Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
marmar
marmar's Journal
marmar's Journal
February 10, 2026
Feb 10, 2026
Ron Wyden is the senior Senator from Oregon. As the Top Democrat on the powerful Senate Finance Committee, with jurisdiction over trade, health care and tax policy, Wyden is focused on lowering health care costs and working to ensure billionaires pay their fair share.
Wyden is also the longest-serving member of the Select Senate Committee on Intelligence. Through his position on Senate Intel and as Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, he has used his power to launch numerous investigations into fraud and corruption within the Trump administration, and blow the whistle on mass domestic surveillance operations.
Heather Cox Richardson: Demanding Transparency, Protecting Privacy, Expanding Access Health Care & More with Sen. Wyden
Feb 10, 2026
Ron Wyden is the senior Senator from Oregon. As the Top Democrat on the powerful Senate Finance Committee, with jurisdiction over trade, health care and tax policy, Wyden is focused on lowering health care costs and working to ensure billionaires pay their fair share.
Wyden is also the longest-serving member of the Select Senate Committee on Intelligence. Through his position on Senate Intel and as Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, he has used his power to launch numerous investigations into fraud and corruption within the Trump administration, and blow the whistle on mass domestic surveillance operations.
February 10, 2026
Feb 10, 2026 Pod Save America
Epstein revelations continue. New files reveal that the notorious sex offender had closer relationships than previously known with Trump's inner circle, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Ghislaine Maxwell pleads the Fifth to Congress, while her lawyer says she's "prepared to speak fully and honestly" if Trump agrees to let her out of prison. While Jon, Tommy, and Lovett are overseas, Alex Wagner and Ben Rhodes discuss how the files are rattling politicians around the world, and why consequences have been more severe abroad than in the U.S. There's also the fight to put limits on ICE playing out in the courts and Congress, Trump's scheme to celebrate America's 250th birthday with a fresh grift, and why RFK Jr. can't be trusted with the Super Bowl snacks.
Pod Save America: Trump's Epstein Problem Just Got Worse
Feb 10, 2026 Pod Save America
Epstein revelations continue. New files reveal that the notorious sex offender had closer relationships than previously known with Trump's inner circle, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Ghislaine Maxwell pleads the Fifth to Congress, while her lawyer says she's "prepared to speak fully and honestly" if Trump agrees to let her out of prison. While Jon, Tommy, and Lovett are overseas, Alex Wagner and Ben Rhodes discuss how the files are rattling politicians around the world, and why consequences have been more severe abroad than in the U.S. There's also the fight to put limits on ICE playing out in the courts and Congress, Trump's scheme to celebrate America's 250th birthday with a fresh grift, and why RFK Jr. can't be trusted with the Super Bowl snacks.
February 10, 2026
According to a recently released report, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) would need to make significant service cuts if a long-term funding solution to fund agency operations isn’t found.
Connect Bay Area would provide necessary funding for Bay Area transit services in the form of a five-county sales tax measure that, if it makes the ballot and is approved this November, would provide long-term operations funding for major Bay Area transit agencies, including BART, and support regional projects to strengthen transit throughout the Bay Area.
According to Connect Bay Area, BART service cuts would include cutting service on most of the system created after 1976, setting BART back by 50 years. Included in the report are the following potential cuts to BART service:
“These cuts would eviscerate service and set BART back 50 years,” said Connect Bay Area spokesperson Jeff Cretan. “The Bay Area needs public transit, so people have a safe, affordable and efficient way to get wherever they need to go. This will make the region less affordable for working people and jeopardize the Bay Area’s economic recovery.” ..............(more)
https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/55356149/connect-bay-area-new-report-outlines-potential-bart-service-cuts-without-new-funding-measure
SF Bay Area: New report outlines potential BART service cuts without new funding measure
According to a recently released report, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) would need to make significant service cuts if a long-term funding solution to fund agency operations isn’t found.
Connect Bay Area would provide necessary funding for Bay Area transit services in the form of a five-county sales tax measure that, if it makes the ballot and is approved this November, would provide long-term operations funding for major Bay Area transit agencies, including BART, and support regional projects to strengthen transit throughout the Bay Area.
According to Connect Bay Area, BART service cuts would include cutting service on most of the system created after 1976, setting BART back by 50 years. Included in the report are the following potential cuts to BART service:
* The closure of up to 15 stations.
* Shutting the Blue Line (Dublin/Pleasanton) down and reducing other lines to only peak hour service or shortening routes.
* Cutting train service hours by 70%.
* Cutting 25% of the miles off the system.
