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7/6/26 - 7/11/26
Jul. 11th, 2026 09:13 am* I'm cutting this off here because last week was a news Firehose and I need to keep this a reasonable length.
* "Israel, you are spending our love like it’s infinite:" https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/israel-you-are-spending-our-love-like-its-infinite/
* "9 months into a ceasefire, Israel now controls nearly 70% of Gaza:" https://www.npr.org/2026/07/10/nx-s1-5887357/israel-gaza-war-trump-ceasefire-military-control
******
* "US launches new airstrikes on Iran, with Tehran firing back at 3 Gulf Arab states:" https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-war-oil-july-8-2026-fee04dcea661c08de12c04914ff2751b
* "Trump gets rude awakening on the reality of the limits of his power :" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/trump-gets-rude-awakening-on-the-reality-of-the-limits-of-his-power-2506144835877
******
* "Russia preparing possible ‘provocation’ in Baltic states or Poland, sources say:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/26/russia-provocation-baltic-states-poland
* "Two dead, 19 wounded as Russia strikes Ukraine with missiles, drones:" https://www.nbcnews.com/world/ukraine/two-dead-wounded-russia-strikes-ukraine-missiles-drones-rcna453306
* "For Ukraine, Other Patriot Makers Are a Cautionary Tale:" https://archive.ph/RYpOU
* "Experts say Trump's plan to license Patriot missiles for Ukraine could take years:" https://abcnews.com/Politics/experts-trumps-plan-license-patriot-missiles-ukraine-years/story?id=134623702
******
* "Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 18, as French President Macron visits Syria:" https://www.npr.org/2026/07/07/nx-s1-5884579/damascus-explosions-macron
* "Nigel Farage accused of ‘desperate stunt’ after quitting UK parliament in face of financial scrutiny:" https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/07/nigel-farage-rejects-scrutiny-uk-parliament-people-v-establishment-byelection
* CW: Rape, Domestic Abuse. "MI5 knew agent was misogynist 'obsessed' with violence, watchdog finds:" https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj9gggjekyjo
* "Paraguayan senator’s ‘brazen racism’ against Mbappé sparks anger in France:" https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/06/world-cup-2026/kylian-mbappe-paraguay-senator-racism-fifa-world-cup-2026-00988001
* "Increase in racism during World Cup reflects ‘growing pattern of abuse’:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/09/world-cup-racism-increase-social-media-kylian-mbappe
* This next is disgraceful and we deserved to lose.
* "Trump lobbied Fifa to lift Folarin Balogun suspension for World Cup game v Belgium:" https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/05/folarin-balogun-red-card-suspension-lifted-usmnt-belgium-world-cup
* "Trump’s World Cup scandal collides with his war on birthright citizenship:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/trump-s-world-cup-scandal-collides-with-his-war-on-birthright-citizenship-2505772611927
* "Trump curse? U.S. World Cup exit blamed on ‘reverse Midas touch’:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/trump-curse-u-s-world-cup-exit-blamed-on-reverse-midas-touch-2505896515852
* "Europe is ditching US tech — what does this mean for researchers?:" https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01610-9
* "Trump says he'll consider giving Turkey F-35 jets, adds that US will lift sanctions:" https://abcnews.com/Politics/trump-hell-giving-turkey-35-jets-adds-us/story?id=134547490
* "Trump rips NATO allies, dashing European hopes for a kumbaya summit:" https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/07/trump-rips-nato-allies-dashing-european-hopes-for-a-kumbaya-summit-00988547
* "Trump orders a halt to US trade with Spain:" https://www.politico.eu/article/trump-says-hes-cutting-off-trade-with-spain-over-defense-spending-iran/
How? What would be the mechanism here?
* "Trump Threatens NATO to Get Control of Greenland:" https://newrepublic.com/post/212880/donald-trump-threat-nato-troops-greenland
* "Trump, 80, Confuses Iran for Japan, Zelenskiy for Putin:" https://newrepublic.com/post/212832/trump-confuses-iran-japan-zelenskiy-putin
* "Trump makes a fool of himself with mental stumbles at NATO meeting:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/trump-makes-a-fool-of-himself-with-mental-stumbles-at-nato-meeting-2506020931759
* "Rubio makes it official: Trump will remove Syrian terrorism designation:" https://www.semafor.com/article/07/08/2026/rubio-makes-it-official-trump-will-remove-syrian-terrorism-designation
*** Immigration/I.C.E/Autocracy/*** Most items are a little older below this point because I've been swamped.
* "Trump says he’ll ask Supreme Court to rehear birthright citizenship case:" https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5960418-donald-trump-supreme-court-birthright-citizenship/
This is technically a thing, but in the whole history of the country it's worked exactly once.
* Shameful. "Lawsuit says US illegally shared confidential information on Iranian asylum seekers with Iran:" https://apnews.com/article/iran-lawsuit-asylum-seekers-information-leaked-b7481c1b5ba349f1bfe3529a44822f2d
* "ICE Arrests 10,000 in Five-Day Surge:" https://www.fairus.org/legislation/executive/ice-arrests-10000-five-day-surge
* "ICE activity ramps up in Chicago area again, with masked agents seen taking people away in cuffs:" https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-back-of-the-yards-logan-square-immigration-ice-activity/3959796/
* "ICE ramps up arrests in Puget Sound region under new nationwide quota:" https://www.king5.com/article/news/community/facing-race/washington-immigration/ice-ramps-up-arrests-in-puget-sound-region-under-new-nationwide-quota/281-e4edf3d2-4e5c-4a70-85fc-7a57ffd55c2a
* "Protests follow after 15 Minnesotans charged with anti-ICE conspiracy:" https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/06/16/federal-prosecutors-minnesota-announce-charges-against-immigration-enforcement-opponents
* This is so clearly a murder and cover up: "ICE Killing in Houston Puts Focus on Surge in Immigration Arrests:" https://archive.ph/XwPFV
* "'He did not deserve to die,' son of man fatally shot by ICE officer in Houston says:" https://abcnews.com/US/man-fatally-shot-ice-officer-houston/story?id=134563739
* "Fatal ICE shooting story unravels after new Houston footage:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/fatal-ice-shooting-story-unravels-after-new-houston-footage-2506129475624
* "Manufactured Betrayal: A Statement from Fire Ant Movement Defense on Solidarity and Betrayal in the Prairieland Trials:" https://crimethinc.com/
* "‘This is injustice’: how leftist zines were used to sentence anti-ICE protesters to decades in prison:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/jun/24/prairieland-texas-ice-protests-zines
* "Trump suffers a legal setback that puts another immigrant prison on ice:" https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow/watch/surprise-trump-suffers-a-legal-setback-that-puts-another-immigrant-prison-on-ice-2505843267897
* Here are some ways to help Immigrants and the anti-ICE Protesters:
"Project Salt Box:" https://projectsaltbox.substack.com/
Links to Help organize in advance of ICE Occupation: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/807226885129060352?source=share
"When the Feds Come to Your City: Standing Up to ICE :" https://crimethinc.com/2025/12/03/when-the-feds-come-to-your-city-standing-up-to-ice-a-guide-from-chicago-organizers
Immigrant Defenders: https://give.immdef.org/give/545119/#!/donation/checkout
The Bail Project: https://bailproject.org/
National Bail Fund Network: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/en/nbfn-directory
Amnesty International: protect asylum-seekers: https://donate.amnestyusa.org/page/113080/donate/1
The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights: https://www.theyoungcenter.org/
CHIRLA: https://www.chirla.org/
AL Otro Lado: https://alotrolado.networkforgood.com/projects/63833-al-otro-lado-fund
"Know Your Rights:" https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights
"Disappeared In America:" https://www.disappearedinamerica.us/
* "Under Donald Trump, America begins its 251st year with racism front and center:" https://www.advocate.com/opinion/donald-trump-america-racism
* "Man in viral D.C. Metro photo says he was ‘terrified’ as masked white nationalists surrounded him:" https://www.advocate.com/news/people/roswell-encina-patriot-front-metro
* "DOGE cuts see small towns across the nation forced to pare down America 250 celebrations:" https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/doge-cuts-america-250-celebrations-b3006804.html
* "I Followed The Money Behind Trump’s Freedom250 Grift…:"
( Embed: )
* "In Mount Rushmore speech, Trump veers from U.S. exceptionalism to warnings about communism:" https://www.npr.org/2026/07/04/g-s1-132025/mount-rushmore-speech-trump-july-4-250
* "Trump touts America’s ‘golden age’ and his political agenda in a July Fourth speech roiled by severe weather:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/weather-emergencies-disrupt-trumps-fourth-july-plans-rcna352792
* O.o "MAGA stalwart claims someone with Trump Derangement Syndrome ‘geoengineered’ DC heatwave:" https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/dc-weather-cancellation-fourth-of-july-extreme-heat-b3008969.html
* "Maddow: Trump secures status as historic laughing stock after hogging America 250 spotlight:" https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow/watch/trump-secures-status-as-historic-laughing-stock-after-hogging-america-250-spotlight-2505791555736
* "Trump posts a doctored photo portraying Obamas boarding Air Force One spray-painted with graffiti:" https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-posts-a-doctored-photo-portraying-obamas-boarding-air-force-one-spray-painted-with-graffiti
* An account of Occupied D.C.: "It BUUURRRRNNNNSSS!!!:" https://fabrisse.dreamwidth.org/444611.html
* One of my RL friends has a radically different idea for the reflecting pool: "Turn the reflecting pool into modular gardens.:"
* "Trump leans into the $5 million no-bid contract to coat horse statues in gold:" https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-5-million-no-bid-contract-thorse-statues-gold
Could we get healthcare back instead of wasting money on things like this?
