Paul Monies
@pmonies.bsky.social
“Bluesky ain’t real life.” 🤷♂️ Native Scotsman. Honorary Texan and Okie. Reporting without fear or favor. #FOI Send me news tips: [email protected].
https://oklahomawatch.org/author/paulmonies/
https://oklahomawatch.org/author/paulmonies/
Pinned
Paul Monies
@pmonies.bsky.social
· Feb 7
I’ve been waiting here since September. Just sayin’…. 😉
(Photo by Doug Hoke)
(Photo by Doug Hoke)
Reposted by Paul Monies
Crypto Leaders Call For Infusion Of 20 Million Dopes To Stabilize Market
Crypto Leaders Call For Infusion Of 20 Million Dopes To Stabilize Market
BOSTON—Stressing that the move would help keep digital currencies liquid through the coming year, crypto leaders called for an infusion of 20 million dopes Thursday to stabilize the market. “We’re cal...
theonion.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Crypto Leaders Call For Infusion Of 20 Million Dopes To Stabilize Market
Reposted by Paul Monies
An Oklahoma Watch investigation reveals a long-running, deceptively modest civil action alleging an insidious scheme worth billions of dollars, perpetrated by Oklahoma’s largest writer of homeowners insurance.
ow.ly/Q5zQ50XzNVf
ow.ly/Q5zQ50XzNVf
December 1, 2025 at 4:38 PM
An Oklahoma Watch investigation reveals a long-running, deceptively modest civil action alleging an insidious scheme worth billions of dollars, perpetrated by Oklahoma’s largest writer of homeowners insurance.
ow.ly/Q5zQ50XzNVf
ow.ly/Q5zQ50XzNVf
December 1, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Reposted by Paul Monies
$1.6bln: The amount of his fraud scheme
7: Years of his sentence
10,000: Victims of his fraud
1,000: Letters from victims to the court
13: Days he served
1: Pardon from Trump
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/u...
7: Years of his sentence
10,000: Victims of his fraud
1,000: Letters from victims to the court
13: Days he served
1: Pardon from Trump
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/u...
Trump Frees Fraudster Just Days Into Seven-Year Prison Sentence
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 1:54 PM
$1.6bln: The amount of his fraud scheme
7: Years of his sentence
10,000: Victims of his fraud
1,000: Letters from victims to the court
13: Days he served
1: Pardon from Trump
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/u...
7: Years of his sentence
10,000: Victims of his fraud
1,000: Letters from victims to the court
13: Days he served
1: Pardon from Trump
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/u...
“For many in the Trump White House, that blurring of business and geopolitics is a feature, not a bug. Key presidential advisers see an opportunity for American investors to snap up lucrative deals in a new postwar Russia and become the commercial guarantors of peace.”
"By dangling multibillion-dollar rare-earth and energy deals, Moscow could reshape the economic map of Europe—while driving a wedge between America and its traditional allies"
Read this excellent @wsj.com account of the business deals behind the "peace"negotiations
www.wsj.com/world/russia...
Read this excellent @wsj.com account of the business deals behind the "peace"negotiations
www.wsj.com/world/russia...
Make Money Not War: Trump’s Real Plan for Peace in Ukraine
The Kremlin pitched the White House on peace through business. To Europe’s dismay, the president and his envoy are on board.
www.wsj.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:28 PM
“For many in the Trump White House, that blurring of business and geopolitics is a feature, not a bug. Key presidential advisers see an opportunity for American investors to snap up lucrative deals in a new postwar Russia and become the commercial guarantors of peace.”
Reposted by Paul Monies
The legal, media, and academic institutions capitulating to an authoritarian ordering payments for favorable treatment are damning themselves to irrelevance. They are destroying their institutions. They will be — and should be — shunned for failing in their most basic purposes for existing.
BREAKING: Northwestern University has agreed to pay the U.S. Treasury $75 million, over the course of three years as part of an agreement with the federal government to restore funding and end investigations into the university
Full statement from NU below:
Full statement from NU below:
November 29, 2025 at 1:37 AM
The legal, media, and academic institutions capitulating to an authoritarian ordering payments for favorable treatment are damning themselves to irrelevance. They are destroying their institutions. They will be — and should be — shunned for failing in their most basic purposes for existing.
Reposted by Paul Monies
WHOA. Trump says he will pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez, who once said that he wanted to “shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos.” He had people killed as part of his narco-trafficking ring, which he at times operated directly out of his presidential office.
November 29, 2025 at 12:05 AM
WHOA. Trump says he will pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez, who once said that he wanted to “shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos.” He had people killed as part of his narco-trafficking ring, which he at times operated directly out of his presidential office.
Reposted by Paul Monies
Sink drug boats and kill the survivors (no evidence offered), pardon drug kingpins convicted in court of law (lots of evidence offered) — www.nytimes.com/2025/11/28/w...
Trump Announces Pardon for Honduran Ex-President Convicted in Drug Case
www.nytimes.com
November 29, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Sink drug boats and kill the survivors (no evidence offered), pardon drug kingpins convicted in court of law (lots of evidence offered) — www.nytimes.com/2025/11/28/w...
