Reposted by Stephanie
As a survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Viola Ford Fletcher bravely shared her story so that we’d never forget this painful part of our history. Michelle and I are grateful for her lifelong work to advance civil rights, and send our love to her family.
Viola Fletcher, Oldest Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Dies at 111
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:45 AM
As a survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Viola Ford Fletcher bravely shared her story so that we’d never forget this painful part of our history. Michelle and I are grateful for her lifelong work to advance civil rights, and send our love to her family.
Reposted by Stephanie
Biden granted mercy to most everyone on federal death row before leaving office. Trump retaliated by putting them in some of the harshest conditions of longterm isolation that American prisons can impose.
Another must-read by @laurengill.bsky.social boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Another must-read by @laurengill.bsky.social boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Death Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for "Living Hell" Under Trump - Bolts
Trump officials are retaliating by imposing the harshest conditions in the entire federal prison system, including near total isolation.
boltsmag.org
November 24, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Biden granted mercy to most everyone on federal death row before leaving office. Trump retaliated by putting them in some of the harshest conditions of longterm isolation that American prisons can impose.
Another must-read by @laurengill.bsky.social boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Another must-read by @laurengill.bsky.social boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Reposted by Stephanie
Congressional redistricting is monumentally important. But for Black people in places like Fayette County, TN, it is the County Commn where the stakes are highest.
What SCOTUS does in Louisiana v Calláis may threaten Black representation across the rural South.
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
What SCOTUS does in Louisiana v Calláis may threaten Black representation across the rural South.
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
Black Residents in West Tennessee Just Won Fairer Districts. Now Comes SCOTUS. - Bolts
The Supreme Court may further erode the Voting Rights Act in an upcoming decision. Beyond affecting Congress, that would reverberate across local governments nationwide.
boltsmag.org
November 24, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Congressional redistricting is monumentally important. But for Black people in places like Fayette County, TN, it is the County Commn where the stakes are highest.
What SCOTUS does in Louisiana v Calláis may threaten Black representation across the rural South.
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
What SCOTUS does in Louisiana v Calláis may threaten Black representation across the rural South.
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
👀
Amazing story, state legislator and Turning Points USA leader who crusaded against bogus voter fraud claims pleads guilty to attempted election fraud. azmirror.com/briefs/turni...
Turning Point leader, former GOP Rep pleads guilty to attempted election fraud | Arizona Mirror
Austin Smith election fraud guilty plea: Former GOP Rep admits forging 100+ signatures on ballot petitions in Arizona
azmirror.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:50 PM
👀
Reposted by Stephanie
Boston's Mayor Wu playing with Yo-Yo Ma at Symphony Hall
November 23, 2025 at 5:11 AM
Boston's Mayor Wu playing with Yo-Yo Ma at Symphony Hall
Reposted by Stephanie
The bill last numbered H.R. 9495 would empower the Treasury Secretary to designate any nonprofit the Secretary wishes to kill a “terrorist supporting organization” and revoke the tax-exempt status on which it depends for survival. Unconstitutional but lethal in the harm it would do while in force.
November 23, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The bill last numbered H.R. 9495 would empower the Treasury Secretary to designate any nonprofit the Secretary wishes to kill a “terrorist supporting organization” and revoke the tax-exempt status on which it depends for survival. Unconstitutional but lethal in the harm it would do while in force.
Reposted by Stephanie
All of last week’s Civil Discourse columns collected in one place in case you missed anything. open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
The Sunday Morning Wrap-Up
Here’s the highlight reel of the past week’s posts and events.
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 3:46 PM
All of last week’s Civil Discourse columns collected in one place in case you missed anything. open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
Reposted by Stephanie
This is Clay Higgins, the only “No vote” on releasing the Epstein files.
Apparently, he likes violating First Amendment rights, too.
Apparently, he likes violating First Amendment rights, too.
November 19, 2025 at 2:14 PM
This is Clay Higgins, the only “No vote” on releasing the Epstein files.
Apparently, he likes violating First Amendment rights, too.
Apparently, he likes violating First Amendment rights, too.
Reposted by Stephanie
For @msmagazine.com, I wrote about the WNBA and the issue of pay equity. By the time the WNBA was only two seasons in (1999-2000) the average NBA salary was 58 times higher than the average WNBA salary. Twenty-six years later, the gap has jumped to 116 times higher.
