DAGR Weekly Reader W3-JUN
“I feel sorry for him. He craves Lindsay Lohan and he gets Lindsey Graham.” ~ Joy Behar, re Trump getting booed at Kennedy Center.
Are the voting machines the reason she had zero votes?
Keena Blum, an American who’s been living in Spain and observing lifestyles, is now looking at electoral and other civic issues. Valid questions about the 2024 vote are raised here, in noting progress in the Rockland County, NY, voting challenge. The case moves into discovery and is scheduled to begin hearings in September. 10 min video.
Keena Blum, things your mom should’ve told you, Jun 16, 2025
With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall program
Texas officials wanted the feds to pick up construction. During Trump’s first term, his admin built about one-third of what the state was able to put up in the same amount of time. And Gov. Abbott made much noise, blaming Biden for all ills and unfinished business.
Zach Despart and Alejandro Serrano, The Texas Tribune, Jun 17, 2025
Wealthy Donors See Returns in House Budget Overhaul
The bill’s tax benefits for the ultra-rich present a familiar story of donors’ outsize influence. THIS may be the last week to call/write Senators and Representatives (reconciliation isn’t over yet!). They’re pushing for Trump’s July 4 dream deadline.
Grady Yuthok Short, Brennan Center for Justice, NYU School of Law, Jun 18, 2025
Bad actors mimic masked ICE agents; Community outraged over snatchings
Jen Psaki looks at the problems of federal immigration agents hiding their identities with masks and refusing to identify themselves as they conduct raids and carry people away in unmarked cars. NBC News David Noriega reports live from a protest in Pasadena, CA.
The Briefing with Jen Psaki, MSNBC, video 10 mins, Jun 19, 2025
Undaunted
Senator Alex Padilla is an American hero. This op-ed details why and what should be done to prevent further authoritarian attacks on elected officials like Padilla.
Jennifer Rubin, The Contrarion substack, Jun 20, 2025