“These cuts would eviscerate service and set BART back 50 years,” said Connect Bay Area spokesperson Jeff Cretan. “The Bay Area needs public transit, so people have a safe, affordable and efficient way to get wherever they need to go. This will make the region less affordable for working people and jeopardize the Bay Area’s economic recovery.” ..............(more)
https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/55356149/connect-bay-area-new-report-outlines-potential-bart-service-cuts-without-new-funding-measure
February 10, 2026
(Guardian) Some US athletes at the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina are speaking more openly than at any point since Donald Trump returned to the White House, describing a complicated mix of pride and discomfort about representing the country while political tensions at home and abroad spill into the Games.
The comments – and the fierce reaction they have triggered from political figures, online influencers and the president himself – have exposed a widening gap between how some athletes view their Olympic role and how parts of the political establishment believe they should use it.
Trump intensified the dispute on Sunday, saying it was difficult to support American athletes who publicly questioned his administration’s policies. He singled out freestyle skier Hunter Hess for criticism after the Oregon native said he felt “mixed emotions” about competing in the current political climate.
“Hess, a real loser, says he doesn’t represent his country in the current Winter Olympics,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, failing to convey the nuance of the skier’s expression. “If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the team.”
The exchange has quickly become the most visible example yet of political friction surrounding the US team at the Milano Cortina Games, where athletes have largely avoided direct criticism of the Trump administration but now appear increasingly willing to discuss the tensions they are experiencing. ......................(more)
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/10/pride-and-unease-us-winter-olympians-navigate-politics-patriotism-and-trump-attacks
Pride and unease: US Winter Olympians navigate politics, patriotism and Trump attacks
(Guardian) Some US athletes at the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina are speaking more openly than at any point since Donald Trump returned to the White House, describing a complicated mix of pride and discomfort about representing the country while political tensions at home and abroad spill into the Games.
The comments – and the fierce reaction they have triggered from political figures, online influencers and the president himself – have exposed a widening gap between how some athletes view their Olympic role and how parts of the political establishment believe they should use it.
Trump intensified the dispute on Sunday, saying it was difficult to support American athletes who publicly questioned his administration’s policies. He singled out freestyle skier Hunter Hess for criticism after the Oregon native said he felt “mixed emotions” about competing in the current political climate.
“Hess, a real loser, says he doesn’t represent his country in the current Winter Olympics,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, failing to convey the nuance of the skier’s expression. “If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the team.”
The exchange has quickly become the most visible example yet of political friction surrounding the US team at the Milano Cortina Games, where athletes have largely avoided direct criticism of the Trump administration but now appear increasingly willing to discuss the tensions they are experiencing. ......................(more)
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/10/pride-and-unease-us-winter-olympians-navigate-politics-patriotism-and-trump-attacks
February 10, 2026
The Epstein files release failed the survivors twice
Survivors were left without dignity and justice, after the document dump offered little accountability
By Garrett Owen
National Affairs Fellow
Published February 10, 2026 6:45AM (EST)
(Salon) The latest release of the Epstein files dumped more than 3 million files at the end of January, bringing forth shocking allegations and ample evidence of revolting behavior among the world’s richest and most powerful people — from Bill Gates to former Prince Andrew, and from Elon Musk to Jeff Bezos to the oft-mentioned President Donald Trump. While being named in the files is not a crime in itself, the accusations are concerning enough that many wonder why prosecutions aren’t forthcoming.
Across Europe, the release triggered a wave of resignations and criminal investigations, with the U.K.’s former ambassador to the U.S. resigning in disgrace from the House of Lords and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government now teeters on the edge of collapse.
Yet this is an exception, rather than the rule. Calls for justice for the many survivors of Epstein’s abuses have fallen on deaf ears in Washington, D.C, with Trump calling the scandal “a hoax,” while also declaring exoneration from any wrongdoing. Even an apology from Gates and an agreement by Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify on their ties to Epstein are cold comfort, survivors say.
....(snip)....
Lauren Hersh, who works with Epstein survivors as national director and founder of World Without Exploitation, told Salon the release has been “incredibly distressing” to the survivors, allowing their names and photographs to be made public, thus putting them “in harm’s way.”
“What I can say with absolute certainty is that the DOJ did a terrible job when they were disseminating these files,” Hersh said. “The redaction issue has been quite awful.” .....................(more)
https://www.salon.com/2026/02/10/the-epstein-files-release-failed-the-survivors-twice/
The Epstein files release failed the survivors twice
The Epstein files release failed the survivors twice
Survivors were left without dignity and justice, after the document dump offered little accountability
By Garrett Owen
National Affairs Fellow
Published February 10, 2026 6:45AM (EST)
(Salon) The latest release of the Epstein files dumped more than 3 million files at the end of January, bringing forth shocking allegations and ample evidence of revolting behavior among the world’s richest and most powerful people — from Bill Gates to former Prince Andrew, and from Elon Musk to Jeff Bezos to the oft-mentioned President Donald Trump. While being named in the files is not a crime in itself, the accusations are concerning enough that many wonder why prosecutions aren’t forthcoming.
