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Laura Stephens

@llstephens-ca.bsky.social
634 followers 156 following 68 posts

Now with a law degree in a lawless land. Looking here for answers.

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Reposted by Laura Stephens
Abdul El-Sayed @abdulelsayed.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
I'm not running to bow to a corporation. I'm not running to raise your utility rates or help them do it. I'm not running so that your premium goes up and everybody looks the other way. I'm running to fight for you.
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informationbank.bsky.social @informationbank.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Lots of super candidates running in red states!!! They aren't getting the notice/financial support/volunteers they deserve ... let's fix that!
sharonlawrence.substack.com
Elections: Flipping a Red State (Gubernatorial Races to Watch)
August 20, 2026 (Updated)
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Jess Piper @piperformissouri.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The reckoning is here…
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Dawna and RealMonkeyCat @dawna9.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I love James Talarico’s simple statement in response to groveling Angela Paxton’s deplorable lowlife political ad. She’s a insult to smart, honest and hardworking American women. She’s earned her place in hell. #Pinks #Voices4Victory
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leftylady.bsky.social @leftylady.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Today is my birthday. My birthday wish is for everyone to check their registration and vote in the midterms. Also donate to your local animal shelter. 🩷 Thank you.
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RedStateBlues @coolsprings.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
If it’s so easy to “just take it” Donnie, why haven’t you done it⁉️
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David Rothkopf @djrothkopf.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
We will never again be a democracy if we don't get the big money out of American politics. There should not be any higher priority. davidrothkopf.substack.com/p/one-priori...
davidrothkopf.substack.com
One Priority Above All Others
We Must Drain the Poison Out of Our Body Politic If There Is to Be a Better World After Trump
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Anna Lind-Guzik @alindguzik.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Hard to think of anything less abstract and more materially consequential than being pregnant
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Derek Bensonhaver @derekbprops.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Maybe we should have abolished the electoral college ages ago so he wouldn’t have been given power once. Or arrested him after insurrection. Or not just signed it over to him a second time after those two things and also bragging about rigging the election. But that’s just me.
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Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 04/10/2026
NEW: I have obtained descriptions of NINE FBI training videos showing agents were instructed to flag Trump's name in the Epstein files for supervisory review. My latest: www.muellershewrote.com/p/exclusive-...
muellershewrote.com
EXCLUSIVE: MSW Media has Obtained Descriptions of NINE Epstein Files Redaction Training Videos in FOIA Lawsuit
Sources confirm that two videos instructed agents to flag documents including Trump’s name for supervisory review.
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Katie Phang @katiephang.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
"Democrats have a 24-point lead on whom Latino voters want to see in control of Congress, 59%-35%...Nearly a fifth of Latino voters who backed Trump in 2024 say they do not prefer a Republican-controlled Congress, with 14% saying they support Democrats..." www.nbcnews.com/politics/202...
nbcnews.com
Poll: Latino voters swing away from Trump and Republicans
Democrats have a significant lead among Latino voters in 2026 amid economic concerns, according to the NBC News/Telemundo poll, though the GOP has made some long-term gains.
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Aaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Dug into this and her name seems to be Zhao Jing. She’s being held at Adelanto. A habeas lawsuit was filed at 11:05 AM Pacific today. On X, a user said Ms. Zhao had taught her son. As to why ICE arrested her, no idea. Most likely she’s a pending asylum applicant who got stuck in backlogs for years.
ICE detainee locator screenshot

 Search Results: 1
JING ZHAO
Country of Birth : China, Peoples Republic of Status: In ICE Custody
State: CA
Current Detention Facility: ADELANTO ICE
PROCESSING CENTERScreenshot of PACER filing:

Notice of Electronic Filing
The following transaction was entered by Bayburtski, Hohannes on 10/4/2026 at 11:05 AM PDT

Case Name:
Case Number:
Filer:
Document Number: 1
Zhao v. janecha et al
5:26-cv-05854
Jing Zhao
Docket Text:
PETITION for Writ of Habeas Corpus by a Person in Federal Custody by Petitioner Jing Zhao.常國棟GORDON/滅共..
20h
• •o
Translated from Chinese


