Morning, Kitties. DOGE was supposed to make government efficient, but a federal watchdog says billions went toward paying departing workers not to work. A Texas family says the state’s abortion ban contributed to the death of a pregnant woman. Trump’s EPA is dismantling major power plant climate rules, Republicans are pouring millions into Nebraska, and Leon Black skipped a congressional Epstein deposition so thoroughly that House Oversight released footage of his empty fucking chair. Apparently even the furniture has entered the historical record.
Today’s Dumpster Fire
Leon Black’s Empty Chair Gets a Congressional Close Up
House Oversight released footage showing the empty chair waiting for Leon Black after he failed to appear for a subpoenaed deposition in its Epstein investigation. Black has contested the committee’s demands, but Congress recording absolutely nobody sitting there is one hell of a visual.
DOGE Workforce Cuts Cost Billions in Paid Leave
A Government Accountability Office review found the government spent billions on administrative leave connected to workforce reduction efforts, including the deferred resignation program. Government efficiency apparently achieved the economic breakthrough of paying people not to government.
Virginia Ends Youngkin Era Transgender Restrictions
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger ended a rulemaking effort begun under Glenn Youngkin that would have restricted transgender people in sports and certain bathrooms and locker rooms. The administration said state health regulators lacked authority to proceed with the proposed rules.
Photos Show Extensive Damage to American Military Facilities
New photographs show widespread damage to American military facilities following Iranian attacks, adding physical evidence to the continuing debate over the war’s military and financial costs. Concrete remains annoyingly resistant to political spin. For the kunts who gave me shit online last month when I said that our bases were being destroyed and the government was hiding it; I told you so.
Family Says Texas Abortion Ban Contributed to Pregnant Woman’s Death
The family of Tierra Walker has sued Texas officials and medical providers, alleging the state’s abortion restrictions prevented her from receiving emergency care for severe pregnancy complications before her death. Those allegations have not yet been adjudicated.
New Reporting Revisits JD Vance’s Effort to Stop Trump in 2016
Reporting revisits Vance’s transformation from fierce Trump critic to vice president, including his reported efforts during the 2016 campaign to help defeat Trump. Political positions can change, but this particular journey required one hell of a U turn.
Know When You Can Register and Vote Early
The 50501 Movement provides information about registration deadlines and early voting as the midterms approach. Election rules vary by state, so voters should confirm requirements with their official state or local election authority.
America Has a Government Trust Problem
Thom Hartmann examines polling showing deep public concern about government corruption and declining institutional trust. His broader conclusions are commentary, but widespread distrust itself creates serious consequences for democratic institutions.
What Happens if Humans Lose Control of Advanced AI?
The piece examines the risks of increasingly powerful AI systems acting unpredictably, accessing outside resources, or being deliberately misused. Humanity remains enthusiastically building the airplane while arguing about whether brakes are alarmist.
Trump’s EPA Rolls Back Power Plant Climate Rules
The administration is rolling back major carbon pollution requirements for coal and gas power plants, arguing that previous regulations imposed excessive costs and exceeded appropriate federal authority. Environmental and public health groups argue the changes will increase emissions and are challenging the administration’s approach.
Republicans Pour Millions Into Nebraska
Republican aligned groups are spending heavily in Nebraska as independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn again draws national attention. The spending demonstrates how outside organizations are treating the contest as consequential even in a traditionally Republican state.
CDC Can Learn Something From Pennsylvania
Inside Medicine examines Pennsylvania’s approach to disease surveillance and public communication for lessons that could improve federal public health practice. Transparent numbers become especially important when public trust in health institutions is already hanging on by its fucking fingernails.
The ACA Enters the Healthcare Dead Pool
Lincoln Square examines rising Affordable Care Act premiums and political decisions affecting subsidies and coverage. Healthcare policy sounds abstract right up until the abstract arrives in somebody’s mailbox with an amount due.
A Trump Loyalist’s DOJ Departure Raises Bigger Questions
The New Republic examines the departure of a longtime Trump aligned Justice Department figure and what it may reveal about internal tensions, loyalty, and control inside federal law enforcement. Personnel stories matter when changing the personnel changes who controls investigations.
Trump Administration Confronts Another Judge
Dworkin examines another confrontation between the administration and judicial authority over government action challenged in court. Whatever the underlying policy dispute, executive officials remain bound by valid court orders while those orders remain in effect.
House Democrats Probe Don Jr.’s Russian Funded Wedding Events
House Democrats are seeking records concerning Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev’s reported financing of portions of Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding festivities and asking whether the relationship raises foreign influence concerns. The inquiry does not itself establish wrongdoing, but investigators are seeking communications and financial records.
Midterm Ads Clash Over the Impact of Republican Laws
FactCheck.org examines competing campaign advertisements making claims about the economic and healthcare effects of Republican legislation. Campaign advertising remains considerably less magical once somebody opens the fucking footnotes.
Closing RK Thoughts
Today’s stories keep returning to one increasingly expensive commodity: trust.
Trust that a government efficiency program actually saves money. Trust that emergency medical exceptions work when somebody is dying. Trust that environmental decisions follow evidence. Trust that political advertisements tell voters what legislation actually does. Trust that officials obey courts. Trust that powerful people answer subpoenas.
Trust does not come back because somebody orders the public to stop asking questions.
It comes back through records, transparent rules, independent courts, honest data, functioning oversight, and consequences when institutions fail.
So check your voter registration. Read the filings. Follow the money. Save the screenshots. Compare the campaign commercial with the actual legislation.
And apparently keep an eye on the congressional furniture.
Because in 2026, even an empty fucking chair can become a receipt.
Claws out. Elbows up. Receipts ready.