Across Europe, the release triggered a wave of resignations and criminal investigations, with the U.K.’s former ambassador to the U.S. resigning in disgrace from the House of Lords and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government now teeters on the edge of collapse.
Yet this is an exception, rather than the rule. Calls for justice for the many survivors of Epstein’s abuses have fallen on deaf ears in Washington, D.C, with Trump calling the scandal “a hoax,” while also declaring exoneration from any wrongdoing. Even an apology from Gates and an agreement by Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify on their ties to Epstein are cold comfort, survivors say.
....(snip)....
Lauren Hersh, who works with Epstein survivors as national director and founder of World Without Exploitation, told Salon the release has been “incredibly distressing” to the survivors, allowing their names and photographs to be made public, thus putting them “in harm’s way.”
“What I can say with absolute certainty is that the DOJ did a terrible job when they were disseminating these files,” Hersh said. “The redaction issue has been quite awful.” .....................(more)
https://www.salon.com/2026/02/10/the-epstein-files-release-failed-the-survivors-twice/
February 10, 2026
Super Bowl bursts popular right-wing media myth
Conservative commentators and podcast bros have had to backtrack on San Francisco
By Sophia Tesfaye
Senior Writer
Published February 10, 2026 9:00AM (EST)
(Salon) always thought the idea of San Francisco as a dystopian nightmare was some kind of bit. An exaggeration made meme, something people said with a wink to signal their politics more than their understanding of reality. I didn’t realize just how many Americans actually believe it so deeply that they could travel across the country, step off a plane and walk through one of the most visually stunning cities on the continent — only to be shocked that they were lied to.
Super Bowl visitors who discovered the truth over the weekend got a glimpse behind the curtain of right-wing media manipulation. While the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots was played about 40 miles south of San Francisco, much of the NFL’s activities and media opportunities were staged in the city that’s served as conservative media’s favorite punching bag for decades. What right-wing media does exceptionally well is curate reality by looping the same context-free footage. With former Speaker of the House — and San Francisco resident — Nancy Pelosi serving as a convenient caricature of liberal elites, Fox News, MAGA talk radio and right-wing social media influencers have relentlessly portrayed the city as a dystopian hellscape of human feces, discarded needles, rampant crime and zombie-like drug addicts stumbling through streets abandoned by anyone with sense or resources.
....(snip)....
There’s no denying that San Francisco faces serious challenges. Anyone who actually lives there — or has lived there, as I have — knows that. Wealth inequality is glaring. Housing costs are obscene. The fentanyl crisis is real. The pandemic greatly exacerbated existing fractures and hollowed out downtown retail.
But here’s the part that the propaganda machine depends on people not understanding: None of these problems are unique to San Francisco, and none of them tell the whole story of the place.
....(snip)....
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who has spent years cultivating an audience that overlaps heavily with conservative media consumers, took his followers on a pizza tour of the city and surrounding areas, ultimately crowning a spot in Oakland as the best. Jake Malasek, the company’s content creator who was visiting from Florida, tweeted his surprise: “I may have been too harsh on San Francisco in terms of its beauty. This is pretty sweet.” Senior Barstool producer TJ Hitchings was effusive about the city’s iconic Tonga Room, calling it “the best bar I’ve ever been to in my life.” .................(more)
https://www.salon.com/2026/02/10/super-bowl-bursts-popular-right-wing-media-myth/
Super Bowl bursts popular right-wing media myth
Super Bowl bursts popular right-wing media myth
Conservative commentators and podcast bros have had to backtrack on San Francisco
By Sophia Tesfaye
Senior Writer
Published February 10, 2026 9:00AM (EST)
(Salon) always thought the idea of San Francisco as a dystopian nightmare was some kind of bit. An exaggeration made meme, something people said with a wink to signal their politics more than their understanding of reality. I didn’t realize just how many Americans actually believe it so deeply that they could travel across the country, step off a plane and walk through one of the most visually stunning cities on the continent — only to be shocked that they were lied to.
