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bendtom.bsky.social

@bendtom.bsky.social
185 followers 70 following 1.3K posts

High desert dweller. Lover of democracy, music and nature.

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bendtom.bsky.social @bendtom.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Homeland Security Agents Search Home of Rep. Ilhan Omar www.nytimes.com/2026/10/12/u...
nytimes.com
Federal Agents Search Home of Rep. Ilhan Omar
The search takes place within the 60-day window of the midterm elections, when the Justice Department has historically avoided such investigative steps related to political candidates.
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
The Onion couldn’t have made up something this absurd.
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MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 08/10/2026
NEW: Trump’s DOJ put a convicted election hacker on poll duty. Yes, really.
meidasnews.com
Trump’s DOJ Put Convicted Election Hacker on Poll Duty
As Harmeet Dhillon rebuilds the Civil Rights Division after roughly 300 career employees left, Justice Department records place David Michael Levin in the federal election-monitoring operation.
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 08/10/2026
Trump in Texas: "In this election I'm asking you to pretend, you just have to pretend that I'm on the ballot, because we get a lot more votes when I'm on the ballot. In a way we are on the ballot."
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Does protesting actually work? Yes — just look at history. My friend, activist and author Annie Leonard, explains why protesting is so important and why we must protect this powerful tool of dissent. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rvafufqH7g
youtube.com
Why Protest Is More Powerful Than You Think (ft. Annie Leonard)
Does protesting actually work?Yes — just look at history.My friend, activist and author Annie Leonard, explains why prot
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Don Moynihan @donmoyn.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
He admit it
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MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 04/10/2026
🚨 NEWS: A 28-year-old researcher at a Russian anti-plague institute has died following a suspected lab accident in Siberia. Nearly 200 people are reportedly under observation and hospitals have been quarantined amid concerns over possible pneumonic plague.
meidasnews.com
Russian Lab Worker Dies After Suspected Plague Accident as Quarantines Expand
A 28-year-old worker at a Russian anti-plague institute has died following a suspected laboratory accident in Siberia, with nearly 200 people under observation and conflicting accounts emerging from R...
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Marc Elias @marcelias.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
🚨BREAKING: Key federal agencies failed to provide any records to back up President Donald Trump’s allegations that tens of thousands of noncitizens are registered to vote in various blue states, a nonpartisan government watchdog said in a new lawsuit. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
democracydocket.com
DHS has failed to provide records to prove Trump’s allegations of noncitizen voting, watchdog says
Key federal agencies failed to provide any records to back up President Donald Trump’s allegations that 278,000 noncitizens are improperly registered to vote, a nonpartisan government watchdog said in...
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bendtom.bsky.social @bendtom.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Can AI's Threat Awaken Humanity in Time? www.commondreams.org/opinion/can-...
commondreams.org
Can AI's Threat Awaken Humanity in Time? | Common Dreams
We are now faced once more with the logic of a global suicide pact. Everyone may recognize the danger, yet no participant feels free to withdraw from the competition.
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 28/09/2026
2/ John Oliver also mentioned our recent investigation into Paxton’s financial disclosures. The Texas AG appears to have omitted rental income and multiple mortgages, potentially violating a federal ethics law. Read the full story here: www.propublica.org/article/ken-...
John Oliver (on right) gestures with his hands as he speaks. On left, a Texas Tribune headline from September 4, 2026 reads: “Ken Paxton omits rental income and mortgages from financial disclosures, obscuring his wealth.” It's paired alongside a photo of Texas AG Ken Paxton, wearing a dark suit with a light blue tie, holding a microphone to his face.
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 28/09/2026
1/ On @lastweektonight.com, John Oliver cited our reporting w/ @texastribune.org about how Ken Paxton appeared to have violated Texas law. Paxton used an address where his estranged wife said he no longer lived while voting in 6 elections in the past 2 years: www.propublica.org/article/ken-...
John Oliver (on right) gestures with his hands as he speaks. On left, a Texas Tribune headline from July 7, 2026 reads: “Ken Paxton vowed to crack down on 'illegal voting.' He may have violated Texas election law.” An article excerpt below says: "... appears to have used an address where he did not live while voting in six elections ...”
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
If Democrats retake Congress this November, a top priority should be investigating the Trump family's many shady business deals. Perhaps they can start with Eric and Don Jr.'s ties to defense companies receiving lucrative government contracts?
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Rachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"The U.S. and Russian teams also removed a provision requiring that humans review military targets developed by AI before a strike..." www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
washingtonpost.com
U.S., Russia stripped human oversight from global AI weapons pact
The two nations weakened a range of safeguards in a landmark U.N. effort to try to regulate the use of lethal autonomous weaponry. The global negotiations earlier this month marked the furthest progre...
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Mother Jones @motherjones.com · 26/09/2026
“The Philippines is being exploited here as it always has been. There will be some beneficiaries on the ground, but the very arrangement of deregulated special economic zones is a way of exploiting the locals to the benefit of foreign capital.”
motherjones.com
Tech Bros and the Trump administration are building an AI empire—in the Philippines
Pax Silica aims to lock up rare earths, and hand Silicon Valley the keys.