* "Putting Trump’s name on an airport doesn’t help his popularity with the passengers:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/putting-trump-s-name-on-an-airport-doesn-t-help-his-popularity-with-the-passengers-2506148419995
* "Trump rings New York Stock Exchange bell to mark first trading day for ‘Trump accounts’:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/06/trump-accounts-trading-day-new-york-stock-exchange
The amount of money is tiny and it's a comparatively small number of children compared to all the children alive in the country. Why don't we give the children health care instead of a thousand dollars? That would be so much more valuable and a better investment in the country's future.
* "No one believes Trump’s discount gas doesn’t come with a catch:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/no-one-believes-trump-s-discount-gas-doesn-t-come-with-a-catch-2506266691714
I admit, my first thoughts on hearing this were:
1. Who is paying for this? How much corruption is involved? Is it a straight up bribe to the service station chain or are things like pardons involved?
2. Interesting how it is only happening in a swing state and to a lesser extent a possible swing state. Bet it's happening where it's happening in hopes of buying Pennsylvania votes.
3. Gas prices here were just short of $6.00's a gallon last week. Prices here have not been as low as the undiscounted gas prices being reported since the Obama administration. If it were actually about helping people and not political corruption, the discount gas would be in states that actually need it instead of ones where gas is already incredibly cheap.
* "The Trump Administration’s War on Dissent Has a New Target:" https://newrepublic.com/post/212432/trump-cop-city-ice-prairieland
* "White House Flips Out Over Embarrassing Keystone Kash Leaks:" https://www.thedailybeast.com/keystone-kash-summoned-to-white-house-as-scrutiny-mounts/
* "BMWs and VIP snorkeling? Kash Patel’s alleged ‘luxury’ spending draws GOP scrutiny:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/bmws-and-vip-snorkeling-kash-patel-s-alleged-luxury-spending-draws-gop-scrutiny-2506132035934
* "Exclusive: Kash Patel summoned to White House over bad behavior, ‘gold plated’ tweet:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/exclusive-kash-patel-summoned-to-white-house-over-bad-behavior-gold-plated-tweet-2506247235737
* "Trump suffers the consequences of poor staffing choices:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/trump-suffers-the-consequences-of-poor-staffing-choices-2506265155847
* We need Court Reform desperately.
* "The Secret Origins of the Supreme Court’s Shadow Docket:" https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/07/jodi-kantor-shadow-docket-supreme-court-john-roberts/?
* "SCOTUS Says Trump Can Fire Everyone... Except the Fed:"
( Embed: )
* "Early Signals Suggest a Second Year of Double-Digit Marketplace Premium Increases:" https://chir.georgetown.edu/early-signals-suggest-a-second-year-of-double-digit-marketplace-premium-increases/
Republicans did this to justify their tax cuts for billionaires.
* "Largest housing affordability bill in decades becomes law without Trump's signature:" https://www.npr.org/2026/07/10/nx-s1-5885027/housing-bill-without-trump-signature
* "Online Age Verification Law Could Kill Whistleblowing:" https://theintercept.com/2026/06/28/age-verification-privacy-surveillance-journalists-whistleblowers/
* "Sarah McBride wants to 'pull the emergency brake' on 'cynical' Donald Trump in midterm elections:" https://www.advocate.com/news/people/sarah-mcbride-donald-trump
* "Mitch McConnell’s health concerns grow amid 4th week in hospital with few details from aides:" https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/07/mitch-mcconnell-health-senate-gop.html
* "Mitch’s Wife Makes Jaw-Dropping Admission About His Health:" https://www.thedailybeast.com/mitch-mcconnells-wife-elaine-chao-makes-jaw-dropping-admission-about-his-health/
I think it is interesting that she didn't come back to be there for the health emergency.
* "Republican leaders seek to quell Mitch McConnell speculation as rebellion grows:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/08/republicans-mitch-mcconnell-health
Some of them are saying he's fine and some are insisting he's brain dead.
* "‘Rumors are flying’: Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized as questions swirl:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/rumors-are-flying-mitch-mcconnell-remains-hospitalized-as-questions-swirl-2505891907582
* "Mitch McConnell’s absence is throwing Trump’s Pentagon budget boost in doubt:" https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/08/mcconnell-absense-trump-pentagon-budget-00989037
* Would someone open Schrödinger's McConnell Box already?
* "Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear asks Sen. Mitch McConnell to give a public update on his condition:" https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-health-beshear-kentucky-hospital-letter-condition-efbfc2179c8d43f6b43d9024b8d73506
* "Scott Jennings' alleged call with Mitch McConnell sparks hilarious internet trend:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/scott-jennings-mitch-mcconnell
* "Do Your Phone Calls and Emails Matter? :" https://cmarmitage.substack.com/p/do-your-phone-calls-and-emails-matter
* Our until Midterms is to survive, to build grassroots resistance, to do all in our power to slow the republican Christo-fascist agenda, and to prepare for 2026 in case there is still Democracy.
"Take action with Indivisible:" https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/
Trump 2.0 Indivisible Guide. https://indivisible.org/resource/guide
If you can't safely contact them in person, here are some other options for contacting your Congress Critters:
Five Calls to your critters: https://5calls.org/
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
And another: https://faxzero.com/fax_senate.php
Snail Mail Campaigns: https://conuly.dreamwidth.org/3622760.html
"Congress. gov:" https://www.congress.gov/
White house (Possibly Dangerous): https://www.whitehouse.gov/
ACLU advice for writing to your Critters: https://www.aclu.org/writing-your-elected-representatives
This tracks legislation: https://www.govtrack.us/
"The Public Comment Process (+ how to write effective public comments):" https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/781844516804149248?source=share
"Swing Left:" https://swingleft.org/
Run for Something: https://runforsomething.net/
"Vote Smart:" https://justfacts.votesmart.org/
* "FBI calls for ‘immediate surge’ of personnel to help Fulton County 2020 election probe, sources say:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/fbi-immediate-surge-personnel-fulton-county-georgia-2020-election-rcna352754
* "Trump ousts members of bipartisan election commission ahead of midterms:" https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/09/trump-ousts-members-of-bipartisan-election-commission-ahead-of-midterms-00992783
There is no non-nefarious reason to do this.
* "Trump fires independent elections workers in latest attack on U.S. election system:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/trump-fires-independent-elections-workers-in-latest-attack-on-u-s-election-system-2506142787711
* "Map Shows States Where Trump Admin is Deploying Election Monitors:" https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-states-where-trump-admin-is-deploying-election-monitors-12176817
Steal yourselves for voter intimidation tactics like these. We can not let the Autocrat win.
* We are in primary season. States vote at different times, so I beg ALL of you to check when your state is voting. If you are in an in-person vote state, research ahead of time so you can vote for the candidate with views closest to your own. If you vote by mail, take the time to look them up when your ballot comes.
THIS is how you move the party further LEFT.
PLAN YOUR VOTE!!!
Primary schedule here:
* "2026 Statewide Primary Calendar:" https://www.270towin.com/2026-state-primary-calendar/
I don't know where you live, so I can't link this for you, but I find the Progressive Voter Guide online very helpful in narrowing down candidates in the often packed primaries where I live.
I also suggest looking at things like volunteer work and endorsements, because it really, really helps with things like sheriff and judicial elections, but can be useful in all sorts of primaries when you have multiple good options.
REMEMBER: Don't just vote for the big things like US Congress. Vote in every State and local race down to the smallest and on all the referendums.
State and local elections have a massive impact on your quality of life.
* Arizona Primaries! Don't forget to vote July 21!
* South Dakota Runoff! Don't forget to vote July 28!
