Morning, Kitties. With the midterms approaching, ProPublica is reporting that political appointees wanted federal cybersecurity experts to secretly obtain and hack a voting machine. Four states are preparing to vote on reproductive rights, a reported multimillion dollar Kennedy Center donation has triggered questions involving people close to Trump, and America’s scientists are describing why they’re leaving the country. Meanwhile, Amazon is planning another nuclear power project to feed the technology industry’s enormous appetite for electricity.
Apparently Washington has decided democracy needs a penetration test, women’s bodies need a committee hearing, and access to the president might come with a fucking donation form.
Daily Shit Show Highlights
Trump Appointees Wanted Federal Election Security Agency to Secretly Acquire and Hack a Voting Machine
ProPublica reports that political appointees at DHS asked the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to obtain a voting machine secretly and attempt to hack it, alarming agency personnel. The request does not establish that election results were altered, but it raises serious questions about political influence over the agency responsible for protecting election infrastructure. Apparently election security now includes asking the people guarding the henhouse to practice picking the fucking lock.
Abortion Rights Face Major Ballot Decisions in Four States
Jessica Valenti examines November ballot measures in Missouri, Idaho, Virginia, and Nevada that would change reproductive rights protections. Missouri’s proposal would reverse protections approved by voters in 2024, while the other states are considering protections for abortion access. Apparently women’s bodies are still the only territory politicians believe requires more government oversight than a fucking nuclear facility.
Ric Grenell Faces Questions Over Alleged Kennedy Center Donation and Promises of Presidential Access
The New York Post reports that disputed messages allegedly offered Turkish businessman Turhan Mildon access to Trump in connection with a $5.6 million Kennedy Center donation that reportedly never reached the institution. Grenell denies sending the messages, and the allegations remain contested. Apparently Washington has invented a new performing art: making millions of dollars disappear before the fucking curtain rises.
State Department Passport Rules Trigger Scrutiny of Applicants’ Sex Marker Histories
Transitics examines newly disclosed State Department guidance identifying circumstances that may prompt additional checks of an applicant’s sex marker history, including some name changes and early passport renewals. The guidance raises privacy and discrimination concerns for transgender applicants and others whose records have changed, because apparently the government cannot find accountability but has plenty of time to investigate your fucking birth certificate.
ProPublica Finds Trump’s Own Mortgages Resemble Conduct He Condemned in Political Rivals
A ProPublica investigation originally published in December 2025 found that Trump signed mortgages on two neighboring Florida properties, each identified as his principal residence, despite evidence they were intended as rentals. The reporting does not establish criminal fraud, but the contrast with his administration’s accusations against political opponents raises questions about consistent standards. Apparently the rules apply to everybody until somebody discovers the president’s fucking paperwork.
Federal Judge Questions Trump’s Golf Course Renovation After Hundreds of Trees Are Removed
MeidasTouch reports that Judge Ana Reyes sharply questioned government attorneys and an Interior Department official over the East Potomac Golf Course renovation, including tree removal, planning records, and preservation of evidence. The official reportedly acknowledged learning some details through social media, which is a remarkable approach to federal land management. Apparently the administration’s environmental impact statement is now a fucking Facebook status update.
Amazon Plans Nuclear Power Project to Supply Indiana Grid and Data Centers
The Verge reports that Amazon, X energy, and American Electric Power are planning an Indiana nuclear facility with up to 960 megawatts of capacity using 12 proposed small modular reactors. The project could provide carbon free electricity and construction jobs, but cost, licensing, and construction timelines remain unresolved. Apparently artificial intelligence has become so hungry for electricity that Alexa needs her own fucking nuclear reactor.
Closing Kitty Thoughts
Today’s news is another reminder that the institutions responsible for protecting public trust also need to earn it.
Federal election security personnel reportedly faced an extraordinary request involving a voting machine. Americans in four states are preparing to decide important reproductive rights measures. A disputed Kennedy Center donation is raising questions about money and presidential access. Passport policies are generating privacy concerns, and a federal judge is examining decisions involving public land.
