Source: Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
by Marie McMullan
“Recording and reporting were repackaged as disruptions and interference by University of Maryland officials.” (02/02/26)
https://www.thefire.org/news/paper-was-her-lifeboat-umd-called-it-interference
Source: Expression
by Aaron Terr
“Last Monday, FBI Director Kash Patel announced an investigation into Signal group chats that Minnesotans are using to track ICE activity. Independent journalist Cam Higby spurred the move with an X thread that appears to show users of the encrypted messaging app reporting ICE sightings and sharing license plate numbers of agency vehicles. What the thread doesn’t show is evidence of a crime. … speech does not lose constitutional protection simply because it might lead others to break the law. That was true when progressive commentators warned about ‘stochastic terrorism’ — the idea that conservative rhetoric on hot-button issues incites violence against minority groups — and it’s true now.” (02/02/26)
https://expression.fire.org/p/the-federal-bureau-of-investigation
Source: Wired
by Brian Barrett
“The Department of Justice has released more than 3 million documents and photos related to Jeffrey Epstein. Here’s who shows up from Big Tech the most often — and what the files reveal.” (02/02/26)
Source: The Price of Liberty
by Nathan Barton
“You may have heard talk about making soda ineligible for purchase under the SNAP program (food stamps). Among others, the HHS Secretary (RJK Jr. points out the problems with such consumables. We don’t think he considers them to be ‘food.’) Oddly, a number of supposed pro-Trump influencers suddenly began arguing against the idea on social media. ‘This is government overreach! People’s choices shouldn’t be dictated by government! Even Donald Trump enjoys his Diet Coke!’ Of course, it comes as no surprise that anti-Trumpers, especially of the Transzi (Regressive) persuasion, would object to limiting the use of welfare funds. But some so-called libertarians also seem to be critical.” (02/02/26)
Source: Mother Jones
by Anna Merlan
“It’s impossible to ignore the administration’s blend of violent repression and overwhelming cringe.” (02/02/26)
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/02/greg-bovino-humor-mockery-pathetic/
Source: National Public Radio [US state media]
“Trump’s efforts to control the Fed may jeopardize new chair’s confirmation.” (02/02/26)
Source: Independent Institute
by Kritstian Fors & Jonathan Hofer
“The emphasis on buying a home has likely contributed to a widespread misconception that owning a home is the ‘best’ investment compared to renting. Certainly, homeownership can be advantageous, particularly when interest rates are low, home prices are reasonable and stock market returns are poor to modest. Emotional and behavioral factors also play a role. For some individuals, a mortgage acts as a motivating force, encouraging people who might not otherwise invest to commit to building wealth through homeownership. However, for others, their home represents their largest investment, mainly because it is the only investment they ever make and the belief that renting is ‘throwing money away’ often does not align with the mathematical realities of financial investment.” (02/02/26)
https://www.independent.org/article/2026/02/02/homeownership-american-dream/
Source: In These Times
by Sarah Lazare, Thomas Birmingham, & Ari Bloomekatz
“Roughly one in four Minnesota voters either participated in the January 23 day of shutdown and protest against ICE, or have a loved one who did, according to new polling data. Of those participants, 38% percent stayed off the job, either because they did not go to work, or because their employer closed for the day of action. The data does not distinguish between those who made the choice to stay out, and those who saw their workplaces close. (Some workplaces were shuttered that day due to worker pressure.) The poll was commissioned by the May Day Strong coalition, a network of local and national unions and community organizations, and was conducted by polling firm Blue Rose Research. McKenzie Wilson, director of external affairs and message strategy at the firm, explained that researchers surveyed 1,940 Minnesotans who voted in 2024.” (02/02/25)
https://inthesetimes.com/article/labor-general-strike-minnesotans-ice-protest-trump-cbp
Source: The Volokh Conspiracy
by Ilya Somin
“Although a federal judge declined to issue a preliminary injunction requested by Minnesota and the Twin Cities, the plaintiffs should still prevail on their claims that the federal government’s actions there are unconstitutional.” (02/02/26)
Source: Orange County Register
by Fabian Naranjo Gonzalez
“The brutal killing of Alex Pretti is just the latest reminder of the reality that has been setting in across the nation: we are living through dark times in America, a regression after centuries and decades of progress; and if we continue down this path, the light from Lady Liberty’s torch will almost certainly be extinguished. How did we get here? Since our nation’s founding, every subsequent generation of Americans has fought to make our country, and the world, a better, more inclusive place. And for a long time, we got it right. … Unfortunately, the care-free, inclusive attitude that was born during the 1960’s counter-culture revolution and extended well into the 90’s feel good era of ‘anything goes’ has been co-opted and repurposed by modern day demagogues by creating space for hatred and ideas that past generations gave their very lives to defeat.” (02/02/26)