Jim McLaughlin

@jimmcl
53 Followers
97 Following
95 Posts
Homeland Security Demands Social Media Sites Reveal Names Behind Anti-ICE Posts

The department has sent Google, Meta and other companies hundreds of subpoenas for information on accounts that track or comment on Immigration and Customs Enforcement, officials and tech workers said.

The New York Times

I’m super excited to collaborate with my good friend, Dr. Rokonuzzaman, on a new publication aimed at helping individuals, businesses, and organizations prosper through the application of techniques for generating waves of growth in technology and capability.

This effort follows years of work and research that we want to share for your benefit and the benefit of organization.

We look forward to serving your goals through Waves of Prosperity!

wavesofprosperity.substack.com

Not only is Trump imposing tariffs, but his policies are weakening the US dollar, so imports cost even more.

He doesn't seem to care.

From NPR:

Trump thinks a weaker dollar is great. Is he right? https://www.npr.org/2026/01/30/nx-s1-5693025/trump-dollar-economy-markets

This administration has no reputation for being trustworthy. We need to keep a close eye on any efforts that might be a pathway to manipulating elections.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/26/us/politics/minnesota-trump-voter-rolls.html?unlocked_article_code=1.HlA.nJHt.hUk9_lOeOKKZ&smid=nytcore-android-share

Why Is the Trump Administration Demanding Minnesota’s Voter Rolls?

The Justice Department has urged Minnesota to hand over voters’ private data. It is part of a national push that has raised concerns about the Trump administration’s motives.

The New York Times

Which Political Party Should You Belong To?

Do you like these things in our American society? Social Security — Provides retirement and disability benefits through a centralized, social insurance system funded by taxes. Medicare — Federal government-provided health insurance for the elderly. Medicaid — State government-provided health insurance for low-income residents Public Schools — Primary and secondary education funded by government at local, state, and federal…

http://jimmclaughlin.info/2026/01/24/which-political-party-should-you-belong-to/

Which Political Party Should You Belong To?

Do you like these things in our American society? Social Security — Provides retirement and disability benefits through a centralized, social insurance system funded by taxes. Medicare — Federal go…

Jim McLaughlin's Blog

I know the Venezuela issue is hot, but in many ways it's a smokescreen, so please start your week with this podcast:

Defending Democracy with Marc Elias:

WARNING: Trump’s 2026 Plan to Weaponize Your Voter Data

Episode webpage: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/democracydocket/episodes/WARNING-Trumps-2026-Plan-to-Weaponize-Your-Voter-Data-e3d526q

Media file: https://anchor.fm/s/d61b2cf0/podcast/play/113460890/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-0-4%2F415439639-44100-2-dbf35d36d949b.mp3

WARNING: Trump’s 2026 Plan to Weaponize Your Voter Data by Defending Democracy with Marc Elias

Voting rights attorney Marc Elias warns that the Trump Department of Justice is aggressively seeking access to Americans’ most sensitive voter data—including Social Security numbers, party affiliation, voting history, and signatures—by suing more than 20 states. Elias explains why this unprecedented data grab is central to a broader strategy of voter suppression, election subversion, and litigation designed to undermine free and fair elections in 2026 and beyond. Drawing on decades of experience and current court battles, he breaks down how voter files work, how they can be weaponized, and why DOJ control of this data could fundamentally reshape elections, from voter challenges to targeted suppression laws and post-election challenges. Support independent journalism: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtube Stay informed with the latest news and political analysis: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/youtube Follow Democracy Docket: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/democracydocket.com Instagram⁠: https://instagram.com/democracydocket Facebook⁠: https://facebook.com/democracydocket X/Twitter⁠: https://twitter.com/DemocracyDocket TikTok⁠: https://tiktok.com/@democracydocket Threads: https://www.threads.net/@democracydocket

Spotify for Creators

It should not need to be said, and I know that your congressional representatives will be hearing from many, but please make your voice heard, as well, in opposition to the illegal actions in Venezuela.

It’s hard to build more significant, direct action campaigns quickly, but they need to know their constituents are engaged.

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/email-your-representative-no-war-with-venezuela?source=direct_link&

CAPTCHA check

7 Takeaways From the Inauguration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Mr. Mamdani reaffirmed that he would govern New York City as a democratic socialist and assured even those who had not voted for him: “I am your mayor.”

The New York Times

I just love pointing out the corrupt incompetence of this administration, especially when it involves Elon Musk.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/us/politics/doge-musk-trump-analysis.html?unlocked_article_code=1.-08.rZ0G.0vyhS-4SjH6x&smid=nytcore-android-share

How Did DOGE Disrupt So Much While Saving So Little?

The group’s biggest claims were largely incorrect, a New York Times analysis found. And its many smaller cuts added up to few savings.

The New York Times

Running a little late on your (loan-sharked) student loan? Prepare to be garnished.

Remember: The cruelty is the point. And still, the Republicans are silent.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/business/student-loan-debtors-default-wages-garnish.html?smid=nytcore-android-share

Student Loan Borrowers in Default Could See Wages Garnished in Early 2026

Starting the week of Jan. 7, the Education Department will begin sending notices about paycheck deductions to about 1,000 of five million borrowers in default.

The New York Times