It’s not the start of an oligarchy. — We’re in the thick of it.
December 4, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Musk’s Wealth
2012: $2 billion
2025: $493.8 billion
Bezos’ Wealth
2012: $18.4 billion
2025: $240.9 billion
Zuckerberg’s Wealth
2012: $17.5 billion
2025: $226.9 billion
Federal Minimum Wage
2012: $7.25
2025: $7.25
It’s not the start of an oligarchy. — We’re in the thick of it.
2012: $2 billion
2025: $493.8 billion
Bezos’ Wealth
2012: $18.4 billion
2025: $240.9 billion
Zuckerberg’s Wealth
2012: $17.5 billion
2025: $226.9 billion
Federal Minimum Wage
2012: $7.25
2025: $7.25
It’s not the start of an oligarchy. — We’re in the thick of it.
Reposted by Melissa
Himes: "What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service ... any American who sees the video that I saw will see the US military attacking shipwrecked sailors."
December 4, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Himes: "What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service ... any American who sees the video that I saw will see the US military attacking shipwrecked sailors."
Reposted by Melissa
Republicans’ new bill to ban Americans from holding dual citizenship would impact Melania and Barron Trump.
They are both citizens of Slovenia.
They are both citizens of Slovenia.
December 4, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Republicans’ new bill to ban Americans from holding dual citizenship would impact Melania and Barron Trump.
They are both citizens of Slovenia.
They are both citizens of Slovenia.
Reposted by Melissa
NEW: Hopes fade in Congress for a health care deal before premiums soar in January
Two weeks before recess, they're nowhere close.
Senate to vote on a bill of Dems' choosing; expected to fail.
Enhanced ACA funds set to expire, as many Republicans want.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Two weeks before recess, they're nowhere close.
Senate to vote on a bill of Dems' choosing; expected to fail.
Enhanced ACA funds set to expire, as many Republicans want.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Hopes fade in Congress for a health care deal before premiums soar in January
Billions of dollars in tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are poised to expire at the end of the year. Lawmakers in both parties say they're nowhere close to a deal to renew them.
www.nbcnews.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:40 PM
NEW: Hopes fade in Congress for a health care deal before premiums soar in January
Two weeks before recess, they're nowhere close.
Senate to vote on a bill of Dems' choosing; expected to fail.
Enhanced ACA funds set to expire, as many Republicans want.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Two weeks before recess, they're nowhere close.
Senate to vote on a bill of Dems' choosing; expected to fail.
Enhanced ACA funds set to expire, as many Republicans want.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Reposted by Melissa
My bipartisan IRS MATH Act with Senator Bill Cassidy is now law.
Now, if you mess up your taxes, the IRS has to tell you where you made a mistake and how to fix it.
No more spending a fortune on lawyers or hours to find errors.
That means fewer headaches and more money in your pocket.
Now, if you mess up your taxes, the IRS has to tell you where you made a mistake and how to fix it.
No more spending a fortune on lawyers or hours to find errors.
That means fewer headaches and more money in your pocket.
December 1, 2025 at 6:56 PM
My bipartisan IRS MATH Act with Senator Bill Cassidy is now law.
Now, if you mess up your taxes, the IRS has to tell you where you made a mistake and how to fix it.
No more spending a fortune on lawyers or hours to find errors.
That means fewer headaches and more money in your pocket.
Now, if you mess up your taxes, the IRS has to tell you where you made a mistake and how to fix it.
No more spending a fortune on lawyers or hours to find errors.
That means fewer headaches and more money in your pocket.
Reposted by Melissa
This is why military service members should refuse to follow illegal orders. Because when the shit hits the fan, Trunp and Hegseth will deny everything and blame you. bsky.app/profile/acyn...
Reporter: Does the administration deny that that second strike happened or did it happen and the administration denies that Hegseth gave the order
Leavitt: The latter is true
Leavitt: The latter is true
December 1, 2025 at 7:33 PM
This is why military service members should refuse to follow illegal orders. Because when the shit hits the fan, Trunp and Hegseth will deny everything and blame you. bsky.app/profile/acyn...
Reposted by Melissa
Reposted by Melissa
Kavanaugh stop. Smashed the kid’s car windows and arrested him. He told them he was a U.S. citizen. The officer replied “I don’t care.”
www.oregonlive.com/portland/202...
www.oregonlive.com/portland/202...