* "Mallory McMorrow drops out of Michigan's US Senate race:" https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/07/05/mallory-mcmorrow-drops-out-us-senate-race-michigan/90813551007/
* "LGBTQ+ group backs Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for Senate over lesbian Rep. Angie Craig:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/peggy-flanagan-endorsement
* "Republican running for Congress in South Florida says people are ‘born straight’:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/rod-joseph-denies-homosexuality-exists
* "Cooper says campaign finance ruling will affect his race more than others :" https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5957196-roy-cooper-supreme-court-campaign-finance-ruling/
* "Ohio May Be the Sleeper Senate Race of the Midterms:" https://time.com/article/2026/06/23/ohio-may-be-the-sleeper-senate-race-of-the-midterms/
* "GOP efforts to keep Senate majority weakened by unexpected Alaska challenger:" https://foxsanantonio.com/news/nation-world/gop-republican-efforts-to-keep-senate-majority-weakened-by-unexpected-alaska-challenger-dan-sullivan
* "Trump’s DOJ is reportedly investigating Alaska’s Senate race:" https://www.ms.now/news/news-analysis/alaska-senate-race-dan-sullivan-petola-doj-investigation-trump
* "Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek outlines farm policies, calls for right-to-repair and tariff relief:" https://www.kcrg.com/2026/07/06/iowa-senate-candidate-josh-turek-outlines-farm-policies-calls-right-to-repair-tariff-relief/
* CW: Rape. "Woman who dated Graham Platner says he sexually assaulted her:" https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/06/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737
* CW: Rape. "Graham Platner’s allies turn on him after bombshell sexual assault report:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/graham-platner-sexual-assault
* CW: Rape. "Ex-girlfriend alleges Platner removed condom during sex without consent:" https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5958131-ex-girlfriend-alleges-graham-platner-removed-condom-during-sex-without-consent/
* CW: Rape. "Democrats call for Platner to drop out after new allegations:" https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow/watch/democrats-call-for-platner-to-drop-out-after-new-allegations-2505800771957
* "Here Are the Maine Democrats Who Might Replace Graham Platner:" https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/07/us/politics/graham-platner-replacements-maine-democrats.html
* CW: Rape. "Platner scandal gives Democrats a do-over on crucial Senate race:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/platner-scandal-gives-democrats-a-do-over-on-crucial-senate-race-2505915971669
* CW: Rape. "Graham Platner suspends campaign. For Democrats, the sexual assault allegation was too much:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/graham-platner-suspends-campaign
I watched the whole tenish minutes and it is infuriating. Seriously, this guy can fuck right off.
* CW: Rape. "‘Deeply enraging:’ Psaki rips Platner’s self-sympathy, conspiracy theory in drop-out video:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/deeply-enraging-psaki-rips-platner-s-self-sympathy-conspiracy-theory-in-drop-out-video-2506024003811
* "‘Betrayed’: Panel immediately reacts as Graham Platner drops out of Senate race:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/betrayed-panel-immediately-reacts-as-graham-platner-drops-out-of-senate-race-2506012227711
* "Gay Mainer Jordan Wood announces bid to replace Graham Platner in Senate race:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/jordan-wood-maine-graham-platner
* CW: CSA. "Talarico targets Paxton over plea deal in Texas child sex abuse case :" https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2026/07/03/texas-senate-talarico-paxton-child-sex-abuse-plea-deal
* "Ken Paxton vowed to crack down on “illegal voting.” He may have violated Texas election law.:" https://www.texastribune.org/2026/07/07/ken-paxton-voting-election-law/
* "Texas GOP Senate candidate Paxton has been voting illegally, report suggests:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/texas-gop-senate-candidate-paxton-has-been-voting-illegally-report-suggests-2505898051965
* It is important we flip the US Senate in November!
Here are some key Campaigns to Donate to:
James Talrico, Texas: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jt-tx-web
Roy Cooper, North Carolina: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/em-cgp-2025-cooper
Mary Peltola, Alaska: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dw_aksen
Josh Turek, Iowa: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dw_iasen
I am still furious at Sherrod Brown for throwing trans people under the bus last election. At the same time, we need the Senate, so I will post the donation link and leave it to the individual conscience.
Sherrod Brown, Ohio: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/subodh
* "New Hampshire governor signs law forcing schools to out transgender students:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/new-hampshire-transgender-outing-law
The Republican commitment to actively harming and even endangering the lives of children continues.
* "Gavin Newsom signs budget with $26M safety net for trans youth care amid Trump cuts:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/california-budget-transgender-care
* "Andrew Gillum’s troubled fall from Democratic star continues with Alabama drug arrest:" https://www.advocate.com/news/crime/andrew-gillum-drugs-alabama
* "Shootings in Nine States Mar Fourth of July Celebrations:" https://archive.ph/orHkn
* "FBI says it stopped possible mass shooting after threats to Texas Pride event:" https://www.advocate.com/news/crime/fbi-texas-pride-mass-shooting
* "Luigi Mangione’s federal trial now scheduled for January 2027 to not clash with state case:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/29/luigi-mangione-court
* "Rhys Nicholson explains the Bean Soup Theory applied to transgender people:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Eufxr4J8JCw
* "Philadelphia man accused of hunting and killing 2 gay men remains at large:" https://www.advocate.com/news/crime/philadelphia-killer-targets-gays
* "City of New York found liable for ambulance hit-and-run of trans cyclist:" https://www.advocate.com/news/nyc-ambulance-liable-trans-cyclist-accident
* "Transgender teen quits Irish dance competition after threats from Florida Republicans:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/trans-teen-florida-irish-dance
* CW: Child Death. "A country that made huge progress on measles now reports 120,000 cases:" https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0gel72mlgo
This is heartbreaking and entirely preventable.
* "Meteorologists warn week ahead in US will have dangerous temps: ‘Heat is not to be played with’:" https://apnews.com/article/heat-wave-dome-climate-change-swelter-hot-72cf21d28aac672304a1cbf345b87e90
* "Europe’s extreme heat is shutting down power plants:" https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/06/24/1139676/europe-heat-power-plants/
* "Europe’s Nuclear Plants Can’t Beat the Heat:" https://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/Europes-Nuclear-Plants-Cant-Beat-the-Heat.html
* "40.7 C heat shatters Barcelona record amid Spain's latest heat wave:" https://phys.org/news/2026-07-shatters-barcelona-spain-latest.html
* "'Really frightening, unbelievably quick': Witnesses describe fleeing deadly Spain wildfire:" https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c932zyex1w2o
* "Venezuela quake death toll passes 4,000 as scale of recovery effort looms large:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/11/venezuela-quake-deaths-passes-4000-recovery-effort
* CW: Child Death. "Bangladesh relocates refugees after landslide kills at least 5 children:" https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-rohingya-landslide-addd6d36f597d4db38b0facd054de459
* "Mount Etna lava lights up Sicilian sky – video:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2026/jul/01/mount-etna-lava-lights-up-sicilian-sky-video
* "Surge in octopus numbers leads to 'record £500k catch':" https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wew7l90xvo
This is actually an ecological disaster caused by climate change.
* "The first one to know you're gay? Your TikTok algorithm:" https://www.advocate.com/news/culture/tiktok-knows-you-are-gay
* "Scientists Make a Major Breakthrough in Solving a Hair-Raising Mystery About Static Electricity:" https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-make-a-major-breakthrough-in-solving-a-hair-raising-mystery-about-static-electricity-180988382/
* "Masculinity Has Always Been "In Crisis":"
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* "Victoria Cruz, Stonewall hero and trans activist, dies at 79:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/advocacy/victoria-cruz-dead
* "Holding out for a hero, and finding one in Bonnie Tyler:" https://www.advocate.com/opinion/bonnie-tyler-hero-tribute
* Wednesday Techie Millennial came to visit and brought their new harp, which they've been decorating, to play. It was lovely.
After, I was able to walk the kittens, which was a great relief to them, as I hadn't been able to for a little over a week.
(Mondays and Tuesdays I have commitments and there isn't time. Last Wednesday and Sunday, I woke up exhausted and basic maintenance (food for me, cats, fish, etc.) and the clean up of assorted messes took too many spoons and two much time. Friday, Clawdia made that grand gaudy mess, and stripping and washing all the sofa layers meant used all non-maintenance spoons and it was too late to start a walk by the time I was rested.
Today though, when I brought them the harnesses, Clawdia lay good and still like her sister, which really helped as I needed to adjust her harness because she'd grown that much in less than a week and a half. Saffy's rib band was way too small compared to Saffy's current measurement and I suspect she's about to have another growth spirt. This cat is going to be Huge and if it keeps on like this, I may need t switch to a dog harness at some point. O.o Like, this is the largest cat harness they had. There's lots of room still at least.
They are still a little weirded out by permission to go outside. They clearly made the connection between harness and that weird vocalization I make and them getting to go out, and they've been a lot less aggressive about escapes since I started with the leashes. Saffy likely would if I left the door open longer than the dart in and out, but she's no longer dangerously tripping people, which is important as she gets bigger. Clawdia will dart out there, but I catch her quickly more often and when I can't, she comes back on her own pretty soon, I think because it's nowhere near as fun with just her compared to the three of us going out.