Calling Foul: Breaking Down WNBA Pay and Why It Matters
Breaking Down WNBA Pay for Women Athletes and Why It Matters: a case study in systemic undervaluing of women’s work
msmagazine.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:57 PM
For @msmagazine.com, I wrote about the WNBA and the issue of pay equity. By the time the WNBA was only two seasons in (1999-2000) the average NBA salary was 58 times higher than the average WNBA salary. Twenty-six years later, the gap has jumped to 116 times higher.
Reposted by Stephanie
A reminder that seven years ago almost to the day, the CIA determined that Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the killing of @washingtonpost.com journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
CIA concludes Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi’s assassination
Audio recordings, intercepted phone calls and other intelligence link Mohammed bin Salman to killing that Saudis say was conducted by rogue elements.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:05 PM
A reminder that seven years ago almost to the day, the CIA determined that Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the killing of @washingtonpost.com journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
Reposted by Stephanie
I want to take a moment to thank the entire Elias Law Group team who worked on the Texas redistricting case as well as our fearless clients. The thirteen Black and Latino voters we represented stood up to challenge Texas's unprecedented mid-decade redistricting. We all ow them a debt of gratitude.
November 18, 2025 at 8:11 PM
I want to take a moment to thank the entire Elias Law Group team who worked on the Texas redistricting case as well as our fearless clients. The thirteen Black and Latino voters we represented stood up to challenge Texas's unprecedented mid-decade redistricting. We all ow them a debt of gratitude.
Reposted by Stephanie
NEW: Ex-prosecutor who resigned in protest amid Justice Dept purge is now poised to lead Seattle City Attorney office and pushback on Trump Admin
Just filed to @CBSNews
www.cbsnews.com/news/erika-e...
Just filed to @CBSNews
www.cbsnews.com/news/erika-e...
Ex-prosecutor who resigned in protest amid DOJ purge now poised to lead Seattle City Attorney office
Erika Evans will begin her term as elected city attorney of Seattle on Jan. 1.
www.cbsnews.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:48 PM
NEW: Ex-prosecutor who resigned in protest amid Justice Dept purge is now poised to lead Seattle City Attorney office and pushback on Trump Admin
Just filed to @CBSNews
www.cbsnews.com/news/erika-e...
Just filed to @CBSNews
www.cbsnews.com/news/erika-e...
Reposted by Stephanie
Alice Wong ask that this be posted after her passing. Honoring that.
November 15, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Alice Wong ask that this be posted after her passing. Honoring that.
Reposted by Stephanie
a big runoff last night, in New Orleans:
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan wins Orleans clerk of court race - Verite News New Orleans
Duncan, a political newcomer and former prisoner, defeated incumbent Darren Lombard by a wide margin in Saturday's runoff.
veritenews.org
November 16, 2025 at 4:09 PM
a big runoff last night, in New Orleans:
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Reposted by Stephanie
I'm seeing people wonder why ICE is going after Charlotte.
ICE has been at war with Charlotte's sheriff ever since he won in 2018.
We'd covered this at Bolts back in the day; this quote is from that sheriff:
ICE has been at war with Charlotte's sheriff ever since he won in 2018.
We'd covered this at Bolts back in the day; this quote is from that sheriff:
“When the 8 African American sheriffs took over the largest counties in North Carolina, it became a threat to the good ol’ boy system,” says the sheriff of Charlotte. These new sheriffs broke ties with ICE.
But GOP lawmakers cracked down this week, overbidding the governor’s veto to adopt this law:
But GOP lawmakers cracked down this week, overbidding the governor’s veto to adopt this law:
North Carolina GOP Is Cracking Down on the Black Sheriffs Who Stood Up to ICE
Boosted by new supermajorities, Republicans are closing in on legislation to mandate more collaboration with ICE and preempt local policies hard-won by immigrants’ rights advocates.
boltsmag.org
November 15, 2025 at 10:43 PM
I'm seeing people wonder why ICE is going after Charlotte.
ICE has been at war with Charlotte's sheriff ever since he won in 2018.
We'd covered this at Bolts back in the day; this quote is from that sheriff:
ICE has been at war with Charlotte's sheriff ever since he won in 2018.
We'd covered this at Bolts back in the day; this quote is from that sheriff:
Reposted by Stephanie
Reposted by Stephanie
i used to think the lyric was ‘i wanna rock and roll all night / and part of every day’ and i remember thinking, honestly that sounds reasonable
November 15, 2025 at 9:36 PM
i used to think the lyric was ‘i wanna rock and roll all night / and part of every day’ and i remember thinking, honestly that sounds reasonable
Reposted by Stephanie
NOW WHAT?