Super Bowl visitors who discovered the truth over the weekend got a glimpse behind the curtain of right-wing media manipulation. While the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots was played about 40 miles south of San Francisco, much of the NFL’s activities and media opportunities were staged in the city that’s served as conservative media’s favorite punching bag for decades. What right-wing media does exceptionally well is curate reality by looping the same context-free footage. With former Speaker of the House — and San Francisco resident — Nancy Pelosi serving as a convenient caricature of liberal elites, Fox News, MAGA talk radio and right-wing social media influencers have relentlessly portrayed the city as a dystopian hellscape of human feces, discarded needles, rampant crime and zombie-like drug addicts stumbling through streets abandoned by anyone with sense or resources.
....(snip)....
There’s no denying that San Francisco faces serious challenges. Anyone who actually lives there — or has lived there, as I have — knows that. Wealth inequality is glaring. Housing costs are obscene. The fentanyl crisis is real. The pandemic greatly exacerbated existing fractures and hollowed out downtown retail.
But here’s the part that the propaganda machine depends on people not understanding: None of these problems are unique to San Francisco, and none of them tell the whole story of the place.
....(snip)....
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who has spent years cultivating an audience that overlaps heavily with conservative media consumers, took his followers on a pizza tour of the city and surrounding areas, ultimately crowning a spot in Oakland as the best. Jake Malasek, the company’s content creator who was visiting from Florida, tweeted his surprise: “I may have been too harsh on San Francisco in terms of its beauty. This is pretty sweet.” Senior Barstool producer TJ Hitchings was effusive about the city’s iconic Tonga Room, calling it “the best bar I’ve ever been to in my life.” .................(more)
https://www.salon.com/2026/02/10/super-bowl-bursts-popular-right-wing-media-myth/
February 9, 2026
(NPR) SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Super Bowl lasted all of 13 minutes for many Puerto Ricans in San Juan and beyond.
People turned their backs to TV screens as food, music and chatter filled the first half of the game until a hush fell across the island. The halftime show was starting.
This was Puerto Rico's moment, a spotlight on a collective son who quit bagging groceries a decade ago and became the world's most streamed artist on Spotify last year. Since then, Bad Bunny has used his platform to applaud immigrants, sing about Puerto Rico's identity and turmoil and denounce U.S. immigration policies.
"He appeared at the right moment in the history of Latin America," said Marielys Rojas, 39, who is originally from Venezuela but has lived the last 22 years in Puerto Rico.
She was among the hundreds who gathered by a grassy knoll near a beach in Puerto Rico's capital to watch the halftime show on a huge screen as waves crashed behind them and the sounds of coquís, an endemic frog, filled the salty air. ........................(more)
https://www.npr.org/2026/02/08/nx-s1-5706061/puerto-ricans-super-bowl-halftime-show
Puerto Rico stops for 13 minutes to applaud history and bask in Bad Bunny's glow
(NPR) SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Super Bowl lasted all of 13 minutes for many Puerto Ricans in San Juan and beyond.
People turned their backs to TV screens as food, music and chatter filled the first half of the game until a hush fell across the island. The halftime show was starting.
This was Puerto Rico's moment, a spotlight on a collective son who quit bagging groceries a decade ago and became the world's most streamed artist on Spotify last year. Since then, Bad Bunny has used his platform to applaud immigrants, sing about Puerto Rico's identity and turmoil and denounce U.S. immigration policies.
"He appeared at the right moment in the history of Latin America," said Marielys Rojas, 39, who is originally from Venezuela but has lived the last 22 years in Puerto Rico.
She was among the hundreds who gathered by a grassy knoll near a beach in Puerto Rico's capital to watch the halftime show on a huge screen as waves crashed behind them and the sounds of coquís, an endemic frog, filled the salty air. ........................(more)
https://www.npr.org/2026/02/08/nx-s1-5706061/puerto-ricans-super-bowl-halftime-show
February 9, 2026
Feb 8, 2026 Bulwark Takes
Tim Miller takes on a stunning National Review series that details the scale of Trump’s crypto corruption—dwarfing anything ever alleged about Biden—and explains how Trump’s crypto business operated as a pay-to-play system for foreign money, why Republican oversight collapsed, and why it matters that conservatives are finally starting to say it out loud.
If National Review Will Cover This, It's Bad (Trump crypto corruption)
Feb 8, 2026 Bulwark Takes
Tim Miller takes on a stunning National Review series that details the scale of Trump’s crypto corruption—dwarfing anything ever alleged about Biden—and explains how Trump’s crypto business operated as a pay-to-play system for foreign money, why Republican oversight collapsed, and why it matters that conservatives are finally starting to say it out loud.
Profile Information
Gender: MaleHometown: Detroit, MI
Member since: Thu Oct 28, 2004, 11:18 PM
Number of posts: 79,454