Some of these developments involve documented government actions. Others concern allegations that remain disputed or under investigation. That distinction matters.
But when politicians talk about protecting democracy, the public deserves more than a patriotic commercial, a donor reception, and a fucking invoice.
Read the documents. Understand the ballot. Protect privacy. Demand accountability.
Claws out. Hissssssss.
EpsteinWiki: Follow the Evidence, Not the Powerful
While Washington argues over access, money, and accountability, EpsteinWiki’s investigation of Zorro Ranch documents the history of law enforcement visits, investigative decisions, and the March 2026 search of Jeffrey Epstein’s former New Mexico property.
Our investigation of Epstein’s New Mexico network also examines documented connections involving politicians, employees, scientists, and local contacts. A documented association is not proof of criminal wrongdoing, but every relevant connection deserves accurate examination.
Survivors deserve evidence, transparency, and institutions willing to investigate uncomfortable truths. They do not need another fucking publicity campaign promising accountability while the records gather dust.
Protect survivors. Follow the evidence. Keep the receipts.
Featured Resisters and Resources
- Immigrant Defenders Law Center provides legal advocacy and representation for immigrants navigating detention, removal proceedings, and other high-stakes immigration matters.
- Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies is a disability-led organization pushing for equal access to emergency planning, relief, recovery, and the resources people need during disasters.
What We Are Watching Today
- Rhode Island Governor: Helena Foulkes (D), Aaron Guckian (R), Ken Block (I). 7 PM. Debate information
- New York Congressional District 3: Tom Suozzi (D) vs. Mike LiPetri (R). 8 PM. Watch on News 12
- Iowa Congressional District 1: Christina Bohannan (D) vs. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R). 8 PM. Debate information
- Illinois U.S. Senate Forum: Juliana Stratton (D) vs. Don Tracy (R). 9 PM. Watch on WTTW
- Wisconsin Congressional District 3: Candidate debate scheduled for noon ET. Election debate calendar
- 4:09 AM MDT
Rubio Denies U.S. Has Stopped Sharing Intelligence with Ukraine - 4:59 AM MDT
Washington Journal 10/20/2026 - 7:30 AM MDT
U.S. Senate Candidate Annie Andrews (D-SC) Meets With Voters at Town Hall Live - 8:00 AM MDT
U.S. Senate Candidate Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) & Sen. Britt (R-AL) at Fireside Chat in Des Moines, IA - 8:00 AM MDT
Discussion on Public Opinion Ahead of Midterm Elections - 9:15 AM MDT
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) Attends Opening of Emergency Ops Center - 10:00 AM MDT
Analysts Discuss Midterm Election Polling & Key Races - 10:00 AM MDT
Michigan U.S. Senate Candidates Speak at Detroit Economic Club Forum - 11:15 AM MDT
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) Visits Entrepreneurial Youth Center - 11:30 AM MDT
President Trump and Vice President Vance Make Announcement - 12:00 PM MDT
NASA Officials Preview Upcoming Spacewalks - 4:30 PM MDT
Fmr. President Bill Clinton (D) Campaigns for Gov. Candidate David Jolly (D) in Hollywood, FL - 5:00 PM MDT
President Trump Campaigns at Midterm Rally in Greenville, NC
Today’s Call to Action
1. Read Today’s Resistance Survival Guides
2. Sign these Petitions and Send These Pre Written Letters
- Tell Congress: Investigate Trump’s Election Hacking Scheme
- Sign if you agree: The Trump administration needs to side with Ukraine, not with Russia.
- Sign the petition to Congress: Reject Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth’s massive, proposed increase to defense spending.
- Sign the petition: Congress must block Donald Trump’s $87 billion request to continue his war against Iran.
- Our Oceans Are Not for Sale. Stop Deep-Sea Mining.
- Tell Congress: Stop Trump from sabotaging Ukraine’s defenses
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
- Tuesday, October 20, 5:00 to 6:00 PM: Indivisible Election Organizing Tools Training | Learn digital phone banking and neighborhood canvassing tools before the midterms.
- Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 to 7:00 PM: No Kings: What’s Next? Election Defense | National online strategy meeting about voter turnout and preparing to protect election results.
- Thursday, October 22, 1:00 to 2:00 PM: What’s the Plan with Leah and Ezra | Weekly political briefing, live questions and grassroots resistance strategy.
- Thursday, October 22, 6:00 to 7:00 PM: No Kings: Final Preparation for Election Defense | National training on lawful, nonviolent mobilization and election results protection.
- Sunday, October 25, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM: Voices of the Vote: Voting Rights Open Mic | Virtual nationwide storytelling, poetry and personal experiences focused on voting rights.
- Wednesday, October 21, 3:30 to 5:30 PM: Virginia Congressional Voter Outreach Phone Bank | Virtual phone banking with training to support voter turnout in Virginia’s 5th District.
- Thursday, October 22, 3:30 to 5:30 PM: Ohio Senate and Congressional Phone Bank | Online voter outreach supporting Sherrod Brown and Ohio congressional candidates.
- Friday, October 23, 3:30 to 5:30 PM: Georgia Voter Outreach Phone Bank | Virtual calls to Georgia voters about early voting and the November election.
6. Contact Your Lawmakers Directly
- Release the Epstein Files: “My name is [Name], and I’m a constituent. I’m asking you to demand the release of all legally disclosable Epstein records, investigate missing documents, and protect survivor identities. Will the representative publicly support independent oversight?”
- Protect Voting Rights: “I’m calling to demand strong federal voting rights protections. Voters deserve accessible polling places, protection from intimidation, and fair elections. What is the senator doing to protect those rights before November?”
- Demand ICE Accountability: “I’m asking Congress to investigate allegations of unlawful immigration enforcement, require transparency in detention facilities, and protect due process. Will the representative support independent investigations and public reporting?”
- Protect Healthcare Access: “Please oppose legislation that would reduce access to affordable healthcare, Medicaid, or essential medical services. Families need healthcare protections, not additional barriers. What specific action will the senator take?”
- Stop Government Surveillance Abuses: “I’m concerned about government access to Americans’ personal information through commercial data brokers. Please support stronger privacy protections, meaningful warrant requirements, and oversight of surveillance contracts.”
- Protect the Right to Protest: “Peaceful protest is a constitutional right. Please defend First Amendment protections, demand accountability for unlawful interference with demonstrations, and oppose measures that criminalize peaceful dissent.”
- Protect Whistleblowers: “Federal employees must be able to report misconduct without retaliation. Please strengthen whistleblower protections and ensure that inspectors general can conduct independent investigations.”
- Demand Government Transparency: “The public deserves access to government records, contracts, and spending decisions. Please strengthen FOIA enforcement, reduce unjustified secrecy, and require agencies to comply with lawful disclosure obligations.”
- Protect Social Security and Medicare: “I’m asking the representative to protect Social Security and Medicare benefits, improve access to services, and ensure these programs remain adequately funded. What commitments can constituents expect?”
- Demand Congressional Oversight: “Congress has a responsibility to investigate executive branch misconduct regardless of political party. Please support meaningful oversight hearings, enforce lawful subpoenas, and make substantiated findings available to the public.”
7. Who Are We Boycotting This Week?
- Target: Boycott over the company’s rollback of DEI initiatives and demands for stronger protections against ICE enforcement.
- Home Depot: Boycott over immigration enforcement activity near stores and demands to protect workers and customers.
- Amazon: Boycott over Amazon Web Services contracts supporting immigration enforcement and surveillance.
- Whole Foods: Included in the broader Amazon boycott because Amazon owns the grocery chain.
- Starbucks: Labor boycott supporting workers seeking union contracts and improved working conditions.
- T-Mobile: Labor boycott over allegations of union busting and interference with workers’ organizing rights.
- Nabisco/Mondelēz: Labor boycott targeting certain products manufactured in Mexico amid disputes over American manufacturing jobs.
- Tesla: Consumer boycott protesting Elon Musk’s political involvement and opposition to federal workforce and government programs.