Featured Resisters and Resources
- Freedom Trainers is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches people how to use collective noncooperation and nonviolent civil resistance to defend democracy and counter authoritarianism. Its work focuses on translating historical research about successful resistance movements into practical training materials that communities, organizers, workers, educators, and ordinary citizens can use.
- Dysruption Hub is a digital organizing and civic engagement platform designed to help people find practical ways to participate in political action, community organizing, and resistance efforts. The platform brings together resources intended to make civic participation more accessible for people who want to become involved but may not know where to begin.
What We Are Watching Today
- 8:34 AM EDT
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) & Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) on AI Regulation - 9:47 AM EDT
Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon Speaks to Reporters - 10:00 AM EDT
U.S. Senate Live - 10:24 AM EDT
Secy. Rubio Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Lithuanian Foreign Minister - 10:29 AM EDT
U.S. House of Representatives - 10:36 AM EDT
House Democratic Leaders Sound Alarm Over AI 47 Days Ahead of Midterm Elections - 10:39 AM EDT
Peter Navarro Speaks to White House Reporters - 11:30 AM EDT
U.S. Senate Candidate Michael Whatley (R-NC) Joins Construction Roundtable Live - 1:00 PM EDT
NYC Mayor Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Hold Security Briefing on U.N. General Assembly - 1:00 PM EDT
U.S. House Candidate Will Lawrence (D-MI) Holds Press Conference on AI and Data Centers - 1:30 PM EDT
HHS Secy. Kennedy Remarks at Children’s Health Conference - Senate Committee on Armed Services | 9:30 AM (EDT) | Meeting Details
- Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs | 10:00 AM (EDT) | Meeting Details
- House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs | 10:30 AM Local Time | Meeting Details
Today’s Call to Action
1. Read Today’s Resistance Survival Guides
2. Sign these Petitions and Send These Pre Written Letters
- Tell the Senate: Protect the right to vote by mail!
- Submit public comment to the USDA before the September 21 deadline, demanding that Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins keep the Roadless Rule in place and abide by her obligations to Tribes.
- SIGN THE PETITION: Tell Congress to protect Americans from mass surveillance and rein in Flock’s network before it grows even further.
- We’re calling on Congress to take action ASAP to protect Medicaid and the millions of people who rely on it for access to health and mental health care.
- Please sign the petition urging congressional leaders to pass the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act, which continues federal support for vital ALS research and therapies, before the September 30 deadline.
- Stop the Secret Overhaul of Our National Parks
- Data Center Moratorium in Florida Now!
- Please sign and send a petition to your members of Congress: Oppose the ridiculously named “Take Care of America’s Veterans Act,” because it actually cuts billions of dollars in veterans’ benefits.
- Stop Big Tech from Building Uncontrollable AI
- Add your name: Stop deforestation to protect birds of prey
3. Verify your voter registration status and help at least one other person check theirs
4. Save contact information for local legal aid and voting support organizations
5. Attend an Event
- Join us on Thursday, September 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET for Protecting the Vote: How You Can Help Keep Elections Safe.
- Hands Off Our Vote Election Protection Roundtable
Thursday, September 17 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Virtual training focused on election interference scenarios, protecting voters, responding quickly, and ensuring every valid ballot is counted. - WaveMakers Live: The 2026 Midterm Elections
Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m.
The Commodore, 811 East 7th Avenue, Ybor City, Tampa. WMNF hosts and activists will discuss what the midterms mean for Tampa Bay, Florida, and the country. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. - Vigil for Immigrant Justice
Sunday, September 20 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Pinellas County Courthouse, 14450 49th Street North, Clearwater. This peaceful vigil supports immigrant families and calls for an end to the detention and deportation of nonviolent community members.
6. Contact Your Lawmakers Directly
- Hold Leon Black in contempt “Hello, my name is [NAME], and I live in [CITY AND ZIP CODE]. I am calling to ask Representative [NAME] to support holding Leon Black in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas in the Epstein investigation. Billionaires do not get a special ignore Congress button. Please demand his testimony and full compliance. Thank you.”
- Protect mail voting “Hello, my name is [NAME], and I live in [CITY AND ZIP CODE]. I am asking [REPRESENTATIVE OR SENATOR NAME] to protect mail voting and oppose last minute Postal Service restrictions that could prevent valid ballots from being counted. Please support the Vote by Mail Protection Act and defend every eligible voter’s right to cast a ballot safely. Thank you.”
- Ban elected officials from profiting through cryptocurrency “Hello, my name is [NAME], and I live in [CITY AND ZIP CODE]. I am calling to demand strong and enforceable ethics rules in any cryptocurrency legislation. Presidents, members of Congress, federal judges, and their families must not be allowed to issue digital assets or profit from policies they control. Please require divestment, independent enforcement, and full public disclosure. Thank you.”
7. Who Are We Boycotting This Week?
- Home Depot
- Why: Home Depot uses Flock Safety license plate readers in store parking lots. Digital rights advocates are demanding that the company remove the surveillance cameras because the collected data could be accessed by law enforcement and used in immigration investigations.Boycott action: Avoid Home Depot stores and online purchases until the company removes Flock surveillance systems.
- Microsoft
- Why: The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement identifies Microsoft as a priority boycott target because of its technology and cloud service relationships with the Israeli government and military.Boycott action: Cancel Microsoft subscriptions where practical and choose alternatives to Microsoft 365, Xbox, OneDrive, and other Microsoft services.
- The Magnum Ice Cream Company
- Why: Ben & Jerry’s cofounder Ben Cohen has accused the corporate owner of suppressing the brand’s independent social activism. The Free Ben & Jerry’s campaign is urging consumers to boycott other Magnum owned brands.Boycott action: Avoid Breyers, Klondike, Magnum, Popsicle, and Talenti products until Ben & Jerry’s independence is restored.
