Great LakesQ
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qglpolicywonk.bsky.social
Great LakesQ
@qglpolicywonk.bsky.social
1.3K followers 1.9K following 3.2K posts
🌈Passionate advocate. Loves working with smarty pants folks to create innovative solutions to seemingly intractable challenges.
Great Lakes, LGBTQ, health (HIV/cancer) enviro bi-national with 🇨🇦 policy wonk. Loves elevating 🎶 & women’s sports ball.
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kitkatnorthof60.bsky.social
Can you imagine a vaccine that prevents and protects our sons and daughters from cancer?!!?Can you imagine denying our children this protection?!?Vaccination works & science is marvellous 😊
November 26, 2025 at 10:56 PM
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kimlanelaw.bsky.social
Social science takes time. Here, social scientists analyze a decade of evidence to show that a Supreme Court decision designed to suppress the black vote actually did. SCOTUS may soon obliterate the rest of the Voting Rights Act and we should not be shy about calling out what's going on here.
kevintmorris.bsky.social Kevin Morris @kevintmorris.bsky.social · 3d
As we all wait for Callais to come down, our piece showing that Shelby County increased the racial turnout gap in most of the covered parts of the country has cleared the replication check and is incoming at JOP.

Gutting the VRA was bad, actually.
November 26, 2025 at 3:58 PM
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mjsdc.bsky.social
Question about the dissent by (the far-right) Justice Ziegler: Does this quote actually appear in Moore v. Harper? Did Moore say that state courts' role in congressional redistricting is "exceedingly limited"? I don't think it did! vhdshf2oms2wcnsvk7sdv3so.blob.core.windows.net/thearp-media...
Worse yet, the plaintiffs’ theory disobeys the United States Constitution’s Elections Clause which vests redistricting responsibility exclusively in “the Legislature thereof.” U.S. CONST. ART. I, § 4. As the United States Supreme Court recently reaffirmed, the role of state courts in congressional redistricting is “exceedingly limited.” Moore v. Harper, 600 U.S. 1, 34 (2023). This lawsuit invites the very judicial meddling that the Constitution prohibits. We see other states invoking fairly interesting procedures to address congressional maps.
November 25, 2025 at 9:11 PM
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chrisgeidner.bsky.social
DOJ on the March 15 Alien Enemies Act flights: “After receiving … legal advice, Secretary Noem directed that the detainees who had been removed from the United States before the Court’s order could be transferred to the custody of El Salvador.”

At Law Dork, I cover what happened Tuesday:
DOJ lawyers state that DHS Sec. Kristi Noem made decision not to return March 15 flights
Also Tuesday, ACLU lawyers name Emil Bove, now a federal judge, as a possible witness in Boasberg's contempt inquiry over the flights. And, for paid subscribers: Closing my tabs.
www.lawdork.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:30 PM
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mnorthstar82.bsky.social
If I pointed a loaded assault rifle at someone in the street with the obvious intent of intimidating them, I would be arrested and charged with assault (or worse).
Still from the video below showing an ICE agent pointing a loaded assault rifle at unarmed Saint Paul residents, something you or I would be arrested and charged for.
November 26, 2025 at 4:35 AM
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maddow.bsky.social
"Court video showed ICE agents, who allegedly had a 12-pack of Modelo in their car...

"“This is great,” an officer said as they started following Martinez. “This is fun,” another replied.

www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/c...
ICE video shows officers planned to ‘smash’ into Charlotte man filming Border Patrol
Immigration agents had a 12-pack of Modelos in their car while making arrests, Miguel Angel Garcia Martinez told investigators.
www.charlotteobserver.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:13 PM
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sifill.bsky.social
I hope folks realize that between Trump, Kushner, Hegseth, Witkoff, Noem, RFK, Jr., Kash Patel, and Tulsi Gabbard, this country is almost entirely undefended.
atrupar.com Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 1d
Q: Have you heard this audio that Bloomberg has of Witkoff coaching the Russians on how to appeal to you?

TRUMP: That's a standard thing. He's gotta sell this to Ukraine, he's gonna sell Ukraine to Russia. That's what a dealmaker does. I haven't heard it but I heard it was standard negotiation.
November 26, 2025 at 1:28 AM
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newrepublic.com
CBP Chief Gregory Bovino was "evasive" during his deposition about the excessive use of force against protesters in Chicago. trib.al/kBmlTwQ

A look at the transcript, newly released on Monday, revealed just how badly.
November 26, 2025 at 2:12 AM
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jonseidel.bsky.social
Good morning. The full transcript of U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino's deposition has been released.

Three volumes, 400+ pages.

Volume 1: cst.brightspotcdn.com/30/6c/1349ab...

Volume 2: cst.brightspotcdn.com/b7/fb/4afdf1...