This is why I do leash training with escapers. It is harm reduction. Monitored cats poking around the patio and the little bit of path just in front is so much safer for them than darting out between legs every time the door opens. It also gives them a sense of home territory and it's limits, which makes them more likely to be in that general area if they do get out.
The weather was my idea of ideal today, the way it used to be in July before the climate got completely borked. A pleasant degree of warm, with a fresh breeze off the bay to clean the air. The clouds were high and wispy on their journey to the mountains. We were out late enough for the breeze to push out the high afternoon heat, but the sun was still high enough for it to be still afternoon bright.
Perfect temperature, perfect sky, the good scent of basil and tomato leaves, beautiful giant kittens puttering about, or lounging, or playing with leash ends I dangled.
After I unleased them inside, I fed them, then I went and gave Livia her second looooong bed pet of the day, and the kittens turned up to hang out peaceable in a group and have a nap. This i Livia's idea of a perfect evening. (She's known Techie Millenia her whole life. she doesn't mind Techie Millennial seeing her, though as with all guests, she doesn't want to interact, so she mostly stays in her room. Like, given her druthers, she'd rather no visitors ever, but Techie's on the short list of visitors she doesn't particularly mind).
For the record, the fire works were much better this year, compared to usual. We had four total in four days, two very close and loud. Livia hates fireworks, but compared to years where we get a week of them and in larger quantity, this is more tolerable. Like one random loud noise at night will startle her, but is so much easier to recover from than it happening at random over the course of the evening for days. Clawdia ignored them. They were outside, like barking dogs and she was inside. (When they are having leash time and a dog barks, they cluster by the door, hiding behind the screen of plants, but don't go inside). Saffy was a little more sensitive to the noise, but just moved further away from the windows. I've no idea if a bad year will terrorize her as it does Livia, but this year, they all were all right and Livia only had to hide once (from the loudest one right outside the living room window), and she came back out in 10-15 minutes instead of hiding for hours.
* We have been having a lot of little micro outages, which is how I think of power and/or Internet outages that last under a minute. This is normal in the Windy season, aka roughly November- December. (It used to start at some point in October and run into January, but climate change). I live in a wind tunnel and while the city works hard on safe bridges, good roads, enough housing, environmental mitigation, and make sure the water is safe and clean, a lot of other infrastructure is old and needs serious updating and/or replacement. (See also residential water pressure being for shit all over town to varying degrees.) It's more important bridges don't collapse and the aquifers are in good shape and people have somewhere to live. Seriously, I get why the priorities are like this and I trust that when there is more money other important stuff a little lower down the list will be sorted. I get why city council thinks the bridge the school buses drive over is priority one, and why they hoping the electrical infrastructure can hang on another half decade before starting a massive attempt to harden all that against climate change. It's big, it's expensive and we don't want people injured or killed when one bus too many drives over it.
So I live in a wind tunnel and for 2-3 months a year, my lights flicker, and sometimes my internet hiccups and I get kicked off, and sometimes the internet goes out for a few hours or worse if we are unlucky, and we frequently get whole neighborhood blackouts that last for a while an now and again my whole end of town goes black and we are usually last to get fixed so that's 8-12 hours and you have to hope the freezer doesn't melt.
This is not the windy season. Like, we still get the night winds from Alaska and if we are lucky the evening breeze off the bay, but these aren't knock tree branches down winds. The windy season tends to weed out the weak branches and the softer winds the rest of the year aren't usually enough to take out the survivors that are in the process of weakening.
So flickers like this tend to suggest something else wrong in the system. So it was late enough to be Thursday instead of Wednesday, but early enough to still be full dark. (Sun comes up 5AMish this time of year). When the neighborhood went dark without warning, it was late enough for me to go fuck this and shuffle around with a little hand lantern trying not to step on a pair of pocket voids who are milling around in the confusion and unaware I can't see them while I try to remember what was on so I could turn it off and generally get ready for bed. Did a car hit a pole? A transformer blow somewhere? Some crucial part of the electrical system that had been failing slowly the previous few days finally fail? Who knows.
It meant I didn't get to do have the things I'd intended to before bed, including my bath. Sigh.
And Thursday I remembered I needed to buy paper towels before the New Guy arrived to clean, so I had to go out in late afternoon heat and pollen to get them from the part of town that is a heat sink. I arrived back slightly later than intended, and Saffy apparently slipped out into the hallway without me noticing on one of the two trips from the car. (I carried the perishables in to put away, then went to let the New Guy in from the patio, then went back for the paper towels because they don't melt. About fifteen minutes later, the New Guy opens the hallway door so we can take out trash and recycling. Saffy was crouched right outside the door.
The Hall is very boring and contains nothing but ugly carpet and the smell of other peoples cookery. I suspect she figured this out very quickly. It does explained why Clawdia was loitering there to the point I had to pick her up so New Guy could get the dolly out.
I am still behind. Of course I am, but the electricity was entirely stable Thursday evening, so that's progress.
* I had to give up my daily physio after something like five and a half years because I got two sick to continue. I am still waiting to see if the sinus infection is rebounding or if it's allergies, but at the moment, I'm all right if I don't have to stand up or worse move around, so Friday I brought back the lying down exercises. This, plus forage delivery, and a grand gaudy collaborative cat mess in the living room where to many things in terms of time and spoons, so the poor beasties did not get their leash time.
All three furry people got good loves and the like at least. Also, we are on day two of trick training for the kittens. They are doing well, but it'll take a few more days for it to be clear it;'s taken, since the puzzle feeder is the main kitten treat souse. I'm still trying to work with poor Claw Claw on it when her sister is sleeping, because it takes her longer to gallop in and shoulder her sister aside if she's full asleep in my bedroom. we are working on the flip top compartments, but it's really hard, because Clawdia got so good at solving sliding compartments she has trouble not applying the wrong solution to a new problem.
I kept thinking about how many problems in American politics are caused by the same thing and that was also the problem with psychiatry in the 70's and '80's.
I can eventually get her to flip it, if we aren't interrupted by the Queen of the Cats, but she won't try flipping it from scratch. I have to lift it a little and wiggle it over and over before she stops sliding the compartment back and forth frantically and flips it open.
When I went out the hall door to get mall, Saffy nearly went with me, but then she halted and I could see her thinking from the movement of her ears, and then she turned and walked away, disdain in the movement of her tail. Saffy consistently only needs to experience a thing just once to learn from it. She fascinates me.
* "US celebrates Pride with parades across country – in pictures:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/gallery/2026/jun/28/pride-parade-celebrations-gallery
* "Riki Lindhome is Terrified of Death, Despite Her Childhood | Grave Conversations:"
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* "Sacred Spears:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Svp57sMSJNE
* "Cringe Crusader Core:" Cringe Crusader Core
* "Faithful Friendships:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Nw-_H_gY9_A
* "Conspiratorial Co Kings:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lXZfkMacS8U
* "Regal Runnymede:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Q1FXbVdqg6E
* "Promising Proposals:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Kj49TgPHHjQ
* "Meritorious Medieval Marriages:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G8M2po7D1pk
* "Excruciating Edward (I):" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5dg0xzYrdbY
* "Majestic Majesty:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0IO3Pye4Ttw
* "Dynastic Debts:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jWXSODRwhdQ
* "Star Wars Shakespeare (deathsticks):" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fWejfy6Vaws
* "Why raccoons can’t be lesbians:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Pi8t-iGKzdM
* "I talk to my cat about her singing:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY7NTiwUs14
* "The Mean Gays are TV Cop:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EjS57vJMkS8
* "Dog Breeds play D&D:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iU2Wc2D75IU
* "Eugene, OR has REAL hippies:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CHbwa9vWUoA
* The second date thing was an amazing journey. Trust me. "How Do You Top A Taylor Swift Wedding?:"
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*****
* Full list of Resistance and charity links has been migrated to my profile as it was getting out of hand.
The help links are at the bottom under the cut.
* It is important we flip the US Senate in November!
Here are some key Campaigns to Donate to:
James Talrico, Texas: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jt-tx-web
Roy Cooper, North Carolina: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/em-cgp-2025-cooper
Mary Peltola, Alaska: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dw_aksen
Josh Turek, Iowa: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dw_iasen
I am still furious at Sherrod Brown for throwing trans people under the bus last election. At the same time, we need the Senate, so I will post the donation link and leave it to the individual conscience.