Not sure I've seen a line like this before in the Fed's Beige Book. From the latest Kansas City region summary:
"One firm remarked that now was the best time to get a tattoo, as even top artists have more open appointments than usual."
www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypoli...
"One firm remarked that now was the best time to get a tattoo, as even top artists have more open appointments than usual."
www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypoli...
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
The Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington DC.
www.federalreserve.gov
November 26, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Not sure I've seen a line like this before in the Fed's Beige Book. From the latest Kansas City region summary:
"One firm remarked that now was the best time to get a tattoo, as even top artists have more open appointments than usual."
www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypoli...
"One firm remarked that now was the best time to get a tattoo, as even top artists have more open appointments than usual."
www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypoli...
🧵
Oklahoma’s $2 billion tobacco settlement trust just escalated its anti-ESG push — putting five asset managers on notice for not aligning with “Oklahoma values” in shareholder votes.
1/
Oklahoma’s $2 billion tobacco settlement trust just escalated its anti-ESG push — putting five asset managers on notice for not aligning with “Oklahoma values” in shareholder votes.
1/
November 26, 2025 at 3:05 PM
🧵
Oklahoma’s $2 billion tobacco settlement trust just escalated its anti-ESG push — putting five asset managers on notice for not aligning with “Oklahoma values” in shareholder votes.
1/
Oklahoma’s $2 billion tobacco settlement trust just escalated its anti-ESG push — putting five asset managers on notice for not aligning with “Oklahoma values” in shareholder votes.
1/
Proud device hoarder here. Still rocking my pre-pandemic iPhone 11. 🤷♂️
stupid young people, stop buying a new phone every year if you don't want to be broke. wait no, not like that.
November 26, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Proud device hoarder here. Still rocking my pre-pandemic iPhone 11. 🤷♂️
Reposted by Paul Monies
They made significantly more criminal arrests this year, but the number of people indicted stayed roughly flat. They opened many fewer “significant cases”—like into global crime syndicates like drug cartels—than the previous year. Human trafficking arrests up, but agents helped 20% fewer victims.
Amid President Trump’s immigration crackdown, special agents at the Homeland Security Department have made fewer arrests for drug crimes and seized fewer weapons than they did the previous fiscal year, according to internal government documents reviewed by The New York Times.
Drug Arrests and Gun Seizures Fell as Homeland Security Pursued Immigration
Internal documents reveal the impact on crime fighting as the Trump administration diverts special agents to its mass deportation agenda.
nyti.ms
November 25, 2025 at 5:21 PM
They made significantly more criminal arrests this year, but the number of people indicted stayed roughly flat. They opened many fewer “significant cases”—like into global crime syndicates like drug cartels—than the previous year. Human trafficking arrests up, but agents helped 20% fewer victims.
Reposted by Paul Monies
A professor at the University of #Oklahoma, has been released from ICE custody after being detained on Saturday, posting- "It was a deeply distressing experience, especially seeing those without the support I had." okcfox.com/news/local/o...
OU professor with valid visa reportedly released from ICE custody
UPDATE:Dr. Vahid Abedini, a professor at the University of Oklahoma, has been released from ICE custody after being detained on Saturday.Dr.Abedini posted on
okcfox.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:03 PM
A professor at the University of #Oklahoma, has been released from ICE custody after being detained on Saturday, posting- "It was a deeply distressing experience, especially seeing those without the support I had." okcfox.com/news/local/o...
Reposted by Paul Monies
Jair Bolsonaro ordered to start 27-year prison term for plotting Brazil coup
Jair Bolsonaro ordered to start 27-year prison term for plotting Brazil coup
Ex-president to start serving term in 12 sq metre bedroom in police base in Brasília after time for appeals elapses
Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, has been ordered to start serving his 27-year sentence in a 12 sq metre bedroom in a police base in the capital, Brasília, after his conviction for plotting a coup.
The far-right populist, who governed Latin America’s largest democracy from 2019 until 2022, was handed the punishment in September after the supreme court found him guilty of leading a criminal conspiracy to stop his leftwing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, taking power. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Jair Bolsonaro ordered to start 27-year prison term for plotting Brazil coup
Reposted by Paul Monies
Breaking: The six Democrats now confirmed they've been contacted by the FBI.
The lawmakers accuse Trump of using the FBI "as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress."
The lawmakers accuse Trump of using the FBI "as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress."
MS NOW confirms: The FBI is working with Capitol Police to schedule interviews with the six Democratic lawmakers who urged service members to refuse to comply with illegal orders.
November 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Breaking: The six Democrats now confirmed they've been contacted by the FBI.
The lawmakers accuse Trump of using the FBI "as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress."
The lawmakers accuse Trump of using the FBI "as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress."
Reposted by Paul Monies
Missouri AG, seeing petition signature gatherers having success in challenging the latest Gop gerrymandering of the state, baselessly tells ICE the petition workers are illegal immigrants, so they'll go jump them and interrupt their work.