Part II - Real Talk for Voters, Advocates, & Dem Leaders in Congress
open.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:22 PM
👀
Trump's illegal murders in the Caribbean just got worse. An internal DOJ memo on the bombings says the victims are waging war on the US, but per NYT, it extensively cites the WH's *own claims* to this effect as evidence!
It gets even darker than that. 1/
(new piece)
newrepublic.com/article/2032...
It gets even darker than that. 1/
(new piece)
newrepublic.com/article/2032...
Trump Boat Bombings Take Dark, Unnerving Turn with Leaked Memo Stunner
A new Trump administration memo argues that those carrying out the boat attacks can’t be prosecuted. Why? Because the administration says so!
newrepublic.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:08 PM
👀
Reposted by Stephanie
Raskin: "The DOJ hasn't released any of these emails that mention Trump's name & identify his role in all these activities. Those came from the Epstein estate. So this is a demonstration the govt is deliberately withholding the info everybody is actually looking for & could be damaging to Trump"
November 13, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Raskin: "The DOJ hasn't released any of these emails that mention Trump's name & identify his role in all these activities. Those came from the Epstein estate. So this is a demonstration the govt is deliberately withholding the info everybody is actually looking for & could be damaging to Trump"
Reposted by Stephanie
NEW: @propublica.org investigated the Chicago apartment raid where kids were zip-tied and citizens detained for hours. They find:
- NONE of the arrested were criminally charged
- NO evidence the building was "filled with TdA terrorists."
- ZERO legitimate reason for DHS to rappel from a Blackhawk.
- NONE of the arrested were criminally charged
- NO evidence the building was "filled with TdA terrorists."
- ZERO legitimate reason for DHS to rappel from a Blackhawk.
November 13, 2025 at 2:08 PM
NEW: @propublica.org investigated the Chicago apartment raid where kids were zip-tied and citizens detained for hours. They find:
- NONE of the arrested were criminally charged
- NO evidence the building was "filled with TdA terrorists."
- ZERO legitimate reason for DHS to rappel from a Blackhawk.
- NONE of the arrested were criminally charged
- NO evidence the building was "filled with TdA terrorists."
- ZERO legitimate reason for DHS to rappel from a Blackhawk.
Reposted by Stephanie
Today's bonus "One First" tries to read the (many) tea leaves in #SCOTUS's cryptic Tuesday order in the SNAP case; how unusual it is for the full Court to effectively take a case away from a circuit justice; and what that teaches us about the Court's procedures—and, as importantly, Justice Jackson:
Bonus 192: The Court vs. the Circuit Justice
Tuesday's ruling in the SNAP case appears to be the second example in seven months (and for quite some before that) of the full Supreme Court taking an application away from the circuit justice.
www.stevevladeck.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Today's bonus "One First" tries to read the (many) tea leaves in #SCOTUS's cryptic Tuesday order in the SNAP case; how unusual it is for the full Court to effectively take a case away from a circuit justice; and what that teaches us about the Court's procedures—and, as importantly, Justice Jackson:
👀 Taken
Top tier explainer today from @stevevladeck.bsky.social on what likely occurred with the SNAP case. It was not “referred” by Justice KBJ, to the full Court, as is the usual practice from a Circuit Justice. But instead it was “taken” by the full court.
open.substack.com/pub/stevevla...
open.substack.com/pub/stevevla...
Bonus 192: The Court vs. the Circuit Justice
Tuesday's ruling in the SNAP case appears to be the second example in seven months (and for quite some before that) of the full Supreme Court taking an application away from the circuit justice.
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:02 PM
👀 Taken
Reposted by Stephanie
NEW EPISODE: Janai Nelson joined me to discuss how America’s democracy is still shaped by race and power. From the gutting of the VRA to the fight in the states Nelson explains how the Supreme Court is rolling back hard-won rights — and what it will take to build a multiracial democracy.
Why Black Voters Are Still Fighting for Representation | Janai Nelson
YouTube video by Democracy Docket
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
NEW EPISODE: Janai Nelson joined me to discuss how America’s democracy is still shaped by race and power. From the gutting of the VRA to the fight in the states Nelson explains how the Supreme Court is rolling back hard-won rights — and what it will take to build a multiracial democracy.
Reposted by Stephanie
Ahead of Veterans Day, I was honored to welcome a flight of veterans and their families as they arrived in DC.
November 11, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Ahead of Veterans Day, I was honored to welcome a flight of veterans and their families as they arrived in DC.