Sherrod Brown, Ohio: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/subodh
* Want to help Jennifer Jenkins and Southern Progress PAC piss of Queerphobic and Misogynistic Repubblicans? https://secure.actblue.com/donate/s-partner_loc_jj_em_southernprogress
* "Transcontinental Pipeline:" https://tcpipeline.org/steps/
* "Swing Left:" https://swingleft.org/
* "2026 Statewide Primary Calendar:" https://www.270towin.com/2026-state-primary-calendar/
( More )
* "Israel, you are spending our love like it’s infinite:" https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/israel-you-are-spending-our-love-like-its-infinite/
* "9 months into a ceasefire, Israel now controls nearly 70% of Gaza:" https://www.npr.org/2026/07/10/nx-s1-5887357/israel-gaza-war-trump-ceasefire-military-control
******
* "US launches new airstrikes on Iran, with Tehran firing back at 3 Gulf Arab states:" https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-war-oil-july-8-2026-fee04dcea661c08de12c04914ff2751b
* "Trump gets rude awakening on the reality of the limits of his power :" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/trump-gets-rude-awakening-on-the-reality-of-the-limits-of-his-power-2506144835877
******
* "Russia preparing possible ‘provocation’ in Baltic states or Poland, sources say:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/26/russia-provocation-baltic-states-poland
* "Two dead, 19 wounded as Russia strikes Ukraine with missiles, drones:" https://www.nbcnews.com/world/ukraine/two-dead-wounded-russia-strikes-ukraine-missiles-drones-rcna453306
* "For Ukraine, Other Patriot Makers Are a Cautionary Tale:" https://archive.ph/RYpOU
* "Experts say Trump's plan to license Patriot missiles for Ukraine could take years:" https://abcnews.com/Politics/experts-trumps-plan-license-patriot-missiles-ukraine-years/story?id=134623702
******
* "Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 18, as French President Macron visits Syria:" https://www.npr.org/2026/07/07/nx-s1-5884579/damascus-explosions-macron
* "Nigel Farage accused of ‘desperate stunt’ after quitting UK parliament in face of financial scrutiny:" https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/07/nigel-farage-rejects-scrutiny-uk-parliament-people-v-establishment-byelection
* CW: Rape, Domestic Abuse. "MI5 knew agent was misogynist 'obsessed' with violence, watchdog finds:" https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj9gggjekyjo
* "Paraguayan senator’s ‘brazen racism’ against Mbappé sparks anger in France:" https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/06/world-cup-2026/kylian-mbappe-paraguay-senator-racism-fifa-world-cup-2026-00988001
* "Increase in racism during World Cup reflects ‘growing pattern of abuse’:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/09/world-cup-racism-increase-social-media-kylian-mbappe
* This next is disgraceful and we deserved to lose.
* "Trump lobbied Fifa to lift Folarin Balogun suspension for World Cup game v Belgium:" https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/05/folarin-balogun-red-card-suspension-lifted-usmnt-belgium-world-cup
* "Trump’s World Cup scandal collides with his war on birthright citizenship:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/trump-s-world-cup-scandal-collides-with-his-war-on-birthright-citizenship-2505772611927
* "Trump curse? U.S. World Cup exit blamed on ‘reverse Midas touch’:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/trump-curse-u-s-world-cup-exit-blamed-on-reverse-midas-touch-2505896515852
* "Europe is ditching US tech — what does this mean for researchers?:" https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01610-9
* "Trump says he'll consider giving Turkey F-35 jets, adds that US will lift sanctions:" https://abcnews.com/Politics/trump-hell-giving-turkey-35-jets-adds-us/story?id=134547490
* "Trump rips NATO allies, dashing European hopes for a kumbaya summit:" https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/07/trump-rips-nato-allies-dashing-european-hopes-for-a-kumbaya-summit-00988547
* "Trump orders a halt to US trade with Spain:" https://www.politico.eu/article/trump-says-hes-cutting-off-trade-with-spain-over-defense-spending-iran/
How? What would be the mechanism here?
* "Trump Threatens NATO to Get Control of Greenland:" https://newrepublic.com/post/212880/donald-trump-threat-nato-troops-greenland
* "Trump, 80, Confuses Iran for Japan, Zelenskiy for Putin:" https://newrepublic.com/post/212832/trump-confuses-iran-japan-zelenskiy-putin
* "Trump makes a fool of himself with mental stumbles at NATO meeting:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/trump-makes-a-fool-of-himself-with-mental-stumbles-at-nato-meeting-2506020931759
* "Rubio makes it official: Trump will remove Syrian terrorism designation:" https://www.semafor.com/article/07/08/2026/rubio-makes-it-official-trump-will-remove-syrian-terrorism-designation
*** Immigration/I.C.E/Autocracy/*** Most items are a little older below this point because I've been swamped.
* "Trump says he’ll ask Supreme Court to rehear birthright citizenship case:" https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5960418-donald-trump-supreme-court-birthright-citizenship/
This is technically a thing, but in the whole history of the country it's worked exactly once.
* Shameful. "Lawsuit says US illegally shared confidential information on Iranian asylum seekers with Iran:" https://apnews.com/article/iran-lawsuit-asylum-seekers-information-leaked-b7481c1b5ba349f1bfe3529a44822f2d
* "ICE Arrests 10,000 in Five-Day Surge:" https://www.fairus.org/legislation/executive/ice-arrests-10000-five-day-surge
* "ICE activity ramps up in Chicago area again, with masked agents seen taking people away in cuffs:" https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-back-of-the-yards-logan-square-immigration-ice-activity/3959796/
* "ICE ramps up arrests in Puget Sound region under new nationwide quota:" https://www.king5.com/article/news/community/facing-race/washington-immigration/ice-ramps-up-arrests-in-puget-sound-region-under-new-nationwide-quota/281-e4edf3d2-4e5c-4a70-85fc-7a57ffd55c2a
* "Protests follow after 15 Minnesotans charged with anti-ICE conspiracy:" https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/06/16/federal-prosecutors-minnesota-announce-charges-against-immigration-enforcement-opponents
* This is so clearly a murder and cover up: "ICE Killing in Houston Puts Focus on Surge in Immigration Arrests:" https://archive.ph/XwPFV
* "'He did not deserve to die,' son of man fatally shot by ICE officer in Houston says:" https://abcnews.com/US/man-fatally-shot-ice-officer-houston/story?id=134563739
* "Fatal ICE shooting story unravels after new Houston footage:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/fatal-ice-shooting-story-unravels-after-new-houston-footage-2506129475624
* "Manufactured Betrayal: A Statement from Fire Ant Movement Defense on Solidarity and Betrayal in the Prairieland Trials:" https://crimethinc.com/
* "‘This is injustice’: how leftist zines were used to sentence anti-ICE protesters to decades in prison:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/jun/24/prairieland-texas-ice-protests-zines
* "Trump suffers a legal setback that puts another immigrant prison on ice:" https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow/watch/surprise-trump-suffers-a-legal-setback-that-puts-another-immigrant-prison-on-ice-2505843267897
* Here are some ways to help Immigrants and the anti-ICE Protesters:
"Project Salt Box:" https://projectsaltbox.substack.com/
Links to Help organize in advance of ICE Occupation: https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/807226885129060352?source=share
"When the Feds Come to Your City: Standing Up to ICE :" https://crimethinc.com/2025/12/03/when-the-feds-come-to-your-city-standing-up-to-ice-a-guide-from-chicago-organizers
Immigrant Defenders: https://give.immdef.org/give/545119/#!/donation/checkout
The Bail Project: https://bailproject.org/
National Bail Fund Network: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/en/nbfn-directory
Amnesty International: protect asylum-seekers: https://donate.amnestyusa.org/page/113080/donate/1
The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights: https://www.theyoungcenter.org/
CHIRLA: https://www.chirla.org/
AL Otro Lado: https://alotrolado.networkforgood.com/projects/63833-al-otro-lado-fund
"Know Your Rights:" https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights
"Disappeared In America:" https://www.disappearedinamerica.us/
* "Under Donald Trump, America begins its 251st year with racism front and center:" https://www.advocate.com/opinion/donald-trump-america-racism
* "Man in viral D.C. Metro photo says he was ‘terrified’ as masked white nationalists surrounded him:" https://www.advocate.com/news/people/roswell-encina-patriot-front-metro
* "DOGE cuts see small towns across the nation forced to pare down America 250 celebrations:" https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/doge-cuts-america-250-celebrations-b3006804.html
* "I Followed The Money Behind Trump’s Freedom250 Grift…:"
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* "In Mount Rushmore speech, Trump veers from U.S. exceptionalism to warnings about communism:" https://www.npr.org/2026/07/04/g-s1-132025/mount-rushmore-speech-trump-july-4-250
* "Trump touts America’s ‘golden age’ and his political agenda in a July Fourth speech roiled by severe weather:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/weather-emergencies-disrupt-trumps-fourth-july-plans-rcna352792
* O.o "MAGA stalwart claims someone with Trump Derangement Syndrome ‘geoengineered’ DC heatwave:" https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/dc-weather-cancellation-fourth-of-july-extreme-heat-b3008969.html
* "Maddow: Trump secures status as historic laughing stock after hogging America 250 spotlight:" https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow/watch/trump-secures-status-as-historic-laughing-stock-after-hogging-america-250-spotlight-2505791555736
* "Trump posts a doctored photo portraying Obamas boarding Air Force One spray-painted with graffiti:" https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-posts-a-doctored-photo-portraying-obamas-boarding-air-force-one-spray-painted-with-graffiti
* An account of Occupied D.C.: "It BUUURRRRNNNNSSS!!!:" https://fabrisse.dreamwidth.org/444611.html
* One of my RL friends has a radically different idea for the reflecting pool: "Turn the reflecting pool into modular gardens.:"
* "Trump leans into the $5 million no-bid contract to coat horse statues in gold:" https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-5-million-no-bid-contract-thorse-statues-gold
Could we get healthcare back instead of wasting money on things like this?