Volume 3: cst.brightspotcdn.com/a3/e0/a520af...
November 25, 2025 at 2:15 PM
qglpolicywonk.bsky.social
Friends ICE & DHS are not gone. We must keep working to support our communities
November 25, 2025 at 11:14 PM
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chrisgeidner.bsky.social
BREAKING: In Judge Boasberg's contempt inquiry, Plaintiffs include Emil Bove, now a Third Circuit judge, on their list of potential witnesses. Others include Erez Reuveni and Drew Ensign—both of whom Boasberg mentioned as likely witnesses—and Yaakov Roth, a senior official in DOJ's Civil Division.
Second, once these declarations are filed and depending on what information they disclose, the Court should then determine the appropriate sequence of witness testimony, and the manner in which that testimony should be provided. At this initial stage, Plaintiffs list as potential witnesses only those identified in the whistleblower disclosure of Erez Reuveni, former Acting Deputy 1 Case 1:25-cv-00766-JEB Document 193 Filed 11/25/25 Page 2 of 4 Director of the Department of Justice ("DOJ") Office of Immigration Litigation ("OIL"), see ECF 158-1 ("Reuveni Disclosure"): 1. Former Acting Deputy Director of OIL Erez Reuveni 2. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign 3. Former Acting Director of OIL August Flentje 4. Counselor to the Deputy Attorney General James McHenry 5. Associate Deputy Attorney General Paul Perkins 6. Senior Counselor to the Secretary of Homeland Security James Percival 7. Acting General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security Joseph Mazzara 8. Former Acting Assistant Attorney General (now Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General) Yaakov Roth 9. Former Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove
November 25, 2025 at 8:03 PM
qglpolicywonk.bsky.social
Wow!! 👇
chrisgeidner.bsky.social Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · 1d
NEW: ACLU lawyers name Emil Bove, now a federal judge, as possible witness in contempt inquiry.

The former DOJ official — who was Trump's criminal defense lawyer before that — is one of nine names submitted to Judge Boasberg.

This evening, at Law Dork:
ACLU lawyers name Emil Bove, now a federal judge, as possible witness in contempt inquiry
The former DOJ official — who was Trump's criminal defense lawyer before that — is one of nine names submitted to Judge Boasberg. And, for paid subscribers: Closing my tabs.
www.lawdork.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:12 PM
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chrisgeidner.bsky.social
NEW: DOJ files a notice it is appealing last week's ruling against National Guard deployment in D.C. The appeal goes to the D.C. Circuit.

Coverage at Law Dork on last week's ruling: www.lawdork.com/p/federal-ju...
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Plaintiff, Case No. 1:25-cv-03005 (JMC) DONALD J. TRUMP, et al., Defendants. NOTICE OF APPEAL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Defendants hereby appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from this Court's November 20, 2025 Memorandum Opinion (ECF No. 88) and Order (ECF No. 89) granting Plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction and a section 705 stay. Dated: November 25, 2025 BRETT A. SHUMATE Assistant Attorney General ERIC J. HAMILTON Deputy Assistant Attorney General JOHN BAILEY Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General BRAD P. ROSENBERG Special Counsel /s/ Kian K. Azimpoor KIAN KEVIN AZIMPOOR (D.C. Bar No. 90024613) Trial Attorney U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division, Federal Programs Branch
November 25, 2025 at 11:00 PM
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clancyny.bsky.social
Excellent @startribune.com story! Police/agents also used less lethal munitions hitting the public and journalists.

Activist Geoffrey Paquette "said one officer activated a smoke canister that hit him in the face." Another shot OC into his eyes.

📸: Leila Navidi
www.startribune.com/protesters-c...
The Minnesota Star Tribune Protesters clash in St. Paul with agents, police during apparent federal raid on a home Witnesses reported a handful of arrests, protesters targeted with chemical irritants and rubber bullets. By Sofia Barnett and Paul Walsh The Minnesota Star Tribune November 25, 2025 at 3:22PM photo shows people on a wide street with 4 lanes of cars, some riot-clad agents, and fog caption: Law enforcement agents stand near their vehicles during an apparent raid at a home in St. Paul on Tuesday. (Leila Navidi/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
November 25, 2025 at 9:35 PM
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meganpiont.bsky.social
If you live in #StPaul, or you know anyone who does, print out zines or send a link to Twin Cities "How to Report ICE":

drive.google.com/file/d/1hnxV...
November 25, 2025 at 9:27 PM
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duckworth.senate.gov
I couldn’t be prouder of how Chicago came together to support our neighbors.