Her name is Zhao Jing, and my heart broke when I heard her shout "Jing Zhao." Because I saw terror, helplessness, and despair on her face, which shattered me. I never imagined I'd see her in such a way. I still have her contact information; I have her email records. She was once my eldest son's early intervention teacher, with extremely fluent English close to native speaker level, and a senior staff member at that institution—a team-leading Supervisor. She's even from the same hometown as me. For someone in her situation, do you have any advice?郑存柱 @cunzhuzheng.2h
X
S Translated from Chinese
Recent Progress:
Last night, a friend of this lady reached out to me, asking for my help. Early this morning, I got in touch with Ms. Zhao by phone. After our conversation, I obtained her specific details. That friend had helped top up her phone credit. Since her father doesn't know how to answer calls from the immigration detention center, I also found a kind-hearted friend to go to her residence, visit her elderly father, and promptly check on his health condition.
I immediately drafted a writ of habeas corpus, handed it to the lawyer for review, and have now uploaded it to the federal court for official filing.
I hope she can redain her freedom soon.
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Taniel @taniel.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
If you're in these 3 states, *TODAY* is deadline to register to vote. Alaska Rhode Island South Carolina Even if you think you've registered: doesn't hurt to check everything is in order. Do it now. And there's a lot to vote for across them. A thread with stakes on each. ⬇️
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Rachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
"Among the first to appear before the judge was Angel, a 13-year-old. He had no attorney. “Would you like to request voluntary departure, or should I issue a removal order?” the judge asked “I don’t know,” Angel said, bursting into tears: “I have no one. I have nothing.” www.cnn.com/2026/09/28/p...
cnn.com
Inside the Texas courtroom where toddlers face immigration judges | CNN Politics
Migrant children as young as 2 are showing up at immigration courts nationwide, many without attorneys, to try make their case to stay in the US and avoid deportation.
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Angry @angrystaffer.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Cool, cool. Lots of reporting that theres a suspected pneumonic plague outbreak in Russia, and several hospitals are under forced quarantine. Obviously, it’s Russia, so accurate information is scarce.
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Michelle @michelleroy78.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Sounds about white.
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Katie Phang @katiephang.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Convicted Felon Donald Trump and his personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, know with the Midterms around the corner, DELAY is the name of the game
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Mara Wilson @marawilson.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
I don’t think I’m ever going to get the appeal of pivoting to video for podcasts. I’ve been listening to podcasts for 20 years, and never once have I thought, my God, I need to SEE these people! I’m on a walk or doing the dishes, I don’t need video. 
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conifergirl.bsky.social @conifergirl.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
My note: No Justice No Peace! From Josh Helfgott The cop who shot and KILLED a Black airman in his own apartment was ACQUITTED of manslaughter by a Florida jury. Roger Fortson was 23, home alone, playing video games and
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Mourning NAVALNY😢 @jan-readsalot.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Just when we think it can’t get worse … it does.
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Dr. Amy Acton @amyactonoh.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Economic growth should mean more than giving taxpayer dollars to billionaires, corporations, and special interests. It should mean supporting small businesses, investing in our workforce, and creating good-paying jobs that allow Ohioans to build a life right here at home.
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UNITED24 Media @united24media.com · 03/10/2026