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Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 26/09/2026
Voters in battleground states are telling us that they want investigations of Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and the other Big Tech oligarchs.
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bendtom.bsky.social @bendtom.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Salmon Are Thriving After Klamath River Dam Removals, Study Finds www.nytimes.com/2026/09/24/c...
nytimes.com
Salmon Are Thriving After Klamath Dam Removals, Study Finds (Gift Article)
The first fall runs of chinook salmon since the project in California and Oregon was completed have surpassed researchers’ expectations.
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bendtom.bsky.social @bendtom.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Secret Trump Drug Deals Reveal Perks for Big Pharma, Uncertainty for Patients www.commondreams.org/news/trump-p...
commondreams.org
Secret Trump Drug Deals Reveal Perks for Big Pharma, Uncertainty for Patients | Common Dreams
"The Trump team appears to be doing more to protect pharma profits than patients’ pocketbooks,” said Public Citizen.
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David Corn @davidcorn.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
He needs a psychiatric examination.
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Brian Stelter @brianstelter.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Trump's "banning" of CNN, MS NOW and Politico has now taken effect. All three news organizations have been denied entry to the White House complex today. All three have signaled they will take legal action to defend the rights of their reporters.
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Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
As an American political historian, I can confirm that this Congress has been "almost unmatched in history" in several categories -- sad abdication of its war powers, craven surrender of the power of the purse, weird refusal to conduct meaningful oversight, and an utter failure to pass actual laws.
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Nina Jankowicz @ninajankowicz.com · 19/09/2026
We’ll be covering Trump’s decision to ban MSNOW, CNN, and Politico from the White House—along with other Trump censorship news—in our upcoming “Last week in Censorship” newsletter from @americansunlight.org. Sign up to get it in your inbox: americansunlight.substack.com
americansunlight.substack.com
The American Sunlight Project | Substack
We're increasing the cost of lies that undermine democracy. Click to read The American Sunlight Project, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 18/09/2026
Trump says he's "banning the free press"
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Shoe-per Intelligence @shoe.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Make your kid get 5 shots instead of one. They love that.
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Rex Huppke @rexhuppke.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
At the end of the day, beyond the hatefulness, he's really just a spectacularly dumb guy. Like I'm not sure he's achieved object permanence yet. He has to be reminded which hole the food goes in. His internal monologue is the sound of one hand clapping. He calls electrical sockets "finger zappers."
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Guardian US @us.theguardian.com · 18/09/2026
US president has overseen an unprecedented restriction of access for major traditional news media since start of second term
theguardian.com
Trump bans CNN, MS Now and Politico from the White House
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Naomi Kritzer @naomikritzer.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I'd love to see every Minnesotan Republican asked to take a stance on this...
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Rep. Janelle Bynum @bynum.house.gov · 18/09/2026
More of what Oregon families need — homes.
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Joyce White Vance @joycewhitevance.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
“This Court will continue to do whatever is required to protect the rule of law, including, if necessary, the use of criminal contempt. One way or another, ICE will comply with this Court’s orders.” joycevance.substack.com/p/my-patienc...
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bendtom.bsky.social @bendtom.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Trump Says 'Big Decision' Coming on Whether to 'Annihilate' Iran www.commondreams.org/news/trump-a...
commondreams.org
Trump Says 'Big Decision' Coming on Whether to 'Annihilate' Iran | Common Dreams
"Trump waving around 'annihilation' as if he’s God" is "startling to hear," wrote one progressive critic. "He is, after all, batshit crazy."
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Marc Elias @marcelias.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Wow. A must read. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
democracydocket.com
An election worker tried to protect mail ballots. Now he faces prison amid Trump's push for voting cases
The prosecution would be concerning during any administration, but it’s particularly alarming at a moment when Trump is engaged in an unprecedented nationwide assault on voting.
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Marc Elias @marcelias.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🚨BREAKING: Agents of the Department of Homeland Security have been ordered to unlawfully access state voting records to carry out the department’s escalating elections-related probes, an anonymous federal whistleblower recently disclosed to Sen. Alex Padilla. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
democracydocket.com
Homeland Security officers are illegally accessing state voter data, new whistleblower alleges
The searches likely resulted in "thousands of violations of state laws," Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said.
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Senator Jeff Merkley @merkley.senate.gov · 14/09/2026
Under the “leadership” of Zeldin and Trump the EPA is selling out YOUR health to line polluter pockets. They’re ignoring science, the effects of climate chaos we’re already feeling, and the people they serve. Just sickening.
nytimes.com
E.P.A. Will Erase Limits on Climate Pollution From Power Plants
Generation of electricity is the second largest source of carbon dioxide and other planet-warming gases in the United States.
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Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 14/09/2026
Ireland, we see you!! ❌👑 Trump's visit last week was met with strong backlash from the Irish—thousands marched in central Dublin, newspaper columns denounced his visit, and a GIANT No Kings sand mural (by the activist group Uplift) appeared on a Dublin beach.