High school senior, a U.S. citizen, detained by ICE in Oregon
The 17-year-old was held more than five hours Friday in an ICE facility, his brother said.
www.oregonlive.com
November 23, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Kavanaugh stop. Smashed the kid’s car windows and arrested him. He told them he was a U.S. citizen. The officer replied “I don’t care.”
www.oregonlive.com/portland/202...
www.oregonlive.com/portland/202...
Reposted by Melissa
If McClain took an oath “to the commander-in-chief”, she took the wrong one. 🤡
BLITZER: I want to be precise. Should members of the US military obey clearly illegal orders?
McCLAIN: You're asking an enlisted person for their opinion on what they think is legal. That's a pretty slippery slope. Follow your commander in chief. That's the oath that you took
(Not a no!)
McCLAIN: You're asking an enlisted person for their opinion on what they think is legal. That's a pretty slippery slope. Follow your commander in chief. That's the oath that you took
(Not a no!)
November 24, 2025 at 6:55 PM
If McClain took an oath “to the commander-in-chief”, she took the wrong one. 🤡
Reposted by Melissa
BREAKING: A judge just dismissed the cases against NY AG Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey.
This was a political prosecution at the President’s direction—brought by a former White House aide appointed to overrule career prosecutors.
This was a political prosecution at the President’s direction—brought by a former White House aide appointed to overrule career prosecutors.
November 24, 2025 at 6:56 PM
BREAKING: A judge just dismissed the cases against NY AG Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey.
This was a political prosecution at the President’s direction—brought by a former White House aide appointed to overrule career prosecutors.
This was a political prosecution at the President’s direction—brought by a former White House aide appointed to overrule career prosecutors.
Reposted by Melissa
"Videojournalist Jon Farina in Charlotte, NC as residents came out in big numbers to protest President Trump's ICE & Border Patrol invasion of the their city. Curtis Hayes Jr. delivered a powerful message against the president & his masked federal agents." (Insta)
📹 Michelle Blue
📹 Michelle Blue
November 22, 2025 at 3:24 PM
"Videojournalist Jon Farina in Charlotte, NC as residents came out in big numbers to protest President Trump's ICE & Border Patrol invasion of the their city. Curtis Hayes Jr. delivered a powerful message against the president & his masked federal agents." (Insta)
📹 Michelle Blue
📹 Michelle Blue
Reposted by Melissa
The Washington Post editorial board decided the Epstein files have “no public interest” before even seeing them. That’s a stunning position for any newsroom to take. Praising Clay Higgins as the lone ‘no’ vote, too? No wonder no one trusts legacy media. Absolutely disgusting.
November 22, 2025 at 6:42 PM
The Washington Post editorial board decided the Epstein files have “no public interest” before even seeing them. That’s a stunning position for any newsroom to take. Praising Clay Higgins as the lone ‘no’ vote, too? No wonder no one trusts legacy media. Absolutely disgusting.
Reposted by Melissa
This is depraved on so many levels www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
Missouri AG Now Siccing ICE on Gerrymander Referendum Signature Gatherers
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:14 PM
This is depraved on so many levels www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
Reposted by Melissa
Reposted by Melissa
Trump’s “Quiet, piggy” remark joins a preponderance of evidence suggesting “how limited a proportion of men actually see women as equal human beings,” @sophiegilbert.bsky.social argues. theatln.tc/vIXNotVd
November 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Trump’s “Quiet, piggy” remark joins a preponderance of evidence suggesting “how limited a proportion of men actually see women as equal human beings,” @sophiegilbert.bsky.social argues. theatln.tc/vIXNotVd
Reposted by Melissa
The GOP is stuck with a lame duck dictator. Republicans didn't just lose the shutdown, they are losing the American people, who are increasingly repulsed by Trump's War Within America, and by Trump himself, as I discuss in PN.
The lame duck dictatorship
Trump is fighting his "war within" on multiple fronts and losing them all.
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:51 PM
The GOP is stuck with a lame duck dictator. Republicans didn't just lose the shutdown, they are losing the American people, who are increasingly repulsed by Trump's War Within America, and by Trump himself, as I discuss in PN.