🔴 President Zelenskyy says Ukraine will target Russian energy infrastructure, including oil refineries, in response to attacks on Ukraine. He clarified that Ukrainian forces will not attack civilian objects, maintaining a distinction from Russian tactics.
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Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Ossoff: The money that they took from you when they slashed Medicaid and defunded hospitals and nursing homes—They’re taking that money to buy corrupt, taxpayer-funded political ads on national television to try to promote the failed and broken president…
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Margo Gontar @margogontar.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
So, Russia bombed another bridge in Kyiv today that connects left and right banks . It’s the 5th attack on bridges in Kyiv in these 4 days . People left stranded , can’t get to work or get back home . Nothing military about it . only Russia trying to terrorise us into submission .
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
This is psychosis. The president of the United States is psychotic. Is the media going to start talking about this, or continue to normalize it?
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Mark T. Sneed @marktsneed.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
In the history of all the things that never happened, this never happened the most. SMH. Politicians lie. These politicians lie so often it seems like breathing.
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Marc Elias @marcelias.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
🚨BREAKING: The Trump administration illegally changed a form used by overseas voters to register and request mail ballots just weeks before the midterms, Democrats argue in a new lawsuit filed Thursday. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
democracydocket.com
Trump admin quietly changed overseas voter form at 11th hour to disenfranchise Democrats, lawsuit says
The change is part of a Republican plan to make it more difficult to vote or outright disenfranchise a bloc of voters viewed as more inclined to vote Democratic, the DNC lawsuit argues.
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 01/10/2026
A little over a year after leaving government service, Elon Musk is set to return in a limited capacity, co-directing a Pentagon initiative known as Project Meridian, focused on the future of warfare, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced. wapo.st/4ytVaiG
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The New Republic @newrepublic.com · 01/10/2026
The Trump administration has moved to cripple Title IX protections against sexual assault and harassment on the same day New York prosecutors reopened the investigation into heinous allegations of a fraternity gang rape at Cornell University. trib.al/QewniBV
trib.al
Trump Weakens Title IX Rules Amid Cornell Gang Rape Investigation
The Education Department has just weakened protections for sexual assault victims in schools.
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Bob Ballentine @raballentine.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
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Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
This is just despicable by MS NOW, which has accepted stolen taxpayers dollars for 38 illegal ads. Give me a break with this bullshit statement too. So your hosts are on air all day saying this is illegal while you are taking the money and running the ads? Just gross.
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Are they really saying Flock can’t sell their cameras to the cartels too?
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Carl Quintanilla @carlquintanilla.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
(Reuters) - US President Donald Trump said he regretted nominating three Supreme Court justices Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh, .. according to a Time Magazine interview. ".. What can I do? .. I gave them the position of a lifetime, and they vote against me often."
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Senator Andy Kim @kim.senate.gov · 01/10/2026
5 million people, including an estimated 1 million children, have lost access to food because of Trump. Instead of a ballroom, an arch, or a war, we could be making sure people don’t go hungry. 