* "Putting Trump’s name on an airport doesn’t help his popularity with the passengers:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/putting-trump-s-name-on-an-airport-doesn-t-help-his-popularity-with-the-passengers-2506148419995
* "Trump rings New York Stock Exchange bell to mark first trading day for ‘Trump accounts’:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/06/trump-accounts-trading-day-new-york-stock-exchange
The amount of money is tiny and it's a comparatively small number of children compared to all the children alive in the country. Why don't we give the children health care instead of a thousand dollars? That would be so much more valuable and a better investment in the country's future.
* "No one believes Trump’s discount gas doesn’t come with a catch:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/no-one-believes-trump-s-discount-gas-doesn-t-come-with-a-catch-2506266691714
I admit, my first thoughts on hearing this were:
1. Who is paying for this? How much corruption is involved? Is it a straight up bribe to the service station chain or are things like pardons involved?
2. Interesting how it is only happening in a swing state and to a lesser extent a possible swing state. Bet it's happening where it's happening in hopes of buying Pennsylvania votes.
3. Gas prices here were just short of $6.00's a gallon last week. Prices here have not been as low as the undiscounted gas prices being reported since the Obama administration. If it were actually about helping people and not political corruption, the discount gas would be in states that actually need it instead of ones where gas is already incredibly cheap.
* "The Trump Administration’s War on Dissent Has a New Target:" https://newrepublic.com/post/212432/trump-cop-city-ice-prairieland
* "White House Flips Out Over Embarrassing Keystone Kash Leaks:" https://www.thedailybeast.com/keystone-kash-summoned-to-white-house-as-scrutiny-mounts/
* "BMWs and VIP snorkeling? Kash Patel’s alleged ‘luxury’ spending draws GOP scrutiny:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/bmws-and-vip-snorkeling-kash-patel-s-alleged-luxury-spending-draws-gop-scrutiny-2506132035934
* "Exclusive: Kash Patel summoned to White House over bad behavior, ‘gold plated’ tweet:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/exclusive-kash-patel-summoned-to-white-house-over-bad-behavior-gold-plated-tweet-2506247235737
* "Trump suffers the consequences of poor staffing choices:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/trump-suffers-the-consequences-of-poor-staffing-choices-2506265155847
* We need Court Reform desperately.
* "The Secret Origins of the Supreme Court’s Shadow Docket:" https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/07/jodi-kantor-shadow-docket-supreme-court-john-roberts/?
* "SCOTUS Says Trump Can Fire Everyone... Except the Fed:"
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* "Early Signals Suggest a Second Year of Double-Digit Marketplace Premium Increases:" https://chir.georgetown.edu/early-signals-suggest-a-second-year-of-double-digit-marketplace-premium-increases/
Republicans did this to justify their tax cuts for billionaires.
* "Largest housing affordability bill in decades becomes law without Trump's signature:" https://www.npr.org/2026/07/10/nx-s1-5885027/housing-bill-without-trump-signature
* "Online Age Verification Law Could Kill Whistleblowing:" https://theintercept.com/2026/06/28/age-verification-privacy-surveillance-journalists-whistleblowers/
* "Sarah McBride wants to 'pull the emergency brake' on 'cynical' Donald Trump in midterm elections:" https://www.advocate.com/news/people/sarah-mcbride-donald-trump
* "Mitch McConnell’s health concerns grow amid 4th week in hospital with few details from aides:" https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/07/mitch-mcconnell-health-senate-gop.html
* "Mitch’s Wife Makes Jaw-Dropping Admission About His Health:" https://www.thedailybeast.com/mitch-mcconnells-wife-elaine-chao-makes-jaw-dropping-admission-about-his-health/
I think it is interesting that she didn't come back to be there for the health emergency.
* "Republican leaders seek to quell Mitch McConnell speculation as rebellion grows:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/08/republicans-mitch-mcconnell-health
Some of them are saying he's fine and some are insisting he's brain dead.
* "‘Rumors are flying’: Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized as questions swirl:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/rumors-are-flying-mitch-mcconnell-remains-hospitalized-as-questions-swirl-2505891907582
* "Mitch McConnell’s absence is throwing Trump’s Pentagon budget boost in doubt:" https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/08/mcconnell-absense-trump-pentagon-budget-00989037
* Would someone open Schrödinger's McConnell Box already?
* "Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear asks Sen. Mitch McConnell to give a public update on his condition:" https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-health-beshear-kentucky-hospital-letter-condition-efbfc2179c8d43f6b43d9024b8d73506
* "Scott Jennings' alleged call with Mitch McConnell sparks hilarious internet trend:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/scott-jennings-mitch-mcconnell
* "Do Your Phone Calls and Emails Matter? :" https://cmarmitage.substack.com/p/do-your-phone-calls-and-emails-matter
* Our until Midterms is to survive, to build grassroots resistance, to do all in our power to slow the republican Christo-fascist agenda, and to prepare for 2026 in case there is still Democracy.
"Take action with Indivisible:" https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/
Trump 2.0 Indivisible Guide. https://indivisible.org/resource/guide
If you can't safely contact them in person, here are some other options for contacting your Congress Critters:
Five Calls to your critters: https://5calls.org/
Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/
And another: https://faxzero.com/fax_senate.php
Snail Mail Campaigns: https://conuly.dreamwidth.org/3622760.html
"Congress. gov:" https://www.congress.gov/
White house (Possibly Dangerous): https://www.whitehouse.gov/
ACLU advice for writing to your Critters: https://www.aclu.org/writing-your-elected-representatives
This tracks legislation: https://www.govtrack.us/
"The Public Comment Process (+ how to write effective public comments):" https://www.tumblr.com/gwydionmisha/781844516804149248?source=share
"Swing Left:" https://swingleft.org/
Run for Something: https://runforsomething.net/
"Vote Smart:" https://justfacts.votesmart.org/
* "FBI calls for ‘immediate surge’ of personnel to help Fulton County 2020 election probe, sources say:" https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/fbi-immediate-surge-personnel-fulton-county-georgia-2020-election-rcna352754
* "Trump ousts members of bipartisan election commission ahead of midterms:" https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/09/trump-ousts-members-of-bipartisan-election-commission-ahead-of-midterms-00992783
There is no non-nefarious reason to do this.
* "Trump fires independent elections workers in latest attack on U.S. election system:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/trump-fires-independent-elections-workers-in-latest-attack-on-u-s-election-system-2506142787711
* "Map Shows States Where Trump Admin is Deploying Election Monitors:" https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-states-where-trump-admin-is-deploying-election-monitors-12176817
Steal yourselves for voter intimidation tactics like these. We can not let the Autocrat win.
* We are in primary season. States vote at different times, so I beg ALL of you to check when your state is voting. If you are in an in-person vote state, research ahead of time so you can vote for the candidate with views closest to your own. If you vote by mail, take the time to look them up when your ballot comes.
THIS is how you move the party further LEFT.
PLAN YOUR VOTE!!!
Primary schedule here:
* "2026 Statewide Primary Calendar:" https://www.270towin.com/2026-state-primary-calendar/
I don't know where you live, so I can't link this for you, but I find the Progressive Voter Guide online very helpful in narrowing down candidates in the often packed primaries where I live.
I also suggest looking at things like volunteer work and endorsements, because it really, really helps with things like sheriff and judicial elections, but can be useful in all sorts of primaries when you have multiple good options.
REMEMBER: Don't just vote for the big things like US Congress. Vote in every State and local race down to the smallest and on all the referendums.
State and local elections have a massive impact on your quality of life.
* Arizona Primaries! Don't forget to vote July 21!
* South Dakota Runoff! Don't forget to vote July 28!