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Missouri attorney general involves ICE in push to halt anti-gerrymandering group
The attorney general did not provide any evidence to support her claims, which the campaign called false.
www.kansascity.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Missouri AG, seeing petition signature gatherers having success in challenging the latest Gop gerrymandering of the state, baselessly tells ICE the petition workers are illegal immigrants, so they'll go jump them and interrupt their work.
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Paul Monies
"Here’s how this is gonna go: First, you will step up to the rental counter only when I give you The Look. The Look is not markedly different from my resting face. In fact, it’s no different at all. But it’s your job to recognize The Look, so pay attention."
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/im-...
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/im-...
I’m in Charge at This Hertz Location, and Buddy, You’re Not Getting a Car Today
Here’s how this is gonna go: First, you will step up to the rental counter only when I give you The Look. The Look is not markedly different from m...
www.mcsweeneys.net
November 25, 2025 at 4:23 PM
"Here’s how this is gonna go: First, you will step up to the rental counter only when I give you The Look. The Look is not markedly different from my resting face. In fact, it’s no different at all. But it’s your job to recognize The Look, so pay attention."
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/im-...
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/im-...
Reposted by Paul Monies
Facing a #GrandJury petition to remove him from office, Coal County Sheriff Jason "Cadillac" Smith claims allegations of sexual harassment and habitual drunkenness are "false" and politically motivated by his predecessor's employees. | #SEOK
nondoc.com/2025/11/24/a...
nondoc.com/2025/11/24/a...
Accused of sexual misconduct, Coal County Sheriff Jason Smith faces removal from office
Coal County Sheriff Jason Smith says a Nov. 21, 2025, removal petition filed against him accusing him of habitual drunkenness is "political."
nondoc.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Facing a #GrandJury petition to remove him from office, Coal County Sheriff Jason "Cadillac" Smith claims allegations of sexual harassment and habitual drunkenness are "false" and politically motivated by his predecessor's employees. | #SEOK
nondoc.com/2025/11/24/a...
nondoc.com/2025/11/24/a...
Oklahoma’s $2 billion tobacco trust is turning up the heat on five asset managers over proxy votes. The TSET investment board wants them to follow “Oklahoma values,” even as questions grow about what those values mean. oklahomawatch.org/2025/11/25/t... #ESG #okgov #okleg
TSET Investors Board Puts Asset Managers On Notice In Anti-ESG Push - Oklahoma Watch
The TSET investment board, led by Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ, pressed five asset managers to adopt proxy voting advice aligned with “Oklahoma values.” The move deepens Russ’ broader anti-ESG push am...
oklahomawatch.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Oklahoma’s $2 billion tobacco trust is turning up the heat on five asset managers over proxy votes. The TSET investment board wants them to follow “Oklahoma values,” even as questions grow about what those values mean. oklahomawatch.org/2025/11/25/t... #ESG #okgov #okleg
Reposted by Paul Monies
Calling them the “Seditious Six” & branding their statements “despicable” before review is textbook definition of prejudgment. No panel, judge, or reviewing authority can claim neutrality once the SECDEF declares the accused guilty. This looks like the procedures used in dictatorships, not the US.
November 24, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Calling them the “Seditious Six” & branding their statements “despicable” before review is textbook definition of prejudgment. No panel, judge, or reviewing authority can claim neutrality once the SECDEF declares the accused guilty. This looks like the procedures used in dictatorships, not the US.
Reposted by Paul Monies
Should domestic violence victims be told their answers to a police questionnaire aren’t confidential and are subject to discovery?
ow.ly/bL7650Xwyms
ow.ly/bL7650Xwyms
November 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Should domestic violence victims be told their answers to a police questionnaire aren’t confidential and are subject to discovery?
ow.ly/bL7650Xwyms
ow.ly/bL7650Xwyms
Reposted by Paul Monies
Hegseth is now threatening to recall Sen. Mark Kelly to active duty in order to court martial him.
November 24, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Hegseth is now threatening to recall Sen. Mark Kelly to active duty in order to court martial him.
Reposted by Paul Monies
BREAKING: Comey case dismissed without prejudice. Halligan invalidly appointed, judge rules. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
November 24, 2025 at 5:36 PM
BREAKING: Comey case dismissed without prejudice. Halligan invalidly appointed, judge rules. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Paul Monies
Domestic Violence Board Chairman Resigns in Protest oklahomawatch.org/2025/11/24/d...
Domestic Violence Board Chairman Resigns in Protest - Oklahoma Watch
A decision by the state’s domestic violence board exposed a rift over how a mandatory protective tool is to be used and led chairman and domestic violence advocate Brandon Pasley to resign.
oklahomawatch.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Domestic Violence Board Chairman Resigns in Protest oklahomawatch.org/2025/11/24/d...
Reposted by Paul Monies
The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency has ceased to be.
www.reuters.com/world/us/dog...
www.reuters.com/world/us/dog...
November 23, 2025 at 1:14 PM
The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency has ceased to be.
www.reuters.com/world/us/dog...
www.reuters.com/world/us/dog...