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Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 13/09/2026
Early voting is a crucial tool for stopping election sabotage. Join your local No Kings event on October 17 to promote unprecedented early voting in the midterms: www.nokings.org?SQF_SOURCE=i...
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jstopwps.bsky.social @jstopwps.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
We just had the hottest summer on record!! What is wrong with these people?
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bendtom.bsky.social @bendtom.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
To Boost Profits, Medicare Advantage Giants Move to Kick Over a Million Seniors Off Their Plans www.commondreams.org/news/medicar...
commondreams.org
To Boost Profits, Medicare Advantage Giants Move to Kick Over a Million Seniors Off Their Plans | Common Dreams
Humana said it is exiting plans covering roughly 600,000 seniors to "drive the intended margin expansion."
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The Lincoln Project @lincolnproject.us · 11/09/2026
Rep. Ashley Hinson: "The Iran War is out of sight, out of mind for so many Americans.” It is on my minds of Iowa's farmers. Diesel prices just hit another record high, shooting past $6 a gallon. The GOP is keeping this problem going.
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Anu @nofirstorder.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
“They literally lifted me up and ran with me.” Trump’s 9/11 fantasy isn’t a “disputed account”, it’s pure fabulism. Superb piece by @snipy.bsky.social taking down legacy media sane-washing. Unmatched accountability from @atrupar.com ‘s Public Notice. Read and subscribe👇🏼
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Jeff Tiedrich @jefftiedrich.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
here's today's post: "Preznit Fuckwit shits the bed at his Emotional Support Convention" — and abuses another woman reporter, too. thanks for reading, and please sign up for my daily newsletter to keep getting the good stuff —
bit.ly
Preznit Fuckwit shits the bed at his Emotional Support Convention
and abuses another woman reporter, too
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Brandy Zadrozny @brandyzadrozny.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Get in, folks: a new Russian disinfo campaign is targeting the midterms, specifically Democrats, in what seems to be the first attempt by the Kremlin-backed op to meddle in this year’s U.S. elections. They're faking celebrity videos attacking Dems and are...very stupid. www.ms.now/news/russia-...
ms.now
A Russian disinformation campaign is doctoring celebrity videos to meddle in the midterms
The Kremlin-backed operation, known as Matryoshka, has Hollywood actors telling voters to disavow the Democratic Party and vote Republican.
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Guardian US @us.theguardian.com · 11/09/2026
Twenty-five years ago, three planes were hijacked by terrorists loyal to the al-Qaida leader, Osama bin Laden, and flown into the twin towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Virginia. A fourth was downed in Pennsylvania
theguardian.com
The 9/11 attacks of 2001 – in pictures
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MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 11/09/2026
The president ordered supporters to raise their right hands, proclaim him the greatest president in history, and promise to “cheat like hell” before warning nonvoters that they would “go to hell.”
meidasnews.com
Trump Makes Convention Crowd Swear Creepy Loyalty Oath to Him
The president ordered supporters to raise their right hands, proclaim him the greatest president in history, and promise to “cheat like hell” before warning nonvoters that they would “go to hell.”
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Brian Stelter @brianstelter.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
"This is not the first time you've been demoted to YouTube... Why are they so scared of you?" Here is @jimmykimmel.com's online-only sit-down with @jamestalarico.bsky.social youtu.be/WLDE9LrGpNk?...
youtu.be
Jimmy Kimmel’s Interview with James Talarico That the FCC Doesn’t Want You To See
YouTube video by Jimmy Kimmel Live
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 11/09/2026
"Please right your right hand. I pledge to the greatest president in history that loves us so much he can't even breathe" -- in extremely culty scene, Trump has his supporters pledge to him that they will vote, then tells them they will "go to hell" if they don't Here's the full sequence:
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Phillips OBrien @phillipspobrien.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
What a shock--Trump sends Witkoff and Kushner to meet first with Putin and reach an understanding, and naturally the Ukrainians have to say no. The idea that the US could be an honest broker in this war is madness. It is a stalking horse for the Russian dictator.
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Mother Jones @motherjones.com · 06/09/2026
“The Greatest RALLY of them all!"
motherjones.com
Trump wants to make sure every voter knows the midterms are a referendum on Trump
"The Greatest RALLY of them all!"
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Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 05/09/2026
Voting early helps combat voter suppression, allows more flexibility for working families to get to the polls, and increases participation among all voters. Join our No Kings: Vote Early Kickoff Call to learn about the coalition’s upcoming early vote activation and how you can get involved.
mobilize.us
No Kings: Vote Early Kickoff Call · No Kings
Join our September 10 No Kings: Vote Early Kickoff Call to learn more about the vision, urgency, and strategy behind the No Kings coalition’s early vote activation and election protection campaign and...
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Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
The title really says it all.
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bendtom.bsky.social @bendtom.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Democrats Attack Trump’s Venezuela Imperialism... From the Right! www.commondreams.org/opinion/dems...
commondreams.org
Democrats Attack Trump’s Venezuela Imperialism... From the Right! | Common Dreams
We face an unprecedented fascist and imperialist threat from the Trump administration; mealy-mouthed centrist imperialism just won’t do the trick.
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