* "Mallory McMorrow drops out of Michigan's US Senate race:" https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/07/05/mallory-mcmorrow-drops-out-us-senate-race-michigan/90813551007/
* "LGBTQ+ group backs Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for Senate over lesbian Rep. Angie Craig:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/peggy-flanagan-endorsement
* "Republican running for Congress in South Florida says people are ‘born straight’:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/rod-joseph-denies-homosexuality-exists
* "Cooper says campaign finance ruling will affect his race more than others :" https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5957196-roy-cooper-supreme-court-campaign-finance-ruling/
* "Ohio May Be the Sleeper Senate Race of the Midterms:" https://time.com/article/2026/06/23/ohio-may-be-the-sleeper-senate-race-of-the-midterms/
* "GOP efforts to keep Senate majority weakened by unexpected Alaska challenger:" https://foxsanantonio.com/news/nation-world/gop-republican-efforts-to-keep-senate-majority-weakened-by-unexpected-alaska-challenger-dan-sullivan
* "Trump’s DOJ is reportedly investigating Alaska’s Senate race:" https://www.ms.now/news/news-analysis/alaska-senate-race-dan-sullivan-petola-doj-investigation-trump
* "Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek outlines farm policies, calls for right-to-repair and tariff relief:" https://www.kcrg.com/2026/07/06/iowa-senate-candidate-josh-turek-outlines-farm-policies-calls-right-to-repair-tariff-relief/
* CW: Rape. "Woman who dated Graham Platner says he sexually assaulted her:" https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/06/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737
* CW: Rape. "Graham Platner’s allies turn on him after bombshell sexual assault report:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/graham-platner-sexual-assault
* CW: Rape. "Ex-girlfriend alleges Platner removed condom during sex without consent:" https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5958131-ex-girlfriend-alleges-graham-platner-removed-condom-during-sex-without-consent/
* CW: Rape. "Democrats call for Platner to drop out after new allegations:" https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow/watch/democrats-call-for-platner-to-drop-out-after-new-allegations-2505800771957
* "Here Are the Maine Democrats Who Might Replace Graham Platner:" https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/07/us/politics/graham-platner-replacements-maine-democrats.html
* CW: Rape. "Platner scandal gives Democrats a do-over on crucial Senate race:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/platner-scandal-gives-democrats-a-do-over-on-crucial-senate-race-2505915971669
* CW: Rape. "Graham Platner suspends campaign. For Democrats, the sexual assault allegation was too much:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/graham-platner-suspends-campaign
I watched the whole tenish minutes and it is infuriating. Seriously, this guy can fuck right off.
* CW: Rape. "‘Deeply enraging:’ Psaki rips Platner’s self-sympathy, conspiracy theory in drop-out video:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/deeply-enraging-psaki-rips-platner-s-self-sympathy-conspiracy-theory-in-drop-out-video-2506024003811
* "‘Betrayed’: Panel immediately reacts as Graham Platner drops out of Senate race:" https://www.ms.now/all-in/watch/betrayed-panel-immediately-reacts-as-graham-platner-drops-out-of-senate-race-2506012227711
* "Gay Mainer Jordan Wood announces bid to replace Graham Platner in Senate race:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/jordan-wood-maine-graham-platner
* CW: CSA. "Talarico targets Paxton over plea deal in Texas child sex abuse case :" https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2026/07/03/texas-senate-talarico-paxton-child-sex-abuse-plea-deal
* "Ken Paxton vowed to crack down on “illegal voting.” He may have violated Texas election law.:" https://www.texastribune.org/2026/07/07/ken-paxton-voting-election-law/
* "Texas GOP Senate candidate Paxton has been voting illegally, report suggests:" https://www.ms.now/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/texas-gop-senate-candidate-paxton-has-been-voting-illegally-report-suggests-2505898051965
* It is important we flip the US Senate in November!
Here are some key Campaigns to Donate to:
James Talrico, Texas: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jt-tx-web
Roy Cooper, North Carolina: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/em-cgp-2025-cooper
Mary Peltola, Alaska: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dw_aksen
Josh Turek, Iowa: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dw_iasen
I am still furious at Sherrod Brown for throwing trans people under the bus last election. At the same time, we need the Senate, so I will post the donation link and leave it to the individual conscience.
Sherrod Brown, Ohio: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/subodh
* "New Hampshire governor signs law forcing schools to out transgender students:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/new-hampshire-transgender-outing-law
The Republican commitment to actively harming and even endangering the lives of children continues.
* "Gavin Newsom signs budget with $26M safety net for trans youth care amid Trump cuts:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/california-budget-transgender-care
* "Andrew Gillum’s troubled fall from Democratic star continues with Alabama drug arrest:" https://www.advocate.com/news/crime/andrew-gillum-drugs-alabama
* "Shootings in Nine States Mar Fourth of July Celebrations:" https://archive.ph/orHkn
* "FBI says it stopped possible mass shooting after threats to Texas Pride event:" https://www.advocate.com/news/crime/fbi-texas-pride-mass-shooting
* "Luigi Mangione’s federal trial now scheduled for January 2027 to not clash with state case:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/29/luigi-mangione-court
* "Rhys Nicholson explains the Bean Soup Theory applied to transgender people:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Eufxr4J8JCw
* "Philadelphia man accused of hunting and killing 2 gay men remains at large:" https://www.advocate.com/news/crime/philadelphia-killer-targets-gays
* "City of New York found liable for ambulance hit-and-run of trans cyclist:" https://www.advocate.com/news/nyc-ambulance-liable-trans-cyclist-accident
* "Transgender teen quits Irish dance competition after threats from Florida Republicans:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/trans-teen-florida-irish-dance
* CW: Child Death. "A country that made huge progress on measles now reports 120,000 cases:" https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0gel72mlgo
This is heartbreaking and entirely preventable.
* "Meteorologists warn week ahead in US will have dangerous temps: ‘Heat is not to be played with’:" https://apnews.com/article/heat-wave-dome-climate-change-swelter-hot-72cf21d28aac672304a1cbf345b87e90
* "Europe’s extreme heat is shutting down power plants:" https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/06/24/1139676/europe-heat-power-plants/
* "Europe’s Nuclear Plants Can’t Beat the Heat:" https://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/Europes-Nuclear-Plants-Cant-Beat-the-Heat.html
* "40.7 C heat shatters Barcelona record amid Spain's latest heat wave:" https://phys.org/news/2026-07-shatters-barcelona-spain-latest.html
* "'Really frightening, unbelievably quick': Witnesses describe fleeing deadly Spain wildfire:" https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c932zyex1w2o
* "Venezuela quake death toll passes 4,000 as scale of recovery effort looms large:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/11/venezuela-quake-deaths-passes-4000-recovery-effort
* CW: Child Death. "Bangladesh relocates refugees after landslide kills at least 5 children:" https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-rohingya-landslide-addd6d36f597d4db38b0facd054de459
* "Mount Etna lava lights up Sicilian sky – video:" https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2026/jul/01/mount-etna-lava-lights-up-sicilian-sky-video
* "Surge in octopus numbers leads to 'record £500k catch':" https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wew7l90xvo
This is actually an ecological disaster caused by climate change.
* "The first one to know you're gay? Your TikTok algorithm:" https://www.advocate.com/news/culture/tiktok-knows-you-are-gay
* "Scientists Make a Major Breakthrough in Solving a Hair-Raising Mystery About Static Electricity:" https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-make-a-major-breakthrough-in-solving-a-hair-raising-mystery-about-static-electricity-180988382/
* "Masculinity Has Always Been "In Crisis":"
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* "Victoria Cruz, Stonewall hero and trans activist, dies at 79:" https://www.advocate.com/politics/advocacy/victoria-cruz-dead
* "Holding out for a hero, and finding one in Bonnie Tyler:" https://www.advocate.com/opinion/bonnie-tyler-hero-tribute
* Wednesday Techie Millennial came to visit and brought their new harp, which they've been decorating, to play. It was lovely.
After, I was able to walk the kittens, which was a great relief to them, as I hadn't been able to for a little over a week.
(Mondays and Tuesdays I have commitments and there isn't time. Last Wednesday and Sunday, I woke up exhausted and basic maintenance (food for me, cats, fish, etc.) and the clean up of assorted messes took too many spoons and two much time. Friday, Clawdia made that grand gaudy mess, and stripping and washing all the sofa layers meant used all non-maintenance spoons and it was too late to start a walk by the time I was rested.
Today though, when I brought them the harnesses, Clawdia lay good and still like her sister, which really helped as I needed to adjust her harness because she'd grown that much in less than a week and a half. Saffy's rib band was way too small compared to Saffy's current measurement and I suspect she's about to have another growth spirt. This cat is going to be Huge and if it keeps on like this, I may need t switch to a dog harness at some point. O.o Like, this is the largest cat harness they had. There's lots of room still at least.
They are still a little weirded out by permission to go outside. They clearly made the connection between harness and that weird vocalization I make and them getting to go out, and they've been a lot less aggressive about escapes since I started with the leashes. Saffy likely would if I left the door open longer than the dart in and out, but she's no longer dangerously tripping people, which is important as she gets bigger. Clawdia will dart out there, but I catch her quickly more often and when I can't, she comes back on her own pretty soon, I think because it's nowhere near as fun with just her compared to the three of us going out.