Greg Bovino may be gone, but the lessons of community support will live on as a model to push back against Trump’s extreme enforcement raids.
Grassroots resistance swells in the wake of the immigration crackdown in Chicago
Chicago is no longer the main focus of the federal immigration crackdown. For one neighborhood group, the intense enforcement activity was a test of resistance tactics they developed eight years ago.
www.npr.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:53 PM
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cynthiapelayo.bsky.social
This is your reminder that if you live in #Chicago we have a free bookstore. YES, free bookstore. You can get free books here.

I donate all of my books here. So, they generally have a solid horror section because I keep them well-stocked.

www.books4cause.com/free-booksto...
Books4Free - Free Book Exchange in Skokie - Books4Cause - Chicago
All of the books in our Free Bookstore are free for you to take and read. These books have been donated and we are passing them on for the love of reading.
www.books4cause.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:26 PM
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gretchenbrown.bsky.social
NEW: An MPR News journalist was among those hit by less-lethal munitions and taken from the scene by ambulance. www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
Another federal agent operation in St. Paul draws large crowds of protesters
Gov. Tim Walz said state officials were monitoring a “chaotic” situation “and working to understand what unfolded. We received no heads up from federal authorities on this operation.”
www.mprnews.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:11 PM
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clancyny.bsky.social
Infuriating to see reporters attacked. Here's @mpr.org photojournalist Kerem Yücel on a gurney in an ambulance. Caption: came "in contact with tear gas" and was hit with a projectile.