This President’s priorities are shameful.
abcnews.com
Changes to SNAP benefits begin Oct. 1 for millions of Americans: What to know
Major changes are coming on Oct. 1 for the tens of millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance.
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Bloomberg News @bloomberg.com · 01/10/2026
Ahead of a pivotal midterm election defined by concerns around surging rent and gas prices, student debt is emerging as an affordability issue some voters say is being overlooked.
bloom.bg
Soaring Student Loan Bills Add to Voters’ Affordability Squeeze
More than 9 million Americans are at least one year behind on their payments.
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Angry @angrystaffer.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The same Brendan Carr who wanted to investigate NBC because Kamala was on SNL? The same Brendan Carr who wanted to dismantle independent fact checking and accused them of being a “censorship cartel?” Periodic reminder that the corruption is a feature, not a bug.
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Adam Cohen (My Personal Views Only) @axidentaliberal.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Meanwhile, earlier today Pete Hegseth bragged about how he fired 20% of the country’s generals, weeding out the ones he and Trump find disloyal to their agenda And while I hope to G-d these things aren’t related, I’m terrified that they are
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Susan Rice: this is what an informed, highly intelligent veteran of govt sounds like on AI, China and Iran... one day such people could return to govt. open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
open.substack.com
What Do Dictators and Rogue AI Have in Common? Trump's Overwhelming Love
Ambassador Susan Rice warns that unregulated AI will kill civilians and arm hostile parties.
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Pat G🇨🇦 🍁🏳️‍🌈🍉 @pguist.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
My office has handled a lot of sexual harassment cases. “Her shirt was too tight” “She drank too much” “Why did she put herself in that position” “She was asking for it.” No. No. No. No. It’s not HER job to be on DEFCON 5 at all times. It’s HIS job not to be a predator. ~ Attorney Ryan
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
One of the unacknowledged advantages of this awful era is that it's revealing for all to see the putrid connections between great wealth and great power. The intentions of the oligarchs are fully exposed and more blatant than ever. But remember: We outnumber the oligarchs.
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Aaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
DOJ has charged Wilber Garcés with felony assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer, based on the allegation he struck an ICE officer with his sideview mirror when driving off after the initial traffic stop. He was then chased for 8 minutes, rammed, and then shot.
Image 1: the agent is standing in front of the driver’s side mirror, with the mirror at waist height.Image 2: the agent now has has hands on the car as it starts to move. The mirror appears to be very slightly in contact with his waist.Image 3: the agent has pulled his hips back and the mirror is no longer touching the agent.
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Katie Phang @katiephang.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
NEW: The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals declined "​to immediately block sanctions against lawyers for Donald ‌Trump" after a federal judge found that the attorneys misused the court system in "settling" his IRS lawsuit. www.reuters.com/world/us-app...
reuters.com
Appeals court declines to pause sanctions against Trump lawyers in IRS settlement
A US appeals court declined on Tuesday ​to immediately block sanctions against lawyers for Donald ‌Trump who a judge accused of misusing the court system in settling a lawsuit the Republican president...
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The New Arab @thenewarab.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A 94-year-old Jewish human rights barrister was among more than 80 people arrested outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool while demonstrating in support of Palestine Action. The arrests came as Ed Miliband told critics of the government’s policy on Palestine: “We hear you. You were right"
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Tyrants view educated citizens as their greatest enemy. Slaveholders stopped the enslaved from learning to read. Nazis burned books. Dictators censor media. That’s why Trump is attacking education, science, museums, the media, and the arts – to prevent us from learning. It's Fascism 101.
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Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Our response to the State Department using Smokey last night.
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Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
3 little words: cease and desist! The WH is using JMSN’s music in campaign-style ads without permission that they wouldn’t have gotten anyway @democracydefendersaction.org w/Ballard is proud to represent JMSN, demanding immediate end to ads using his music & a written account of every airing -TN
democracydefendersaction.org
JMSN, "Love Me" Artist, Demands White House Stop Using His Music in Its Political Ads
Attorneys for Christian Berishaj, who performs as JMSN, last night sent a cease-and-desist letter to White House Chief o
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MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 29/09/2026
🚨 BREAKING: Texas Rep. Gina Hinojosa has filed an official request to inspect unredacted communications between Gov. Greg Abbott’s office and Elon Musk after roughly 1,400 pages released last year were heavily redacted as “intimate and embarrassing.”
Texas State Rep. Gina Hinojosa stands indoors wearing a burgundy blazer and dark top, with campaign signage bearing her name and the outline of Texas visible behind her.Official letter dated September 29, 2026, from Texas State Rep. Gina Hinojosa to Gov. Greg Abbott’s office requesting inspection of unredacted communications between Abbott’s office and Elon Musk and his companies. Hinojosa seeks records previously released with redactions for information deemed “embarrassing” or “intimate,” citing her legislative authority under the Texas Public Information Act.
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Cat music @yanygal.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
MAGA candidate who ranted about election fraud is convicted for election fraud unpresidented.substack.com/p/maga-candi...
unpresidented.substack.com
MAGA candidate who ranted about election fraud is convicted for election fraud
Her promises about “election integrity” didn’t pan out so well.
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Gabe Ortíz @tusk81.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“When food prices go up because farm workers go missing, that’s the ICE Tax. When construction grinds to a halt because no one is left to build homes, that’s the ICE Tax. When our elders can’t get the care they deserve because their caretakers and nurses are gone, that’s the ICE Tax.” #EndtheICETax
americasvoicecnn.substack.com
CHC Chair: ‘ICE Is Not Just Busting The Budget, It’s Wrecking Our Economy’
Congressional Hispanic Caucus members joined America’s Voice to call for an end to the ICE Tax that’s making the lives of all working families more expensive.
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Kaitlin Kal Lee @kaitlinkallee.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
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