This is why I do leash training with escapers. It is harm reduction. Monitored cats poking around the patio and the little bit of path just in front is so much safer for them than darting out between legs every time the door opens. It also gives them a sense of home territory and it's limits, which makes them more likely to be in that general area if they do get out.
The weather was my idea of ideal today, the way it used to be in July before the climate got completely borked. A pleasant degree of warm, with a fresh breeze off the bay to clean the air. The clouds were high and wispy on their journey to the mountains. We were out late enough for the breeze to push out the high afternoon heat, but the sun was still high enough for it to be still afternoon bright.
Perfect temperature, perfect sky, the good scent of basil and tomato leaves, beautiful giant kittens puttering about, or lounging, or playing with leash ends I dangled.
After I unleased them inside, I fed them, then I went and gave Livia her second looooong bed pet of the day, and the kittens turned up to hang out peaceable in a group and have a nap. This i Livia's idea of a perfect evening. (She's known Techie Millenia her whole life. she doesn't mind Techie Millennial seeing her, though as with all guests, she doesn't want to interact, so she mostly stays in her room. Like, given her druthers, she'd rather no visitors ever, but Techie's on the short list of visitors she doesn't particularly mind).
For the record, the fire works were much better this year, compared to usual. We had four total in four days, two very close and loud. Livia hates fireworks, but compared to years where we get a week of them and in larger quantity, this is more tolerable. Like one random loud noise at night will startle her, but is so much easier to recover from than it happening at random over the course of the evening for days. Clawdia ignored them. They were outside, like barking dogs and she was inside. (When they are having leash time and a dog barks, they cluster by the door, hiding behind the screen of plants, but don't go inside). Saffy was a little more sensitive to the noise, but just moved further away from the windows. I've no idea if a bad year will terrorize her as it does Livia, but this year, they all were all right and Livia only had to hide once (from the loudest one right outside the living room window), and she came back out in 10-15 minutes instead of hiding for hours.
* We have been having a lot of little micro outages, which is how I think of power and/or Internet outages that last under a minute. This is normal in the Windy season, aka roughly November- December. (It used to start at some point in October and run into January, but climate change). I live in a wind tunnel and while the city works hard on safe bridges, good roads, enough housing, environmental mitigation, and make sure the water is safe and clean, a lot of other infrastructure is old and needs serious updating and/or replacement. (See also residential water pressure being for shit all over town to varying degrees.) It's more important bridges don't collapse and the aquifers are in good shape and people have somewhere to live. Seriously, I get why the priorities are like this and I trust that when there is more money other important stuff a little lower down the list will be sorted. I get why city council thinks the bridge the school buses drive over is priority one, and why they hoping the electrical infrastructure can hang on another half decade before starting a massive attempt to harden all that against climate change. It's big, it's expensive and we don't want people injured or killed when one bus too many drives over it.
So I live in a wind tunnel and for 2-3 months a year, my lights flicker, and sometimes my internet hiccups and I get kicked off, and sometimes the internet goes out for a few hours or worse if we are unlucky, and we frequently get whole neighborhood blackouts that last for a while an now and again my whole end of town goes black and we are usually last to get fixed so that's 8-12 hours and you have to hope the freezer doesn't melt.
This is not the windy season. Like, we still get the night winds from Alaska and if we are lucky the evening breeze off the bay, but these aren't knock tree branches down winds. The windy season tends to weed out the weak branches and the softer winds the rest of the year aren't usually enough to take out the survivors that are in the process of weakening.
So flickers like this tend to suggest something else wrong in the system. So it was late enough to be Thursday instead of Wednesday, but early enough to still be full dark. (Sun comes up 5AMish this time of year). When the neighborhood went dark without warning, it was late enough for me to go fuck this and shuffle around with a little hand lantern trying not to step on a pair of pocket voids who are milling around in the confusion and unaware I can't see them while I try to remember what was on so I could turn it off and generally get ready for bed. Did a car hit a pole? A transformer blow somewhere? Some crucial part of the electrical system that had been failing slowly the previous few days finally fail? Who knows.
It meant I didn't get to do have the things I'd intended to before bed, including my bath. Sigh.
And Thursday I remembered I needed to buy paper towels before the New Guy arrived to clean, so I had to go out in late afternoon heat and pollen to get them from the part of town that is a heat sink. I arrived back slightly later than intended, and Saffy apparently slipped out into the hallway without me noticing on one of the two trips from the car. (I carried the perishables in to put away, then went to let the New Guy in from the patio, then went back for the paper towels because they don't melt. About fifteen minutes later, the New Guy opens the hallway door so we can take out trash and recycling. Saffy was crouched right outside the door.
The Hall is very boring and contains nothing but ugly carpet and the smell of other peoples cookery. I suspect she figured this out very quickly. It does explained why Clawdia was loitering there to the point I had to pick her up so New Guy could get the dolly out.
I am still behind. Of course I am, but the electricity was entirely stable Thursday evening, so that's progress.
* I had to give up my daily physio after something like five and a half years because I got two sick to continue. I am still waiting to see if the sinus infection is rebounding or if it's allergies, but at the moment, I'm all right if I don't have to stand up or worse move around, so Friday I brought back the lying down exercises. This, plus forage delivery, and a grand gaudy collaborative cat mess in the living room where to many things in terms of time and spoons, so the poor beasties did not get their leash time.
All three furry people got good loves and the like at least. Also, we are on day two of trick training for the kittens. They are doing well, but it'll take a few more days for it to be clear it;'s taken, since the puzzle feeder is the main kitten treat souse. I'm still trying to work with poor Claw Claw on it when her sister is sleeping, because it takes her longer to gallop in and shoulder her sister aside if she's full asleep in my bedroom. we are working on the flip top compartments, but it's really hard, because Clawdia got so good at solving sliding compartments she has trouble not applying the wrong solution to a new problem.
I kept thinking about how many problems in American politics are caused by the same thing and that was also the problem with psychiatry in the 70's and '80's.
I can eventually get her to flip it, if we aren't interrupted by the Queen of the Cats, but she won't try flipping it from scratch. I have to lift it a little and wiggle it over and over before she stops sliding the compartment back and forth frantically and flips it open.
When I went out the hall door to get mall, Saffy nearly went with me, but then she halted and I could see her thinking from the movement of her ears, and then she turned and walked away, disdain in the movement of her tail. Saffy consistently only needs to experience a thing just once to learn from it. She fascinates me.
* "US celebrates Pride with parades across country – in pictures:" https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/gallery/2026/jun/28/pride-parade-celebrations-gallery
* "Riki Lindhome is Terrified of Death, Despite Her Childhood | Grave Conversations:"
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* "Sacred Spears:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Svp57sMSJNE
* "Cringe Crusader Core:" Cringe Crusader Core
* "Faithful Friendships:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Nw-_H_gY9_A
* "Conspiratorial Co Kings:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lXZfkMacS8U
* "Regal Runnymede:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Q1FXbVdqg6E
* "Promising Proposals:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Kj49TgPHHjQ
* "Meritorious Medieval Marriages:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G8M2po7D1pk
* "Excruciating Edward (I):" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5dg0xzYrdbY
* "Majestic Majesty:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0IO3Pye4Ttw
* "Dynastic Debts:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jWXSODRwhdQ
* "Star Wars Shakespeare (deathsticks):" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fWejfy6Vaws
* "Why raccoons can’t be lesbians:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Pi8t-iGKzdM
* "I talk to my cat about her singing:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY7NTiwUs14
* "The Mean Gays are TV Cop:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EjS57vJMkS8
* "Dog Breeds play D&D:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iU2Wc2D75IU
* "Eugene, OR has REAL hippies:" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CHbwa9vWUoA
* The second date thing was an amazing journey. Trust me. "How Do You Top A Taylor Swift Wedding?:"
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*****
* Full list of Resistance and charity links has been migrated to my profile as it was getting out of hand.
The help links are at the bottom under the cut.
* It is important we flip the US Senate in November!
Here are some key Campaigns to Donate to:
James Talrico, Texas: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jt-tx-web
Roy Cooper, North Carolina: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/em-cgp-2025-cooper
Mary Peltola, Alaska: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dw_aksen
Josh Turek, Iowa: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dw_iasen
I am still furious at Sherrod Brown for throwing trans people under the bus last election. At the same time, we need the Senate, so I will post the donation link and leave it to the individual conscience.
Sherrod Brown, Ohio: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/subodh
* Want to help Jennifer Jenkins and Southern Progress PAC piss of Queerphobic and Misogynistic Repubblicans? https://secure.actblue.com/donate/s-partner_loc_jj_em_southernprogress
* "Transcontinental Pipeline:" https://tcpipeline.org/steps/
* "Swing Left:" https://swingleft.org/
* "2026 Statewide Primary Calendar:" https://www.270towin.com/2026-state-primary-calendar/
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