Translation: cops/agents sprayed @keremyucel.bsky.social with OC and shot him with a less lethal. 📸:Leila Navidi
Image from the side mirror of an ambulance frames Kerem Yücel as he lies back on a gurney in an ambulance. His shirt is unbuttoned making his bare chest visible. He is attended to by at least 3 paramedics wearing blue gloves.l caption: MPR photojournalist Kerem Yücel, center, is attended by paramedics in an ambulance after coming in contact with tear gas and being hit with a projectile during an apparent raid at a home in St. Paul on Tuesday. (Leila Navidi/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
November 25, 2025 at 9:48 PM
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royalpratt.bsky.social
In other NEWS: Masked agents took at least 15 street vendors from Chicago during Operation Midway Blitz. “Worst of the worst,” they aren’t. Story by @lauranrodriguez.bsky.social & @zareensyed.bsky.social about neighbors rallying to support culture under attack www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/c...
As ICE detains longtime Chicago street vendors with no criminal history, neighbors rally with emergency funds
As longtime vendors quietly disappear from the corners they’ve held for years, community organizations and neighbors are scrambling to support those taken, their families and those still working on…
www.chicagotribune.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:54 PM
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wttw.bsky.social
Elianne Bahena, a member of the 10th Police District Council, who was one of two city employees detained after an ICE raid in Little Village, said a lot of her work has been focused on making sure residents in Little Village and North Lawndale know their rights amid ICE raids.
November 25, 2025 at 4:52 PM
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washingtonpost.com
Exclusive: FEMA and Illinois officials pulled dozens of personnel back from surveying flood-damaged neighborhoods in Chicago because immigration agents were conducting patrols nearby, messages show.
With ICE in the area, FEMA workers were pulled from storm damage work
The decision to halt disaster assessment work came amid the immigration crackdown in Chicago. Officials worried FEMA’s efforts could put residents and surveyors at risk.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:45 PM
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heathercherone.bsky.social
"A @nytimes.com analysis of hours of police radio and hundreds of videos posted to social media refutes the federal government’s claims that the Chicago Police Department didn’t respond quickly to the scene, leaving federal agents to fend for themselves during what they called a riot."
Times Analysis Finds Errors in Trump’s Supreme Court Filing That Calls for National Guard in Chicago
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:49 PM
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mjsdc.bsky.social
This is the same playbook the Trump administration ran in Portland, where DHS officials falsely accused local police of failing to help them (or not arriving quickly enough). Strikes me as a problem that the government lies so freely to the Supreme Court now. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/u...
The Trump administration made erroneous claims to the Supreme Court, mischaracterizing the responsiveness of local police and the actions of protesters in a filing asking the justices to sign off on the deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops to Chicago, a New York Times investigation found. The emergency request, filed by the solicitor general, D. John Sauer, which draws heavily from court declarations made by two Homeland Security officials, misstates what happened in the aftermath of a car crash and shooting on Oct. 4 in Chicago that involved Border Patrol agents. A Times analysis of hours of police radio and hundreds of videos posted to social media refutes the federal government’s claims that the Chicago Police Department didn’t respond quickly to the scene, leaving federal agents to fend for themselves during what they called a riot.
November 25, 2025 at 8:12 PM
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mjsdc.bsky.social
When liberals secured a majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2023, they changed internal procedures—over the objection of the conservative chief justice, who claimed they were taking away her power. Today the justices released MESSY details about the affair...
www.wicourts.gov/sc/rulhear/D...
BRIAN HAGEDORN, J. (concurring). The Wisconsin Supreme Court is composed of seven justices who are supposed to be members of the same team. Unlike trial courts, when we act, we do so collectively. To accomplish this, over the last 175 years, this court has established various practices and traditions, both formal and informal. These practices ensure all voices are heard, create clear lines of decision-making authority, and establish consistent and neutral processes to govern our case-deciding and administrative work. Some of these are reflected in formally adopted Supreme Court Rules, and some in our Internal Operating Procedures. But the true currency of a court like ours is trust. When trust is broken like it has been here, every aspect of our work suffers. ¶2 This all began in the summer of 2023 when four justices wished to make significant changes to how this court functions. Fair enough. These modifications could have been pursued through a process built on collegiality and mutual respect. Instead, my colleagues pursued a more destructive path. ¶3 The morning our then-newest justice was sworn into office——August 1, 2023——my four colleagues at that time set off to reshape our court and the operation of the court system. They had apparently engaged in significant discussions in the months prior and decided to force through these changes during our summer recess, and to do so via email with or without the input of their other colleagues. They issued a press release triumphantly announcing that these changes were all about transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. This was true in the same way Pearl Harbor was a strike for peace in the Pacific. I will not rehash every detail (Justice Ziegler's excellent writing recounts much of the history), but the reader deserves a taste. ¶4 The first shot sounded when my four colleagues fired the Director of State Courts, who functions as the CEO of administrative matters for the entire judicial branch. Without following any established process, one of my colleagues sent an email proposing that we fire our Director and install a new, preselected interim Director in his place. This happened through email, over the course of two business days, while the Director was out of town on state business, during our summer recess. He never received a performance review indicating concerns; he was simply told his employment was over. This came just months after some of these same colleagues emphasized the importance of having all justices participate in hiring key staff. ¶5 Later that same week, my colleagues proposed dramatic changes via email affecting both our case-deciding and administrative responsibilities. The email invited justices to attend a new, unscheduled meeting of the court later that week to discuss the proposals. One justice said she could not be there; another objected to the meeting as outside our court calendar. The meeting would go forward no matter what, we were told. I implored my colleagues to reconsider, to treat their fellow colleagues with the respect they would want if circumstances were reversed. They refused. The meeting went on as expected, and with only four members present, they voted to fundamentally remake our court. ¶7 Among their changes, my colleagues radically altered the role of the chief justice. They created a new, three-person administrative committee (on which the chief justice would ostensibly sit) to take over nearly all of the chief justice's most important administrative duties. And they did so in the face of serious objections that these changes violated the Wisconsin Constitution, which says the chief justice "shall be the administrative head of the judicial system." Wis. Const. art. VII, § 4. One justice who in the past championed the constitutional role of the chief justice suddenly changed course. Again, these actions stripping the chief justice of powers she had exercised for as long as anyone could remember were proposed via email, and were voted on a few days later during an unscheduled meeting of just four justices during our summer recess. Not exactly transparent, accountable, and inclusive. ¶8 Another significant series of amendments to our internal rules involved modifying the way we consider certain kinds of cases, essentially making it much easier for this court to expedite cases coming to us outside the normal appeals process. Why the change? As everyone understood, my colleagues had the not-sosecret goal of swiftly hearing particular politically charged cases. This was all by design. ¶9 And how did this experiment go? Not well. Administratively, it was not clear who was in charge. We experienced significant breakdowns in communication amidst a lack of clarity about who was doing what. Our staff was often caught in the middle of a court that did not have established lines of communication and authority. And when the Director of State Courts was unceremoniously fired for what many perceived as political reasons, it sent a shockwave through the system. Furthermore, my colleagues' changes were not one and done. Throughout the past two years, they continued to modify the court's procedures in a similar ad-hoc fashion, often after realizing problems with their earlier ill-considered changes. This only added to the confusion. ¶10 Finally, at one of the court's internal conferences this past June, my colleagues shifted course. One of the four announced she was "withdrawing" her prior votes from the past two years (which, by the way, is not a thing) with the idea that every disputed change was now, all of a sudden, reversed. What changed? Again, it was no mystery. My colleagues wanted to take power away from then-Chief Justice Annette Ziegler. Such a move ensured that my colleagues would run the court through the administrative committee. Following the April 2025 election, they concluded they would have the votes to elect a chief justice of their choosing and have a block of votes to support her, so they no longer needed to seize those powers. This is not a cynical take. It is exactly what happened. ¶11 What's past is past, however. I have no desire to hold this against my colleagues, and I am grateful they have changed course. In fact, I was happy to work collaboratively on many operational changes reflected in this order, most of which I
November 25, 2025 at 8:32 PM